Warren also knows something about mixing business with business, having opened the Raleigh Music Academy next to schools for karate, gymnastics and dance early last year.

It only took a tour and a talk with tenants to persuade Warren to move from Glenwood Avenue to the cluster of how-to businesses on Hargrove Road.

"I was impressed with the other teaching facilities that were already there. ... Having them all in one place makes a lot of sense," Warren said.

"We've had quite a few walk-ins from other businesses who have signed up for either drums or guitar. There's a lot of cross-pollination there."

For instance, one of his guitar students, Max Berry, 14, also studies kendo next door at Karate International. Most weeks, Max visits the businesses on separate days, but he appreciates having the option to reschedule for the same day.

"It's a convenience if I have any scheduling problems," Max said.

Developer Jeff Ammons wants to create a similar scene in Wake Forest by turning the former Athey plant into a sports and recreation center. He plans to mix independent contractors for sports such as hockey, soccer and gymnastics under one roof with food vendors and retailers.

Ammons had expected to close the sale on the plant by now but said recently that it won't happen for a couple more weeks. He still expects to have some contracted services in the Wake Forest facility open by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the smaller and more informal center on Hargrove Road is benefiting from the shared-business concept.

The "Family Hargrove Center," as tenant Kathy Olevsky calls it, differs from Ammons' center in that the businesses aren't under one roof. Rather, they are in two buildings, side-by-side, in an industrial park.

It is the product of luck and years of dreaming and scheming, Olevsky said. She and her husband, Rob, who own Karate International, drew plans for such a place in the '90s after their business and the Raleigh School of Gymnastics and Cheerleading lost their leases next to each other on Atlantic Avenue.

With the help of Robert Learoyd, owner of Commercial Investment Management, the two schools were reunited on Hargrove Road a couple of years ago. Learoyd also fleshed out the family- and learning-based theme of the center by bringing in like businesses.

Lehman Studios, a dance school, was added, as was Raleigh Music Academy. Ruggero Piano, which sells and services pianos in addition to offering lesson space and featuring performances in its concert hall, opened last fall.

Learoyd said the center has two vacancies now, including one recently left by Lehman Studios.

"I would love to have somebody else who would fit in there, and who would cater to the young people," Learoyd said.

"Now that it's gotten into this situation with kind of a multi-faceted entertainment/teaching [venue] ... I'd like to see that continue. So I'm going to do everything I can do to find someone who fits that profile."

The concept has been good for business.

Richard Ruggero has sold a few pianos to parents who were window shopping while their children were in lessons or events at one of the schools.

The karate and gymnastics facilities swap summer camp children for an hour each day to broaden the campers' experiences as well as the businesses' exposure.

Benefits of the center's blend of tenants doesn't stop there.

"It's a very productive area for parents," Olevsky said. "They just go one place, and they can coordinate fairly well."

Greg Poulos of North Raleigh agreed.

He and his wife, Gena, have two children who are active at Hargrove. Samantha, 12, is taking piano lessons at Ruggero's and doing tumbling and cheerleading a few doors down. Garrett, 11, is learning karate at Karate International.

"From a parent's perspective, you know, you just get so run down and crazy going from one place to another," Poulos said. "Having everything centrally located in one area, it's wonderful."

Staff writer Melissa Draper can be reached by:
phone - 836-4951
email - mdraper@newsobserver.com.