Identifying Development Opportunities Across Raleigh and the Greater Triangle

A Q&A With Andrew Parker

With advanced manufacturing in the Triangle growing six times faster than the national average, Raleigh is cementing its reputation as a hub for innovation and economic diversity. Home to 196 companies employing 13,000 people and contributing $2.2 billion to the GRP, the region is thriving thanks to industries like medical devices, automotive and aerospace components, military and agricultural equipment, and advanced materials.

To explore how this rapid growth impacts development in other sectors—and how developers can overcome challenges to seize opportunities—we sat down with Andrew Parker, Branch Manager at Bohler Raleigh. Here’s what he had to say about the trends shaping the Triangle’s future.

As the advanced manufacturing industry grows, where do you see the biggest opportunity for other types of development?

Single-family development is thriving, particularly in areas west, southwest, and east of Raleigh. Much of this growth is related to industrial development, whether it’s advanced manufacturing or medical facilities, like those in Chatham, Johnston, Moore, Nash, and Wilson counties.

National homebuilders remain busy, and we’re also seeing a growing demand for townhome communities. Multifamily apartments are expected to make a comeback, as well, which will further diversify the housing options for the growing population.

On the commercial side, the retail market is strong, driven by consumers spending money and dining out. We’re seeing steady demand for quick-service restaurants (QSR), banks, automotive developments, and large-format retail projects. These sectors are all benefiting from the economic ripple effects of advanced manufacturing in the region.

How does redevelopment and mixed-use fit into today’s development landscape?

Mixed-use projects are becoming increasingly prevalent across the Triangle, reflecting the region’s demand for dynamic, multi-functional spaces. This shift aligns with the region’s efforts to enhance public transportation, making transit-oriented mixed-use projects particularly appealing. Additionally, the region’s designation of Opportunity Zones further fuels this trend by offering tax incentives to investors, encouraging mixed-use development in historically underutilized areas.

One notable redevelopment project our team is involved in is West Side Bottling in Durham. This project, led by Ardent, will transform a former Coca-Cola bottling plant into a vibrant community with 370 apartments, 35 townhomes, and nearly 70,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store. The company aims to break ground in 2025, adding a significant mixed-use destination to the area.

West Side Bottling, Durham, NC | Image by Ardent

Another transformative project is the Lenovo Center redevelopment, which will turn the NHL Hurricanes stadium into a $1 billion sports and entertainment district. The redevelopment includes phased arena renovations to enhance the fan experience, a revamped tailgating scene, a 4,300-seat music venue, a 150-room hotel, and more than 500 apartments, with 10% designated for affordable housing. Additionally, over 200,000 square feet of retail, 150,000 square feet of office space, and two parking garages will be built, with the potential for 40-story buildings—the tallest in the city. The project will also address traffic and congestion concerns, ensuring smooth accessibility for visitors.

These projects highlight how mixed-use redevelopment is reshaping the Triangle, balancing residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces to meet the region’s evolving needs.

How does Bohler help clients identify opportunities and leverage this momentum?

We adopt a multidisciplinary approach by integrating site planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering from the start. This collaboration allows the team to identify site constraints early, enhance design efficiency, and blend aesthetic and functional elements like stormwater management seamlessly. The result is a cohesive and efficient project that achieves both technical and user experience goals.

Bohler adopts an integrated approach from the start. The result is a cohesive and efficient project.

— Andrew Parker, Branch Manager, Raleigh, NC

Bohler streamlines the development process by fostering collaboration between our survey and engineering teams, allowing for swift issue resolution and real-time adjustments. Our local survey team, led by Tom Teabo, PLS, drives efficiency with advanced technology. Additionally, our team can perform desktop reviews to assess land features and general topography before deploying survey crews. This approach helps reduce costs and streamline workflows.

What are you most excited about in the coming year?

I’m truly excited about growing our team in Raleigh. We’re actively hiring for Assistant Project Managers, Project Managers, and Senior Project Managers, and we’re looking for ambitious, driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

Raleigh’s proximity to three tier-one research universities and twelve other colleges and universities gives us a competitive edge, and the partnerships we have with academia and government create an ecosystem of innovation and growth that we’re fortunate to be a part of.

When I first joined Bohler, I had to quickly take over several ongoing projects while get up to speed in this fast-paced environment, which pushed me to adapt and contribute my own expertise and leadership. Looking ahead, I’m looking forward to overseeing projects from start to finish and continuing to mentor and empower our rising managers along the way. It’s a dynamic time for our team, and I’m eager to see how we continue to grow and evolve in the future.

Ready to make an impact in Raleigh? Connect with Andrew.