Visual Art Exchange (VAE is the premier arts incubator in the Raleigh area, with opportunities for artists of all genres and levels to exhibit work in juried and non-juried shows, attend classes and critiques, participate in SparkCON and IGNITE, and network with the other 1000 members who make use of this unique organization.) As of 2020 VAE is no longer located in the Warehouse district.Dovetail Woodworks The gallery and frame shop of Anthony Ulinski, a well-regarded local painter.).However, it continues to be an integral part of the local art scene. As of 2021 Shannon is no longer an owner or affiliated with the gallery. Shannon added more studios and a gift shop and the gallery now functions as part of the vibrant art scene on Martin Street. In 2013 the business was acquired by Carol Joy Shannon, a painter who had had a studio in the space since 2008. 311 Gallery & Studios (311 West Martin Street Gallery & Studios was originally opened by Bob Coster and Jason Craighead as Glance Gallery, and re-named by Tom and Judy Jones in 2007, when they repurposed the space with a number of studios for working artists, as well as a curated gallery featuring outside artists.Local business leaders have said the district is, 'starting to create an entrepreneurial reputation." Attractions Eat and Drink HQ Raleigh, a co-working space with 45 businesses, announced in 2013 it is moving to the Warehouse District.
The 2010s are seeing a surge of business growth in the district, with the largest move by Citrix who will open a 550-employee division headquarters in the former Dillon Supply building in 2014. The district now features several craft beer establishments including Crank Arm Brewing, Boylan Street Brewpub, Tasty beverage Company, and Brewmasters Bar & Grill. Today the Warehouse District is home to a number of restaurants in addition to nightlife and art venues, including the legendary The Pit BBQ restaurant. Nightlife venues came to the district in the form of The Berkley and the Capital Coral, Culture Club, and Fallout Shelter in the mid to late 1980s. By the late 1980s much of the district had found use as galleries, studio space, poetry reading space, and woodworking shop. Many of the buildings were in a state of disrepair by the late 1970s and early 1980s when artists, designers, and performers began making use of the spaces again, including a young David Sedaris. The warehouse, depot, and factory buildings fell out of use in the mid 1950s. The Warehouse District was built initially as an industrial zone due to its proximity to the rail lines several blocks West of downtown Raleigh.