The project: The new North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) campus consolidates multiple offices across Raleigh into a single, centralized location. This relocation includes the transition of the current headquarters at Dorothea Dix Park, freeing the historic site for future redevelopment. Situated on the former site of a book and mail distribution warehouse, the campus will ultimately encompass 780,000 square feet of office space. Phase one includes an 11-story office tower and a 900-space parking deck, with a second tower and additional parking structure planned for phase two.

The goal: The primary goal of the project is to streamline DHHS operations by unifying staff and services into a modern, efficient workspace. The relocation from Dorothea Dix Park also supports the City of Raleigh’s broader vision to transform the park into a major public asset, while the new campus provides DHHS with a state-of-the-art headquarters designed for long-term growth, flexibility, and sustainability.

The design: The architectural approach emphasizes openness, light, and connectivity. Large, column-free floor plates with floor-to-ceiling windows flood interior spaces with natural light and provide expansive views of both downtown and midtown Raleigh. The integration of structural and architectural elements throughout the tower’s layout and façade creates a distinctive, world-class design tailored to the character of the Triangle region. The 8,500-sf steel-framed Central Utility Plant supports the campus infrastructure, while the overall site design is shaped by the site’s natural topography and enhanced through extensive landscaping, water features, and pedestrian pathways.

The outcome: The new DHHS campus will be a model for sustainable, forward-thinking government development. Designed to support multi-modal transportation, the campus features integrated access to public transit, walking trails, and bike paths. These design features foster a healthy, connected environment for DHHS staff and visitors alike. With its high-performance buildings, strategic urban location, and dynamic campus layout, the project exemplifies the state’s commitment to innovation in public service and infrastructure.

*photo copyright to LS3P