Historic flooding of Bolin Creek reached University Place’s property and several businesses as Tropical Depression Chantal dumped rain onto the region last week. While some of the Chapel Hill mall’s tenants suffered significant damage, others were able to quickly return to their operations.
The mall, which is owned by Ram Realty and managed by Foundry Commercial, posted on social media Thursday sharing which shops are open for businesses amid the broader recovery of the mall from the floodwaters of July 6.
“While some of our businesses are temporarily closed due to recent flooding,” read the Facebook post, “many of your favorite local businesses at University Place remain open and ready to welcome you. Now more than ever, your support means everything. Shop local, dine local, and help our community stay strong.”
Among those open businesses are some that are part of the central University Place building and faced floodwaters from South Estes Drive. Bartaco, CycleBar, Flying Biscuit Café, the Frame & Print Shop, Hawkers Asian Street Fare and Verizon all reopened shortly after the storm, suffering little to no damage. On the other side of the building, Alfredo’s Pizza, AT&T, Aveda Institute & Salon and JewelRecycle each are welcoming customers back.
Businesses separate from the main building — like Harris Teeter, Chapel Hill Tire, Chick-fil-A, Circle K and Jeni’s Ice Cream — are also open. While one of its business tenants suffered significant flood damage and its first level of the parking deck was flooded, 900 Willow reported no residences saw damaged and no residents needed temporary shelter. And despite losing its market van and being forced to not welcome vendors and patrons on Tuesday, the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market held its typical Saturday market alongside a donation drive for flood recovery efforts.
Owner Bree Cherner and others work to clear flood water out of The Soap & Shine at 900 Willow Drive in University Place on Monday, July 7. (Photo by Brighton McConnell / Chapel Hill Media Group)
The businesses temporarily closed at University Place they recover from Tropical Depression Chantal include:
- The Soap & Shine (although summer camps are being conducted at CycleBar)
- Silverspot Cinema
- Stoney River Steakhouse
- Style Brows Threading Studio
- Planet Fitness
- First Horizon Bank
- Chase Bank
- WakeMed MyCare 365
The mall site was functionally closed for a few days as the parking lot was cleared of flooded vehicles and the roads were cleaned from the floodwater’s mud and debris. Unlike Chapel Hill’s Eastgate Crossing, which is closed to thru traffic amid intense cleanup efforts, University Place is allowing all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Some of the mall’s tenants are organizing individual fundraising efforts to help with flood relief. Community members looking to help are encouraged to visit each business’ website and social media to learn more, or donate to campaigns promoted by the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro or the local governments.
Featured photo by Brighton McConnell/Chapel Hill Media Group.
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