Raleigh Iron Works officially began construction this week to transform the site that was once Peden Steel.
The mixed-use development builds on existing mills and warehouses while adding new construction.
The end product will be restaurant, office, residential, event, retail and outdoor spaces — including an adult-sized slide. Developers say it will include a mix of local concepts and national brands.
Here’s what you should know about the new development, which is equidistant from Downtown Raleigh and North Hills:
The location
Raleigh Iron Works, at 2200 Atlantic Avenue, is across Atlantic from Dock 1053 and near Five Points, Person Street and Mordecai neighborhoods.
It’s also 3 miles north and east of Downtown Raleigh and 3 miles south and east from North Hills.
It’s an area that’s seen new development recently. Not far is the Midtown East Shopping Center — which includes Wegmans and the forthcoming BB’s Crispy Chicken from chef Ashley Christensen — The Ritz and part of the Greenway, Crabtree Creek Trail.
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Who’s behind the project
Jamestown, whose work includes Ponce City Market in Atlanta, a historic mixed-use property; Chelsea Market in New York, which includes Food Network’s HQ; and Industry City in Brooklyn.
Grubb Ventures, who developed the nearby Dock 1053 and Glenwood Place in Raleigh among other projects.
What the project includes
The first phase of the project will include three main structures and five outdoor activation sites.
Double Gable would feature an event space, a corner restaurant with outdoor seating, creative office space (up to 111,000 square feet) and retail.
The retail would face a promenade between the Double Gable and Bow Truss buildings.
Bow Truss: would feature ground level retail facing the same promenade, office space and covered parking.
The Bow Truss includes office space in the historic building (floors 2-3, 60,000 square feet combined) and new construction (floors 2-7, 370,000 square feet combined).
Residential: 219 new units will be developed in the third building.
The total space for the first phase includes: Nearly 500,000 square feet of creative office space, more than 90,000 square feet of retail, and the 219 residential units.
What will you find at Raleigh Iron Works?
Expect a mix of local and international concepts. A spokesperson for the project said the leasing process just launched “in earnest,” but that interest is strong with local concepts as well as national brands.
The development also aims to be a host “lecture series, social gatherings, partner with local organizations, and design our own roster of dynamic community events.”
Let’s also talk about the adult-sized slide.
Located in the courtyard between the residential and office areas, the spokesperson said they want to appeal to all ages.
Sustainability efforts
Developers are seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications, a green building rating system. Specifically, they’re seeking LEED certifications around Neighborhood Development and building-level certifications.
Other greener efforts include:
- Bike facilities and access to alternative transportation
- Use of native plants
- Attention to stormwater management, water and energy efficiency
- Selection of products in construction “based on their life cycle impacts, EPDs, place of origin and ingredients.”
- Indoor environmental quality for “occupant health and productivity.”
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What’s next
The initial phase is under construction with a projected opening date of mid-2022. Future phases could include more residential and condo, office and/or hotel space, but there’s not a timeline on future phases.
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