GiGi’s Playhouse expanding mission and footprint at The Walker
RALEIGH – January 11, 2022 – GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit Down syndrome achievement center, plans to grow its Triangle presence at The Walker, a new mixed-use development under construction in downtown Cary, North Carolina.
GiGi’s Playhouse, part of a national network, opened its Raleigh center in 2016 and now serves more than 860 families and engages over 350 active volunteers. Its programs, offered at no charge to all ages in-person and virtual, include one-on-one literacy and math tutoring, speech and language development, fitness and nutrition, career development, and life skills programs.
“The Walker is a great location to help achieve our mission to change the perception of Down syndrome, and the increased visibility will strengthen our relationships within the community,” said GiGi’s Playhouse Executive Director Jeanhee Hoffman. “The downtown location, especially with the new Downtown Park under construction, offers a dynamic environment for our participants to engage in.”
The larger space at The Walker will allow GiGi’s Playhouse to expand its programming with new fitness and wellness classes, a teaching kitchen, and additional classrooms to allow concurrent programming. The nonprofit has developed a partnership with Moon Angel Sweets, a local confectioner that will open an adjacent storefront in The Walker.
“The collaboration with Moon Angel Sweets has been great,” said Michelle Pfeiffer, President of GiGi’s Playhouse. “With their support, we can provide career development opportunities to help participants build transferrable skills for the food industry, including customer service and preparing and packaging goods.”
Gigi’s Playhouse is working with Riley Contracting Group and PMC Commercial Interior on the upfit. The location expects to open later in 2022.
Jenn Olevitch-Roberson and Hunter Stewart with Lee & Associates Raleigh-Durham lead retail leasing efforts for The Walker. The first phase of retail and 158 residential units will deliver in early 2022. Office space and the second phase of retail will deliver in late 2022. For office and retail leasing inquiries, contact Lee & Associates Raleigh-Durham at 919-576-2500.
About GiGi’s Playhouse
GiGi’s Playhouse is a nonprofit organization part of a national network of 55 playhouses throughout the United States and Mexico. Each Playhouse is independently funded through its respective community. GiGi’s Playhouse’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all. GiGi’s Playhouse provides programs that are educational, therapeutic, physical, vocational, and empowering for individuals with Down syndrome at every age and life stage to grow and excel. All programs are FREE to participants and their families. To learn more or become involved visit gigisplayhouse.org/raleigh.
About Lee & Associates
Lee & Associates Raleigh-Durham is a commercial real estate brokerage, management, and appraisal services firm. Established in 2018, Lee & Associates Raleigh-Durham has grown its service platform to include reach in the Triangle, Triad, and Coastal areas of North Carolina. With 26 brokers and a Top 5 Lee & Associates Property Management team, we provide superior market intelligence in office, industrial, retail, investment, and appraisal to meet the specialized needs of our clients. For the latest news from Lee & Associates, visit leeraleigh.com.