South Raleigh Emerges as Regional Growth Engine with $3.2B Development Pipeline

South Raleigh is emerging as the Triangle’s primary growth engine with over $3.2B in activity, led by Kane Realty’s Downtown South stadium district and the Dix Park transformation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 10:50 AM EDT

Source: Bisnow

Downtown South: The $2B Catalyst

After years of entitlement and planning, the Downtown South project is nearing a 2026 construction start. Pursued by Raleigh-based Kane Realty Corp., this 140-acre master-planned district is set to be a cornerstone of the region’s economic development.

The Anchor: A proposed 15,000-seat soccer stadium intended to serve as the new home for the North Carolina Courage (NWSL).

Mixed-Use Density: The three-phase build-out will integrate significant office, retail, and residential footprints, creating a secondary urban core.

Economic Impact: Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte noted the stadium would be a "phenomenal" driver for city-wide tourism and local tax revenue.

Dix Park Transformation