Developers Break Ground on Greensboro Housing Project
The new Pembroke at Friendly Center development brings 270 residential units to a former Sears site.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Commercial
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Developers recently broke ground on the Pembroke at Friendly Center, a new apartment community in Greensboro. The project will feature 270 units housed within two five-story buildings.
Why it matters
This redevelopment effort replaces the former Sears store with a new residential hub. It aims to integrate modern living spaces into the existing commercial landscape near a local Whole Foods.
The development consists of 270 multi-family units distributed across two five-story residential buildings. These units will range in size from studios to three-bedroom floor plans.
The players
Hines
Hines is a global real estate investment, development, and management firm that operates in numerous countries.
The details
Hines is leading the development of this residential community, which is situated directly adjacent to a Whole Foods store. The site is currently undergoing a total transformation from its previous life as a large-scale retail location.
Timeline
The groundbreaking ceremony for the housing project occurred on October 9, 2026.
Construction on the project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2028.
Culture Shift
The Pembroke at Friendly Center aligns with the national trend of repurposing defunct retail big-box stores into mixed-use housing. This project follows a pattern set by the broader shift of converting legacy retail footprints into dense residential housing.
Residents should anticipate increased construction activity near the Friendly Center throughout the development period. Once completed, the project will add housing stock within walking distance of existing retail amenities.
The takeaway
This project represents a significant shift for the Friendly Center area as it transitions from a traditional retail hub to a residential-focused space. Local residents should monitor construction updates to stay informed about potential traffic or site access changes during the build.
Further reading
For more on local business development, visit Greensboro Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Myfox8.
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