Plans for three transformational projects for Downtown Raleigh’s southern gateway were released this week from Kane Realty.
Two of the projects are at Downtown South and one is at Park City South near Dorothea Dix Park.
If the projects move forward with the city’s approval, expect more vertical density, retail and residential living spaces. Here’s a breakdown of each of the three plans:
Park City South
About the project: Park City South is a 9.7-acre mixed use development adjacent to Dix Park. The first phase is planned to break ground later in 2021. The first residents could move in late 2023.
The development would link the existing Greenway trail with a new bridge over Rocky Branch Creek, and retail would look out on trails, the creek and South Saunders Street.
The development along the Greenway will include landscape design and a goal to “create an outdoor social destination along the Greenway,” according to a release.
What Phase 1 includes: A largely residential tower, with 335 apartments and ground-level retail. A rooftop lounge and terrace would face Dix Park’s Plaza & Play project.
What’s next: “Future phases, in early design phase now, will include high-rise residential and office space with ground-level retail and structured parking beneath,” a release shared.
Downtown South
Where the project is now: The Downtown South development rezoning was approved at the end of last year, and the land has been acquired. Enhanced stormwater mitigation efforts and quarterly community meetings are a requirement of the rezoning, as WRAL reports.
Downtown South developers have previously asked for a Tax Increment Grant (TIG), or a tax grant paid by the city in exchange for certain community benefits. A policy has been developed by the city, but there’s no agreement at this point.
These new project plans will be submitted to the city, and a public meeting by the developers will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 over Zoom: (Meeting ID: 842 5488 8745, Passcode: 468380) The new projects will be discussed.
The first two vertical projects of Downtown South include an office building and a mixed use building with retail and residential apartments.
A mass timber construction office project is one of the two buildings planned for the first phase.
According to Kane Realty’s description, “mass timber construction is a technique which utilizes multiple, sustainably sourced, solid wood panels glued or nailed together as a low-carbon alternative to concrete or steel.
The wood utilized in the construction remains exposed, heightening the visual experience from within the building.”
The office building would be at the entry to the Downtown South development, with 10-foot windows, exposed wood structures and beams. The building would also include ground-level retail.
A residential building would include 280 units with studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Two terraces, a rooftop lounge and a central outdoor space would also be included.
What’s next: If plans are approved, construction could begin in Q3 of next year, with the buildings opening in 2024.
Future plans, including more buildings, open spaces, bioretention beds (a green stormwater mitigation measure), parklets and connections, are expected.
