Downtown

Since its founding, Rolesville’s Main Street, formerly U.S. Hwy 401, predominantly served as a pass-through for all automobile traffic traveling to and from the Triangle area, and as such is dotted with fast food restaurants and automobile-related service shops. The completion of the 401 Bypass changed all this and has provided Rolesville an opportunity to reclaim its Main Street, or “downtown”.

In 2018, Town leaders and community members collaborated on the development of a Vision Plan to guide future growth along the entire 4.5-mile stretch of US Hwy 401 Business.  This Plan was a joint effort by the Town of Rolesville and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO).

Main Street Vision Plan(opens in a new tab)

The Town seeks to create a downtown destination and promote safety, walkability, bike-ability, and an engaging business climate along Main Street. The Vision Plan divides the 4-mile Main Street corridor into three areas ripe for development(opens in a new tab). Utilizing urban design practices to build a sense of place, the vision includes the following goals:  

Goals

1. Create an Equitable Main Street for Everyone and Every Mode
2. Promote Diverse Housing Stock for Multiple Age Groups and Income Levels
3. Celebrate the Town with Clear Gateways
4. Reestablish a Town Center

5. Retain and Respect the Small-Town Feel

   Main Street Project(opens in a new tab)

Based on the Plan, Rolesville recently completed a $23+ million roadway improvement project to create a safer, more successful, and more attractive Main Street for residents, business owners, and visitors. These improvements, including street trees, new sidewalk, curbing and streetlights will not only improve safety for all modes of transportation but will attract future development and raise the value of all existing properties on Main Street. Visit the project website(opens in a new tab) to learn more and sign up for periodic updates.

What's Coming to Rolesville

Click on Rolesville's Active Projects(opens in a new tab) to learn more about existing and new developments in town. Contact Economic Development Manager, Mical McFarland(opens in a new tab), with questions at (919) 556-7361.

The following businesses are coming soon to Rolesville:

• Dumont Creamery
• Lime & Lemon Fusion Grill & Bar(opens in a new tab)
• Sushi Nami
• Pub Hub Beer Garden(opens in a new tab)
• Fifth Third Bank(opens in a new tab)
• Chase Bank(opens in a new tab)
• Chipotle
• 7-Eleven
• The Learning Experience

Rolesville Downtown Development Association

Mission

The Rolesville Downtown Development Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2023. Its mission is to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and work with local stakeholders on marketing, beautification efforts, small business development, and organizing activities and special events to help create a sense of place in the heart of Rolesville. 

Volunteer with RDDA

If you are interested in learning more about how you can volunteer with the RDDA, please send an email to rdda2023@gmail.com(opens in a new tab) providing some background about yourself and how you would like to serve.  

Façade Improvement Program

To enhance and improve the overall appearance of Rolesville’s downtown area, the Rolesville Downtown Development Association has initiated a new façade improvement program. A façade improvement program seeks to:

• Enhance the appearance of a building's exterior through landscaping, lighting, signage, new paint, and more.
• Support local businesses and make the area more attractive and marketable.
• Increase the commercial property's value.
• Stimulate investment in downtown Rolesville commercial buildings.

This is a 50/50 matching program, meaning applicants are required to contribute at least 50% of the total project cost. Program funding from the Rolesville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) and the Town of Rolesville will cover the remaining 50%, up to a maximum of $2,500 per project.

Please read the Program Guidelines(opens in a new tab).