Why is this bizzare? The outlet mall is completely failed (odd in a time that outlet malls have seen great success, but the indoor aspect and store footprints are not optimum compared to new outlet mall constructure) despite it being in a very central location, with easy access from I-40.

The N&O article notes that 15,000 Chinese-Americans live in the area, and it is probably a safe assumption that many work in or near RTP. Funding is coming from China, where they have all our dollars anyway, and one can imagine influence from Lenovo whose U.S. headquarters is right around the corner, and other tech companies in RTP. This should help get the project off the ground.

Many ethnic markets often sublease areas of their stores to other related businesses, or other related businesses aggolermate nearby. The area continues to become much more adventurous food-wise and media attention continues to focus on the “asian street-food” fad (its not a fad in Asia, it has been in the culture there for decades or more) and if the food court is good it will draw lots of people – including the RTP lunch crowd and beyond.

The only bizzare part is the proposed pagoda-style design element which are extremely kitschy in a time when China itself is promoting forward-thinking architecture (think Beijing Olympics).

What’s bizarre is that when people think of a “China Town”, they visualize street vendors, sidewalks, outdoor markets, and a urban grid-pattern to the city blocks.
Not a sprawling suburban mall locale. That’s not what anyone would think of as a “China Town” by no means.