Plans reveal 13-story office tower for Downtown Raleigh

July 31, 2026 - 19:12

Highwoods Properties has confirmed it is pushing forward with a new office development in the heart of Raleigh, filing plans for a 13-story tower that would add significant commercial space to the city's core. The project, which has been in the works for some time, is now officially on the books with the city's planning department.

The proposed building would rise on a site that has long been eyed for redevelopment, bringing a modern, Class A office product to a market that has seen steady demand for high-end workspace. While the company has not released a full list of tenants, the structure is designed to appeal to firms looking for a central location with easy access to dining, transit, and the growing residential population nearby.

Highwoods, a real estate investment trust with a large presence in the Southeast, has been active in Raleigh for years. This new tower signals a bet on the continued strength of the downtown office market, even as other cities grapple with remote work trends. The company has noted that pre-leasing interest has been solid, though it has not disclosed specific numbers.

Construction timelines have not been finalized, but the filing suggests the company is aiming to break ground within the next year. The tower would add roughly 250,000 square feet of office space, a sizable boost for a downtown area that has seen several other projects stall or shift to residential use. Local business groups have welcomed the news, viewing it as a vote of confidence in Raleigh's long-term economic trajectory. More details are expected as the site plan moves through the approval process.