New Developments in Raleigh, N.C.

Here are the major new visitor developments that are contributing to the Raleigh area's stature as a modern establishment—the thriving state capital of North Carolina.

Fuquay-Varina Arts Center (Opening mid-March 2019)

The Town of Fuquay-Varina broke ground in March of 2017 on a project that will bring a performing arts theatre, classrooms, studios and more to downtown Fuquay-Varina. The Fuquary-Varina Arts Center, a project that will renovate and expand on an existing building, is expected to take 10 months to complete and cost $3.5 million. The plan, designed by Szostak Design of Chapel Hill, will bring a 300-seat theatre to the new two-story expansion, with capacity for a total of 400 for conferences and speaking events, plus include specialized classrooms for painting, computer media and other types of art, a dance studio, an art gallery and more. Learn more
 

Transfer Co. Food Hall (Some vendors opened in early 2019, more throughout the year)

A food hall and market housed in a 43,000-square-foot renovated warehouse in Raleigh's Olde East neighborhood, Transfer Co. Food Hall's first vendors opened to the public in Jan. and Feb. 2019. The project, led by Transfer Development LLC, is food-focused with a mix of retail goods as well. Tenants will ultimately include Videri Chocolate Factory, Benchwarmers Bagels, Burial Beer Co., Locals Oyster Bar and more. Learn more
 

Moore Square Renovations (Re-opening summer 2019)

One of four public spaces that was designated by the founders of Raleigh in 1792, downtown Raleigh's Moore Square is now in the process of implementing a new master plan that will close the area for approximately one year while construction is in progress. The $12.5 million renovation will include landscaping, construction of a small cafe, a concert area and more. Ground broke on the renovation in early Nov. 2017. Learn more
 

Downtown Cary Park (Construction to begin fall 2020, estimated opening of 2022)

First proposed in 2001, the Town of Cary City Council approved the master plan for Downtown Cary Park in March 2019. The plans to create an iconic, seven-acre public gathering space include a call for two food and beverage facilities, four interactive water features, a great lawn and an outdoor entertainment pavilion. Design of the Downtown Cary Park will get underway this spring and be completed in 2020. Construction of the Park is expected to begin in fall 2020 with completion in 2022. Learn more
 

Dorothea Dix Park (Master plan implementation could begin in early 2020)

In July 2015, the City of Raleigh acquired 308 acres of the Dorothea Dix Campus from the State of North Carolina. The purpose of the City’s acquisition of the property is to plan and develop a new destination park--Dorothea Dix Park. A master plan for the park--the city's largest green space--was unanimously approved by Raleigh City Council in Feb. 2019. The master plan proposes the park be transformed through six distinct landscapes, with ideas on how each landscape could be used by visitors (open space, playgrounds, plazas, gardens, performance spaces, public art etc.). Implementation of Phase 1 of the plan, which could begin in early 2020, calls for physical improvements to the park, including restoration of the creek, cemetery enhancements, rehabilitated buildings, a new main entry to the park, a new multi-use path and interim parking. Phase 1 of the plan may take 10-20 years to implement. Learn more