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.
Fenton mixed-use development (first phase opened summer 2022)
Fenton is a mixed-use development located in Cary near WakeMed Soccer Park off Cary Towne Blvd. The $850-million project is expected to include one million square feet of office space, 444,000 square feet of retail space, more than 800 multi-family housing units, two boutique hotels and more. Anchor tenants that opened in summer of 2022 include Paragon Theaters, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Arhaus Furniture, Athleta and more, plus big-name restaurants including Superica, M Sushi, Colletta and CRÚ Food & Wine Bar. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, a steakhouse concept from chef Scott Crawford opened in 2024. The entire development may take five to eight years to complete. Learn more
Raleigh Iron Works development (ongoing, first phase opened 2023)
Raleigh Iron Works is a dynamic mixed-use destination located just east of downtown Raleigh. This redevelopment of a historic industrial site blends preserved structures with modern design, creating a walkable community hub boasting 170,000 square feet of office space and 70,000 square feet of retail. Trip-worthy local tenants include St. Pierre’s Wine Bar, and homemade Andia’s Ice Cream and MICHELIN-Recommended Brodeto. New retailers like Botiwalla, an Indian Street Grill from James Beard Award-Winning Chai Pani, are coming to RIW later this year. Learn more
Dorothea Dix Park ongoing development (Gipson Play Plaza opened 2025; phase 1 underway)
The 308-acre Dorothea Dix Park, one of the country’s most exciting urban parks projects, continues to evolve through an ambitious, multi-phase master plan transforming six distinct landscapes for visitor enjoyment. Implementation of Phase 1 began in 2020 and is slated to take 10-20 years to complete. Developments include the 18-acre Gipson Play Plaza, a gateway to Dix park completed in 2025. The Play Plaza invites all ages to explore its gardens, play structures, interactive water features and amphitheater, in addition to hosting picnic supplies and on-tap brews at the House of Many Porches Market. World-renowned sculpturist Thomas Dambo’s largest collection of troll installations in the United States accompanies the Gipson Play Plaza as a successful Phase 1 addition to the park.
Opening Summer 2026, the historic Flowers Cottage overlooking the park’s iconic Flowers Field is currently undergoing a major remodel. The project will introduce two new concession spaces, Cottage Coffee and Park Bar, in addition to a play area featuring natural elements inspired by Gipson Play Plaza. The cottage’s concessions will include locally-roasted coffee, teas, wine and craft brews, locally produced soft-serve ice cream and picnic provisions from Raleigh partners. Also in 2026, demolition will begin on four Dix Park buildings, with the sites being transitioned into more park space. Learn more
Lenovo Center Enhancement and Lenovo Center District (starting 2026)
The Lenovo Center, one of the region’s premier sports and entertainment venues, is undergoing major enhancements to improve fan experience and operational efficiency, including an expanded main concourse, redesigned seating and new upper-level “View Bar.” Following the enhancements will be the development of a mixed-use Lenovo Center District with 200,000 sq. ft. of retail space, a 150-key hotel, 4,300-seat ballroom and expanded food and beverage offerings. The new district plans to include multiple parks, plazas, promenades and tailgating spaces, enhancing and connecting the visitor experience. Learn more
Red Hat Amphitheater (opening in 2027)
Making way for the Raleigh Convention Center’s expansion, Red Hat Amphitheater is getting a new home. Following the 2026 concert season, Red Hat Amphitheater will reopen at its new location, one block away, with exciting new amenities for artists and fans alike. Learn more
North Carolina Museum of History updates (reopening to the public in 2028)
The North Carolina Museum of History is undergoing a comprehensive reimagining, expanding the building by 40,000 square feet, including 25% more gallery space to show additional stories, artifacts and voices from across the state. Upgrades will include a relocated entrance on the northside of Bicentennial Plaza for improved accessibility, additional classrooms, a new restaurant, community spaces and offices. The project aims to create a more immersive and inclusive experience, ensuring the museum remains a vital destination for learning and exploration in downtown Raleigh. Learn more
Omni Raleigh Hotel (opening late 2028)
Breaking ground in early 2026, the 29-story, 600-room Omni Raleigh Hotel will be located between the Raleigh Convention Center and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. The hotel will cater to Raleigh’s high-end travelers, with notable amenities including 61,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a 20,000 sq. ft. ballroom, resort-style wellness facility and rooftop pool. The Omni will feature several unique dining options, including North Carolina’s first Bob’s Steak & Chop House, rooftop poolside restaurant, sports bar with golf simulator and an original coffee concept from local fashion brand Peter Millar. Learn more
Raleigh Convention Center Expansion (opening in 2029)
The Raleigh Convention Center (RCC) is undergoing a dramatic expansion. Targeting LEED Gold certification in sustainability, the development will feature an additional 298,100-square-foot facility, bringing the RCC’s total to 798,000 sq. ft. This space will include 50,000 sq. ft. of divisible flex space, an 18,000 sq. ft. ballroom and 13 new meeting rooms. The RCC addition will be connected to the original facility through glass sky walks with views of the city’s bustling downtown. Learn more.