New Developments in Wake County

Here are the major new visitor developments that are continuing to transform the Raleigh area into the "can't miss" cultural and entertainment center of the Southeast.

TRIANGLE ROCK CLUB (New location opening Sept. 2013; Morrisville location expansion to be completed Early spring 2014)

Triangle Rock Club is opening a new location in North Raleigh at 6022 Duraleigh Rd. The new location, featuring 13,100 sq. ft. of climbing terrain, will have over 74 lanes of lead and top rope climbing that include a 30-ft. free-standing pillar and a programs area. The programs area will hold classes, parties and other programs. The new location will feature an array of 16-ft. bouldering and will also include a dedicated climbers' lounge, a conference and party room, changing areas and lockers and more.

The Morrisville location is also undergoing an expansion set to be completed in spring 2014. When complete, the expansion will nearly triple the amount of the climbing terrain that already exists. After the expansion, the facility will feature over 24,000 sq. ft. of terrain and 100 climbing lanes with heights up to 50 ft.

WAKE FOREST RENAISSANCE CENTRE (Grand opening celebration Nov. 14-16)

In June 2013, the former Tuxedo Junction and Rejoice Community School in Wake Forest was purchased by Town of Wake Forest for $1.18 million. The adjoining properties are located in Renaissance Place at the corner of Brooks St. and Elm Ave. On Tues., July 9, the Tuxedo Junction was renamed the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre (WFRC) and currently includes 10,000 sq. ft. of commercials space. Rejoice Community Centre includes 3,000 sq. ft. Wake Forest will assume control of the Renaissance Centre in late July, while Rejoice Community School will continue to operate at its current location through June 30, 2014. Town officials say the properties will be converted into a cultural center hosting events and activities, with an emphasis on the arts.

MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE (Restoration to be completed by Dec. 31)

This historic house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, on Blount St. in downtown Raleigh is currently being restored and will reopen as a wedding and event venue by Dec. 31. The 4,800-square-foot house, built in 1876, was moved to its newest location as part of the Blount St. Commons project. The home will include an office, a bridal suite and space to accommodate weedings, receptions and special events. The event space has a beautiful outdoor space and a nearly-one-acre lot next to the house will also be used for outdoor weddings and events.

TERMINAL 1 AT RDU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Construction began Early 2012)

The primary purpose of the $60 million project is to modernize the main section of Terminal 1, which today is the large blue building that has been in operation since the early 1980s. Major components of the renovation include:

• Consolidating the multiple ticket lobbies, bag claims and passenger security screening checkpoints
• Consolidating the operations of Southwest, JetBlue and Airtran into the main section of Terminal 1
• Improving the passenger experience by simplifying the airline check-in and security screening process
• Rehabilitation of the pavement on the north half of one of the long runway's two parallel taxiways and additional airfield lighting improvements

Other changes to be made include: constructing new restrooms, developing a pre-security concessions area, reconfiguring the security screening checkpoint and constructing a meeter and greeter area.

Transforming the current North Carolina State University chancellor's residence into the Gregg Museum of Art and Design, this $7.5 million project will result in a freestanding, LEED Silver-certified facility that includes the 1927 residence, a 15,000+ square foot contemporary addition and various outdoor spaces. The Gregg Museum project is part of a total of $500 million in building projects under construction or slated to begin in the next year at N.C. State. The contemporary addition is being guided by The Freelon Group, which has designed numerous university buildings and museums around the country. The outdoor spaces are being guided by Lappas + Havener.