Meridian East Chatham
Northview Partners
Architecture, Interiors, Landscape Architecture, Planning
220 units, 10,000 sf retail, 7,500 sf amenity space
2025
Type III
A new edge for Downtown Cary.
Cary, NC
Meridian East Chatham reflects where downtown Cary is headed and how thoughtful design can help guide that evolution. Located along East Chatham Street just blocks from Downtown Cary Park and adjacent to local destinations like Bond Brothers Beer Company, the mixed-use community extends the energy of downtown while creating a place that feels walkable, connected, and distinctly Cary.
Rooted in Cary’s Growth
For Cline, the opportunity was not simply to introduce additional residential density, but to help shape an important edge of downtown as Cary continues to grow. Positioned on a site that sat underutilized, Meridian East Chatham was envisioned as an extension of the existing urban fabric reinforcing pedestrian activity, supporting local retail, and creating a residential experience rooted in its surroundings.
Breaking Down the Scale
A defining challenge was scale. Spanning 4.9 acres and more than 420,000 square feet, the architecture intentionally avoids reading as one continuous mass. Instead, the building is broken into three distinct volumes, each with its own character while maintaining a cohesive material language. Along East Chatham Street, a more urban expression reinforces the active downtown edge, gradually transitioning to a quieter residential rhythm along Hunter and Cedar Streets. The result feels contextual and established, as though it has long been part of Cary’s story.
Designed for Everyday Living
Three distinct courtyards further shape the resident experience, balancing active and passive outdoor spaces. A pool courtyard serves as a social hub, while quieter residential courtyards provide moments of retreat. Designed with people and pets in mind, the landscape supports walkability and strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Amenities to Support a Variety of Lifestyles
Inside, approximately 10,000 square feet of amenity space supports a range of lifestyles, from gathering and fitness to focused work and everyday convenience.
Co-working spaces are woven throughout the building, reflecting evolving expectations for multifamily living, while an indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge overlooking East Chatham Street creates a strong connection back to downtown Cary.
Designed to Belong
Across architecture, interiors, landscape architecture, and planning, Cline shaped Meridian East Chatham as a walkable lifestyle community designed to support downtown Cary’s continued growth while feeling authentically connected to the character already in place.
