Brooklyn and Durham are witnessing exciting transformations as innovative new business ventures take root, changing the landscapes of these vibrant communities. From the resurrection of former funeral homes to the launch of luxurious townhome communities, the blend of creativity and commerce highlights the adaptability of entrepreneurs and developers alike.
One of the most unconventional transformations happened in Brooklyn, where the Scotto Funeral Home, a long-standing neighborhood fixture, has been repurposed as District, a boutique gym. This venture is the product of a unique collaboration involving former funeral director Mark Scotto, who recounted, "I buried people in their families. It was meant to be." This reflects not just the physical change of space but the blurring of lines between life and death, emphasizing community resilience and the potential for rebirth.
District boasts 3,500 square feet of fitness space, replacing what once were chapels and lounges with state-of-the-art workout rooms filled with gym equipment. This shift symbolizes the broader trend of losing traditional business models post-pandemic, as communities seek new avenues for health and wellness.
Owner and fitness coach, alongside local businessmen who grew up minutes from the old funeral home, saw the potential for turning the space from mourning to physical rejuvenation. The gym is scheduled to open on Friday the 13th—an ironic twist considering its formal past and potential to breathe new life.
Not far from Brooklyn, the dynamic city of Durham, North Carolina, is also seeing significant growth through new housing developments. Toll Brothers, one of the nation’s leading builders of luxury homes, has officially debuted its Rollingdale community. Located at 2117 Opulent Oaks Lane, this new venture features modern townhomes characterized by three stories, four spacious bedrooms, and designer finishes, targeting homeowners aged between 35 to 55 years who appreciate low maintenance.
“We are excited to open our newest luxury townhome community,” said Ted Pease, Division President of Toll Brothers Raleigh. Priced starting from the low $500,000s, these homes provide easy living, with lawn care included, which allows residents to enjoy the nearby shopping and dining options without the worry of upkeep.
Rollingdale is conveniently located near The Streets at Southpoint, where residents have ready access to high-end retailers like Nordstrom and Crate & Barrel. It’s not just about the homes. This development emphasizes community, being only seven miles from downtown Durham and ten miles from the airport, enhancing livability and connection to the greater triangle area.
The townhomes promise to be open-concept and feature expansive living spaces, catering to families and professionals seeking proximity to the Research Triangle Park and universities nearby. The community is served by recognized local schools, making it particularly appealing for families.
Both these ventures underline the spirit of evolution and reinvention. The gym offers residents not just fitness but also community engagement and connection, and the homes provide modern living without sacrificing convenience or style.
Interestingly, both Brooklyn and Durham are adapting to shifting consumer behaviors. Where once office spaces and central hubs held predominant significance, these new ventures reflect individuals’ desires to cultivate their living spaces and personal wellness, relevant and close to home.
Even as traditional commercial rent prices adjust post-pandemic, such transformations can be seen as investments not just financially, but socially. It's about building spaces people want to engage with and connect to, catering to modern lifestyles—be it through health and wellness or luxurious living.
What's more, as gentrification continues to influence and change the landscapes of places like Brooklyn, it’s indicative of larger trends at play. The challenges of rising rents and displacement must be balanced with the benefits of revitalization, ensuring communities remain inclusive and reflective of their diverse residents.
Both District gym and Toll Brothers' Rollingdale are excellent examples of how opportunities can sprout from historical roots. They invite people to rethink their relationships with spaces previously associated with sadness or mere survival and embrace them as venues for thriving lifestyles.
Indeed, the redevelopment of spaces like the Scotto Funeral Home transcends simple construction; it encapsulates narratives of hope, strength, and resilience. And as more businesses pop up and existing ones reinvent themselves, it's clear these cities are on the cusp of something amazing.
