The late 1940’s and early 1950’s saw the development of a revolutionary idea: a center for living, with the coincidental founding of both the Cameron Village neighborhood and Cameron Village Shopping Center. In addition to the city’s original shopping center, numerous amenities such as NC State University, Fred Fletcher Park, and Glenwood South, are accessible on foot from this pleasant neighborhood. A predominance of well-groomed ranch style homes- most constructed in the early 1950’s- are situated along the tree-lined streets in the Cameron Village neighborhood. Built in the same era, Cameron Village Condos line the neighborhood along Daniels, Smallwood, Sutton, Nichols and St. Mary's roads.

History of Cameron Village

James Wesley "Willie" York built Cameron Village, the first shopping center in the Southeast, close to downtown Raleigh in 1949. York was famed not only for this shopping center, but also for developing a good portion of the city- including hotels, a farmers market, industrial areas and hundreds of houses and apartments. When he created Cameron Village, malls had yet to be invented; so York’s concept of building a combination of stores and offices and surrounding them with apartments and homes was a radical one. The common management and marketing of a center with store-front, free parking, and a uniform look, enticed former downtown shoppers, and, in turn, several downtown stores.

As this migration was occurring, the city decided to put in place a pedestrian mall, thereby destructing Fayetteville Street and disrupting business and parking along the street. Beyond the city’s highway beltline, new malls were erected, luring shoppers to their large department and familiar chain stores. In response, Cameron Village updated its image and began to concentrate on specialty boutiques in order to renew shoppers’ interest. It has continued to progress through the years to serve the needs of shoppers and to stay on top of retail trends.

Currently, Cameron Village is taking on a new look reminiscent of Cameron Village’s original “Main Street” style. This revitalization project includes a plan to maintain Cameron Village’s convenience and sense of place, while improving pedestrian areas, creating small parks and a modern library, and increasing residential living options. The plan is to further the original concept of a center for living with countless options for relaxation, recreation, socializing, shopping, and dining.

Cameron Village Neighborhood Venues

Shops of Cameron Village
This shopper's paradise has over 100 specialty shops, fine restaurants and cozy cafes tucked within beautiful landscaped grounds in historic Raleigh. Spend hours window shopping along the brick-lined covered walkway; find that perfect accent piece at Accipiter, or a killer pair of shoes at Georgiano's Shoe Salon, grab a sandwich at the Village Deli and head over to the JC Raulston Arboretum for a peaceful lunch or enjoy dinner Al Fresco at one of several outdoor cafes.
1900 Cameron Street
919.821.1350
www.shopsofcameronvillage.com

Raleigh Little Theatre and the Raleigh Rose Garden at RLT
With over seventy years of enriching, educational, and entertaining community theatre, Raleigh Little Theatre produces 11 full productions annually and maintains comprehensive youth and adult theatre education programs.
One of three accredited gardens in the Carolinas, the Raleigh Rose Garden at RLT is the display garden for all new roses presented by the All American Rose Society. The grounds include sixty beds with 56 varieties of roses with hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antiques. The Raleigh Rose Garden can be reserved for special occasions and is an ideal spot for smaller, simpler events.
301 Pogue Street
919.821.3111
www.raleighlittletheatre.org

Borden Building/Fletcher Park
The Borden Building is one of two remaining buildings on the former campus of the Methodist Home for Children. Built in 1900, it was residence for the orphanage Superintendent and later served as home to hundreds of children. Purchased by the City of Raleigh in 1982, the house and its accompanying Fred Fletcher Park provides a wealth of history and tranquility in an urban setting. The Borden Building was thoroughly renovated in 1992 and is available for weddings, receptions, meetings, and small conferences.
820 Clay Street
919.831.6430

Cameron Park Inn Bed and Breakfast
Built in 1916 on a prominent corner lot, Cameron Park Inn Bed and Breakfast was one of the first 150 homes to be constructed in the neighborhood. The Inn offers Victorian charm, modern comforts, and a convenient in-town location. Located just off Hillsborough Street at the N.C. State University Bell Tower in Raleigh, N.C., the Cameron Park Inn is within easy walking distance of N.C. State University, Cameron Village, and the Raleigh Little Theater and Rose Garden.
211 Groveland Avenue
919.835.2171 or 888.257.2171
www.cameronparkinn.com

Holiday Inn Brownstone Hotel & Conference Center
The Holiday Inn Raleigh - Brownstone Downtown is a Raleigh tradition located minutes from downtown and North Carolina State University. The Inn is conveniently located to all downtown attractions and state government facilities. Visiting North Carolina State University or here for a game? You will be within walking distance to campus and 2 miles from the RBC Center and Carter Finley Stadium, home of Wolfpack basketball and football.
1707 Hillsborough Street
919.828.0811

The Velvet Cloak Inn
One of Raleigh’s grandest traditions, The Velvet Cloak Inn has earned an excellent reputation for fabulous comfort, top-notch service, and gracious living. Centrally located, The Velvet Cloak is closely associated with neighboring NC State University. Shopping and entertainment are a short walk away. Less than five minutes from the heart of downtown Raleigh, the Inn also is popular with corporate and government travelers. Able to accommodate groups from 10 to 400, the Inn has been the gracious host of hundreds of political events and elite weddings since its completion in 1963.
1505 Hillsborough Street
919.828.0333
www.velvetcloakinn.com

The Velvet Cloak Villas
Located downtown, The Villas are condominiums transformed from the plush hotel rooms of one of the area’s finest inns. Villa owners receive the same amenities and services as hotel guests, such as access to a gorgeous, glassed-in pool, fitness center, room and maid service, covered parking and concierge services. When not in use by the owner, unaltered rooms can be leased back to the hotel in exchange for a percentage of the room's revenues. Boasting some of the best views of Raleigh, The Velvet Cloak Villas beckon to elite visitors from across the state and around the region. Suites come in a variety of sizes from large studios to 2,400 square foot apartments.
1505 Hillsborough Street
919.828.0333
www.thevelvetcloak.com

North Carolina State University
A nationally recognized leader in science and technology with historic strengths in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides a high-quality education in the humanities and social sciences, design, education, life sciences, management, natural resources, physical and mathematical sciences, textiles and veterinary medicine. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in 102 fields, master’s degrees in 108 fields and doctoral degrees in 60 fields, as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Intersection of Hillsborough Street and Pullen Road
www.ncsu.edu

Saint Mary's School
Founded in 1842, Saint Mary's School in Raleigh, North Carolina is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, boarding and day school, dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for young women in grades 9-12.
900 Hillsborough Street
919.424.4100
www.saint-marys.edu