The project: Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the new Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex is a 370,000-sf, 17-story civic tower that will reshape the city skyline and consolidate key municipal functions under one roof. Designed as a central hub for public service, the facility will house office and meeting space for 1,400 city employees, City Council chambers, and public amenities including an art gallery and a staff wellness center.

The goal: The project’s goal is to unite various City of Raleigh departments into a modern, highly functional facility that supports transparency, collaboration, and efficiency in public service. Designed to support future growth, the building also plays a symbolic role in Raleigh’s continued evolution as a vibrant, forward-thinking capital city. The design and construction teams worked closely to deliver this ambitious project while navigating inflation-related cost pressures and the challenges of a constrained urban site.

The design: The tower is a cast-in-place concrete structure supported by large-diameter continuous flight auger (CFA) cast piles. A basement level accommodates mechanical systems, a loading dock, and other building services. To maximize ceiling height and spatial efficiency, the structure is optimized with a 24 inch total depth across 40-foot structural bays. Each level includes a 10-foot cantilever on the west elevation, contributing to the building’s distinctive profile. Lateral load resistance is achieved through strategically placed interior stair and elevator shaft walls acting as concrete shear walls. The design also incorporates multiple outdoor terraces and a mechanical penthouse level.

The outcome: Once complete, the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex will not only enhance operational efficiency for the City of Raleigh, but also contribute to the city’s architectural identity and civic vitality. The facility reflects a deep investment in sustainable urban growth and will serve as a highly visible and accessible center for government, culture, and community engagement.