The project: This pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development includes a 177,000-sf, six-story office building with 16,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, 80 parking spaces at grade, and a five-story parking deck accommodating 700 vehicles. The site also features a standalone, one-story retail building totaling 14,000 square feet. Located adjacent to Crabtree Valley Mall and a planned hotel, the development serves as a strategic connector between Raleigh’s urban core and its lower-density surroundings. A central internal plaza unifies and activates the site.

The goal: The primary objective was to create a vibrant, mixed-use environment that enhances pedestrian activity and integrates commercial, office, and parking functions efficiently. The design also needed to address the site’s location within a designated floodway, requiring innovative flood mitigation strategies that balanced safety, cost, and constructability.

The design: The project team developed a tailored flood mitigation approach that avoided the need to overdesign for excessive flood loads. Key features included a custom flood-resistant curtain wall system, flood gates at all ground-level entry points, and a fully waterproofed, 12-inch-thick cast-in-place concrete wall concealed behind a varied material palette of brick, fiber cement, and aluminum panels. These elements were thoughtfully integrated to protect the structure while maintaining architectural character and constructability.

The outcome: The resulting development successfully combines high-density office and retail uses with critical flood protection measures. The site is now a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly destination that strengthens the link between Raleigh’s urban and suburban landscapes. Through strategic planning and design innovation, the project achieved long-term resilience while minimizing construction costs and preserving architectural integrity.