Business owner and developer helps southeast Raleigh residents remain despite rising home costs

The cost of living in southeast Raleigh has caused many to move away from homes where generations of their families have lived. One developer who grew up in that community offers help by providing hope and opportunity.

About 20 years ago, James Montague created his first business in the shadow of the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King off Rock Quarry Road.

He’s still at it. His mission: "To kind of show people in the community what’s possible if you just stay with it," he says.

Montague is president of F7 International Development with projects popping up all around, like the Innovation Center at Montague Plaza.

The 15,000-square-foot mixed-use building on Rock Quarry Road will offer space for retail, a restaurant and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning facilities. A doctor’s office is in the plans along with nursing training and educational opportunities.

Montague wants to partner with Southeast Raleigh High School to help provide more educational opportunities. The school is just short walk away, and Montague has ideas to offer learning about robotics, coding and game design, drone technology and job readiness.

He is also on a mission to help more residents remain in the area.

He said, "People don’t want to leave the community. People don’t see the opportunity so they’re forced to move out to the outskirts or even different cities or even different counties, and I just think that’s a sad thing. I think we can do better."

Sadie Catlet, born and raised in Raleigh, recently bought a new home in the area.

In 2020, Catlet took part in a new homeowners program which helped her buy a new home in the area close to where she grew up.

She hopes to help others achieve the same dream. "To allow growth and opportunity for people like myself who look like myself, to make sure they’re known and not forgotten and have a seat at the table," she said.

Montague believes others like Catlet will re-invest in the future of southeast Raleigh.

Montague is behind the development of Elders Gate in southeast Raleigh. It’s a senior apartment complex built in 2004 for people ages 62 and up. "It gives them a quality of life and an affordable place to live," said Montague.