In January, Kane Realty, in partnership with McCourt Partners, acquired 28 acres between Navaho Drive and I-440, setting the stage for a phased series of mixed-use projects that will expand the NHID footprint.
“The vision behind North Hills Innovation District has always been about creating a place where people can work, live, gather, and connect in meaningful ways,” said Warner Kuppin, Chief Development Officer with Kane Realty. “This next phase allows us to extend that vision with a thoughtful mix of residential, hospitality, office, retail, open space, and mobility enhancements that strengthen the district while creating new connections to the surrounding community.”
“We’re excited to partner with Kane Realty on the continued evolution of North Hills Innovation District,” said Jordan Lang, President of McCourt Partners. “This next phase reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful growth that enhances connectivity, expands housing options, and creates dynamic spaces for people to come together.”
New Residential Tower and Hotel Near Greenway Connection
Among the next major projects advancing within the district is Vesper, a 20-story residential tower featuring 357 apartment homes and five levels of structured parking. The tower will include penthouse residences, a robust fitness and wellness amenity suite, outdoor space on the sixth floor, and a 20th-floor rooftop amenity deck with a resort-style pool and gathering spaces.
On the adjacent lot, Kane Realty is pursuing a 200-plus-key hotel that could include a rooftop bar, street-level restaurant space, valet parking, and amenities designed to complement the neighborhood. Both projects will benefit from convenient access to a new greenway addition running from St. Albans Drive that will ultimately connect to Raleigh’s broader Greenway network.
Just behind these two projects, Kane Realty plans to extend Church at North Hills Street and build a vehicular and pedestrian bridge crossing the stream to connect with Navaho Drive. Kane Realty is collaborating with the City of Raleigh to ensure the expansion’s enhanced road plans align with the City’s future greenway extensions and its planned multi-modal bridge crossing I-440.
First Expansion Projects Plans Filed
Kane Realty has filed site plans for the first two expansion projects at 901 Navaho Drive. The first, ‘Veranda,’ is a 207-unit mixed-use development that introduces 55-plus housing—which Kane Realty sees as an underrepresented segment in Raleigh—within a walkable, connected setting that strengthens the district’s housing diversity.
The second project at this site will be called Merit, a seven-story residential building with 387 apartment homes above two levels of parking, anchored by 10,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail. Sustainability and wellness will be central to its design.
Kane Realty is also pursuing workforce housing opportunities as part of the broader expansion.
“The market is telling us that there’s a real demand for housing at every stage of life. By introducing that diversity of options in an urban, nature-forward setting, we’re not just responding to what Raleigh needs right now; we are building a stronger and more resilient community,” said Drew Yates, Managing Director of Development with Kane Realty.
Conceptual planning has also begun for North Hills’ next office tower, which would feature an active ground level with immediate access to open space, an adjacent park, and streamside retail activations. The project would introduce the second Trophy Class office building at NHID and the sixth office tower at North Hills overall.“North Hills is uniquely positioned to attract leading companies seeking a best-in-class environment for their talented workforce,” said Hooker Manning, Director of Office Leasing at Kane Realty. “A new office tower marks another transformative investment in the thriving Innovation District, where leasing momentum remains strong, and demand continues to outpace available space. With very little vacancy across North Hills—and new buildings like One North Hills Tower, which opened in 2024 and was fully leased by the end of 2025—we see a clear opportunity to meet continued demand for well-located, premier office space that supports workplace culture, productivity, collaboration, and access to lifestyle amenities.”
Tributary Underway as Existing District Momentum Continues
Construction is underway at Tributary, which broke ground in January 2026 with a target delivery of early 2028. The project will deliver 332 apartments and 6,000 square feet of ground-level retail along a new extension of Hardimont Road, along with two courtyards, a digital content creation studio, an elevated wellness center, nature-integrated design, and new greenway connections. Tributary’s interior design celebrates innovation in sustainable textiles and includes finishes like wall coverings with pressed wildflowers and gym flooring from recycled tennis shoes. The project team includes Hickok Cole as architect, John Moriarty & Associates as general contractor, and McAdams as civil engineer.