The Gem at Old Stage.
Help us build a home for creativity, community, and small business — transforming a vacant former nursing home into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, makers, remote workers, students, and community organizations.
The iFund Women Campagin will help us acqire the building and do initial pre-planning pieces with the county. We're raising $175,000 in 45 days.
Follow us on Instagram for news and updates! @thegematoldstage
* Rendering for demonstration and vision purposes only — not the finished space.
For years, this building has sat vacant.
We see something different. We see a place where entrepreneurs launch businesses. Where makers showcase their products. Where neighbors gather for events. Where students learn new skills. Where ideas become reality.
The Gem at Old Stage will be a destination for connection, creativity, learning, and opportunity.
Why Angier?
As southern Wake County and northern Harnett County continue to grow, there is increasing demand for places where people can gather, learn, collaborate, and build businesses locally.
The Gem is designed as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, education, and community connection — while helping revitalize an existing property for future generations.
See the vision come to life.
take a tour
One building, many ways to belong.
Six spaces under one roof, each designed to serve a different part of the community — and all of them open to it.
Coworking & Flexible Workspace
A welcoming environment for entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and growing businesses looking for a productive place to work and connect.
Community Classroom
Workshops, training programs, business education, creative skills development, and community learning opportunities.
Maker Marketplace
A curated retail space featuring local makers, artists, creators, and small businesses.
Event & Gathering Space
Networking events, nonprofit meetings, community programs, pop-up markets, speaker series, and celebrations.
Creative Studios
Flexible spaces for content creation, podcasting, presentations, training, and collaboration.
Ruby + Citrine Headquarters
The permanent home of Ruby + Citrine — an active anchor tenant dedicated to supporting and sustaining the community.
$175,000
Right now we're focused on Phase 1 — acquisition and initial Pre-planning & infrastructure needs.
What Phase 1 Covers
- Acquiring the building
- Architectural design & plans
- Civil engineer's review of building specs
- Building permits & approvals
- Inspections & due diligence
- Legal & closing costs
- County level pre-planning meeting preparedness
One vision, built in phases.
The full vision — an estimated $1M–$1.2M — comes to life in stages. Right now we're focused on Phase 1; sponsorships, grants & donations carry the rest. Dollar amounts are estimates.
Phase 1
$175,000
Acquisition
Our iFund Women Campaign goal — and Phase 1 in full. Raise $175,000 from local neighbors, family and backers everywhere to acquire the former nursing home at Old Stage — plus architectural plans, a civil engineer's review of the building's specs, and the permits needed to move forward.
Funded by iFund Women
Phase 2
$550,000
Renovation & Buildout
Interior renovation, accessibility improvements, and core infrastructure to bring the coworking, classroom, marketplace, and event spaces to life.
Funded by private bank loan and grants
Phase 3
$150,000
Furnishing & Launch
Furniture, fixtures, technology, and opening programs — outfitting every space and welcoming the community through the doors.
Funded by sponsors & donations
This isn't just about
a workspace. It's about
creating opportunities.
- For entrepreneurs launching their first business.
- For students learning new skills.
- For local makers to showcase their work.
- For community organizations to gather and grow.
By supporting this project, you're helping create a lasting community asset that will serve entrepreneurs, makers, nonprofits, students, and residents for years to come.
We're not just renovating a building.
Kickstarter backers become part of the story from day one — with recognition, early access, special events, membership benefits, and exclusive updates as the project comes to life. Here's how you can help.
Back the iFund Women Campaign
Pledge your support and help us reach the goal.
Spread the word
Share the campaign with your network and neighbors.
Follow us at @thegematoldstage on instagram!
Sponsor a space
Put your name behind a room, studio, or program.
Partner with us
Bring your organization into the community we're building.
Volunteer
Lend your time and skills as we bring the building to life.
Become a founding member
Join the story from day one with recognition and perks.
Meet the founders
Alex
Crystal
Send a donation by mail.
If you'd rather contribute outside of iFund Women, we welcome direct donations by mail. Please make checks payable to Gemstead Properties LLC and send them to the address shown here — every gift helps bring The Gem at Old Stage to life.
Gemstead Properties LLC
Attn: Alex Alcantara
Ruby and Citrine
201 Shannon Oaks Circle #102
Cary, NC 27511
Questions, answered before you back us.
Is this just an office for Ruby + Citrine?
No. Ruby + Citrine will serve as the anchor tenant, but The Gem at Old Stage is designed as a community asset featuring coworking, educational programming, retail opportunities, meeting spaces, and events open to the broader community.
When will the space open?
Following successful funding, we anticipate moving through acquisition, permitting, renovation, and buildout before opening in phases. Kickstarter supporters will receive regular updates throughout the process.
How can I get involved?
You can support the Kickstarter, become a founding member, sponsor a space, partner with us, volunteer, or help spread the word.
Will there be opportunities for local makers and businesses?
Absolutely. Supporting local entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and small businesses is central to our vision for The Gem at Old Stage.