25 years ago, James and Wonza Montague, founders of F7 Development, embraced a vision for the Southeast Raleigh community they grew up in. Their pride for community and experience with local developments drove their plan to help elevate the Southeast Raleigh community in a meaningful way. Now, with a land acquisition secure and blueprints in hand for a 15,000-square-foot mixed-use building on Rock Quarry Road, the vision is becoming reality.

Working together with Raleigh-based construction firm Bobbitt, The Montague Plaza will include space for retail with quality restaurant space and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) educational programming. The Montague Plaza will be conveniently situated next to Southeast Raleigh High School and will provide high school students with a broader spectrum of opportunity and additional educational support to develop their understanding of potential career paths that rely on their knowledge of STEM subjects.

“We want to encourage entrepreneurs to serve the community, possibly creating space for the next F7 Development,” James Montague said. “Sometimes it’s hard for kids from undeserved communities to see themselves pursuing STEM-based careers, especially when they might be the first person in their family to attend college. We want to make sure they have the confidence and support to build the future they want.”

READ MORE: Triangle Business Journal