Inspired by Some of the Finest Gathering Places in the World The Vision " Nothing happens unless first a Dream. " - Carl Sandburg

Overview The Vision for The Courtyard of Chapel Hill is the transformation of a property that has long been without a recognizable identity to that of a "must see" and "must be seen at" destination property.   After being provided its initial seeds of identity, it is contemplated that this property will eventually take on a life of its own, reflecting the diverse interests of the 52,000 residents of Chapel Hill; the 30,000 students & staff of UNC, as well as the 1.3 million tourists who visit Chapel Hill each year.  Moreover, we look to create a compelling reason for the 1.2 million residents of the surrounding Triangle Region to visit The Courtyard of Chapel Hill to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that may change not only week-to-week, but perhaps day-to-day, and at-times, hour-to-hour.     This Vision has incorporated feedback from one-on-one discussions with Chapel Hill residents, town officials and local business leaders, visitors and a wide array of consultants and advisors.

Products & Services The merchants sought will be committed to exceptionally high quality products and services, representing the manifestation of excellence. This does not mean an offering of products and services with exclusionary prices, but rather an interesting, diverse, yet complimentary mix provided by merchants who are demonstrably adept at offering exceptional value that is appealing to a broad demographic in one of three formats:   ⇨  International Cuisine -- featuring varietal food and beverage from around the world: restaurant (formal and casual dining); delicatessen; bakery; dessert & pastries; take-out; coffee shop; wine store, etc. ⇨  Cultural Enrichment --  (e.g., art gallery, dance studio, or music-related retail); and ⇨  Self-Actualization -- (e.g., yoga / pilates, martial arts, language learning center, career/life coaching) In so doing, we look to create a unique environment at The Courtyard of Chapel Hill – in effect, an inviting "Shangri-la" to celebrate friendship, life, community and diversity of culture.  It will also offer an uplifting "feel-good" atmosphere that broadly encourages the pursuit of one's dreams, by helping to cultivate an unwavering belief that anything is possible.  In support of this, evocative aphorisms will be posted throughout the property, to spur introspective reflection in this regard.

International Food Court While there will be a decidedly European food court atmosphere through various imported "touches" from gathering spots in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome & Madrid, we hope to cultivate as much of a global mosaic of cultural representation as possible.  For example, a self-circulating water element in center of the interior courtyard will suggest an "East meets West" theme as the European water fountain on the western end spills into forming a cascading stream that will meander East to a Japanese rock garden situated with sitting boulders where the water then mysteriously disappears into a below grade water bog for filtration and then re-circulated underground to the water jets that spout the arcing illuminated water of the European water fountain once again.

Feng Shui This "global east meets west" theme is continued throughout the property as the various European elements (e.g., lantern lighting, guild signs, public art displays and outdoor flags of various countries) are complemented with the assimilation of Feng Shui, which accentuates balance in the five primary elements to manifest comfort and energy for the visitors to The Courtyard of Chapel Hill:    (1) Earth -- Beds throughout the property featuring magnificent shrubs and flowers from around the world;   (2) Fire    -- Outdoor barbeques within the courtyard during festive cultural celebrations, as well as the aesthetic use of gas lanterns;  (3) Metal -- Seating for outdoor dining made possible with metal tables and chairs of a European motif located throughout the courtyard;  (4) Water -- Featuring the aforementioned water element; and   (5) Wood -- Colorful trees (in their bloom and foliage) located throughout the property.   These elements will also be incorporated in the interior public space of The Courtyard of Chapel Hill.