Featured Projects:

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Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Kamado Grille renovation exemplifies Oak City Development’s commitment to revitalizing existing spaces through thoughtful design and precise execution. This 9,000 SF adaptive reuse project transformed the former Lucky 32 restaurant into a one-of-a-kind dining destination centered around live-fire cooking and a seamless indoor–outdoor experience.

The project required a complete re-imagining of the existing footprint to support a bold new culinary concept. A dozen custom cherry-red kamado grills—fueled by natural charcoal—were installed in the heart of the kitchen, creating both a theatrical centerpiece and a technical challenge. To achieve this safely and efficiently, our team partnered with CaptiveAire to design and integrate a custom commercial exhaust system capable of handling intense, variable heat loads within a compact footprint.

Above the dining room, a new clerestory structure was introduced to flood the space with natural light and create a visual connection to the outdoors. This architectural move underscored the project’s guiding design principle: bring the outside in. The interiors feature natural materials and organic textures—live olive trees, stone garden walls, water features, and a bocce-court-style patio—all of which combine to evoke the feel of an urban conservatory rather than a conventional restaurant.

At the entry, a handcrafted cedar trellis and landscape-framed approach set a warm, inviting tone, while live-feed monitors of the open kitchen allow guests to experience the art of live-fire cooking from any seat. The result is an immersive environment that balances energy and calm, spectacle and comfort.

Completed on time and recognized for its attention to detail, Kamado Grille demonstrates Oak City Development’s boutique approach: locally focused, design-driven, and executed with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, community, and experience.

 Context-Sensitive Infill Redevelopment

This project transformed an underutilized parking area within an aging Cary shopping center into a vibrant, walkable retail destination anchored by a new Starbucks. It highlights Oak City Development’s ability to guide right-sized, community-focused infill from concept through construction while aligning private development goals with municipal planning objectives.

The redevelopment required close coordination with the Town of Cary’s planning, transportation, and engineering departments to ensure the design met local development standards, enhanced safety, and supported long-term corridor reinvestment. Through multiple rounds of review, we refined the site layout, drive-through operations, pedestrian connections, and streetscape improvements to ensure the project fit seamlessly into its context.

Oak City Development coordinated a multidisciplinary team of civil engineers, landscape architects, architects, and specialty consultants to deliver the complete scope of work, including the building, utilities, stormwater systems, sidewalks, landscaping, and offsite improvements. We emphasized multimodal access, efficient circulation, and neighborhood integration, key principles in our approach to sustainable, walkable infill.

Despite a complex site and active surrounding uses, the project was delivered on schedule and under budget, reflecting our commitment to stewardship, transparency, and hands-on project leadership.

The completed Starbucks illustrates how thoughtful small-scale redevelopment can elevate an existing corridor, improve walkability, and bring new life to underutilized commercial property—demonstrating the impact high-quality infill can have at any scale.

While serving as a senior leader at Ashland Construction, Jeff led the renovation and expansion of an existing 120,000 SF Sam’s Club in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This complex, multi-phase project was undertaken within a fully operational retail environment, requiring detailed planning, coordination, and communication to ensure minimal disruption to daily store activities.

The scope of work included the construction of a new mezzanine to increase usable square footage, upgraded customer restrooms to enhance the shopper experience, and a full renovation of employee office areas. The project also delivered critical operational improvements, such as a redesigned Customer Pick-Up area and a modernized Bakery. To optimize store layout and support long-term operational goals, Jeff oversaw the strategic relocation of the Photo Center, Pharmacy, and multiple refrigeration systems, including both reach-in and coffin coolers.

Through close collaboration with Walmart’s project management team, store leadership, and trade partners, Jeff ensured the project remained on schedule and under budget. A shared savings agreement allowed for cost efficiencies to be returned to the client—underscoring a commitment to delivering value at every phase.

Despite the complexity of the renovation, the store remained open throughout construction with no loss in sales or staff turnover. This outcome reflects Jeff’s focus on stakeholder coordination, customer experience, and operational continuity—key principles that continue to guide his approach at Oak City Development.