Southeast Raleigh is making history with Montague Plaza, a vibrant new shopping center that is redefining what community-driven development looks like. Located on Rock Quarry Road, this 15,000-square-foot space isn’t just any plaza—it’s a groundbreaking project where every tenant is a Black-owned small business.
For Stephanie Smith, a local entrepreneur, Montague Plaza represents opportunity and empowerment. Smith is opening a consignment shop in the plaza and extending her space to include other vendors. Her business will offer everything from handcrafted jewelry to cosmetics and even fresh-squeezed juices.
“It’s a blessing to be a part of it,” said Smith. “To stay in the community where I grew up and contribute to its growth means everything. Too often, people from outside the area come in and buy up everything. This feels like reclaiming what’s ours.”
Hundreds of community members, alongside state and local leaders, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this milestone. This project is the vision of James Montague, a Black real estate developer who grew up just two blocks away.
Montague, who broke ground on the $4 million project in 2021, emphasized that Montague Plaza is about more than business—it’s about building an equitable future for Raleigh.
“I wasn’t looking for big-box retailers or national chains,” Montague shared. “I wanted people from this area—people who were born and raised here—to have the opportunity to give back and invest in their community, not just take from it.”
One of Montague Plaza’s tenants, Tonya Binns, left Corporate America to establish a consulting firm in the plaza. Her mission? To guide neighbors and the next generation in starting their own businesses, ensuring they thrive as Raleigh continues to grow.
“We want to be part of the growth, not left behind,” Binns said. “This is our chance to build something sustainable in the great city of Raleigh. We don’t want to feel like outsiders are taking over. We want to lead the charge.”
With 14 commercial spaces—each already leased—Montague Plaza stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress. It’s more than a shopping center; it’s a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and Black entrepreneurship.
What This Means for Us
Montague Plaza is an inspiring example of what’s possible when Black entrepreneurs come together to create spaces that uplift and empower our communities. Let’s take this moment to reflect on how we can support these businesses and create more opportunities for growth.
Whether by visiting Montague Plaza, spreading the word about Black-owned businesses, or starting your own entrepreneurial journey, let’s work together to build a thriving future. Southeast Raleigh is proving that growth can be equitable, and we can all play a part in this movement.