Raleigh developer unveils ‘transformative’ project in Garner as ‘gateway’ to Triangle

GARNER – A Raleigh native will develop 225 acres in Garner into a mixed-use development in conjunction with the land owners.

The project, called the E District, will be developed by Grady Matthews, who formed a new company, Wycliff Development, in January and said in a statement that this “transformative” project would be the firm’s primary focus.

The Triangle-based architecture firm O’Brien Atkins Associates will be the master land planner,Wycliff Development stated.

E District will include what the development group called in a statement “timeless components of great communities.” It will, when complete, serve as a “gateway” for the region, according to the company.

Raleigh’s Downtown South moves closer to reality: Developer unveils first 3 projects

‘Rare opportunity’

Developers of the Downtown South project have also referred to the proposed $2.2 billion mixed-use development as a gateway to the city.

Matthews noted in the statement that while there will be those timeless components, like green space, there are plans to make it unique.

“This is a rare opportunity to develop one of the last remaining sites of its size and significance in one of the hottest real estate markets in the country,” said Matthews in the statement. “We are currently in the exploratory phase and carefully evaluating the highest and best uses that will add value to Wake County.”

A document from the Town of Garner lists 3,031 new apartment units, 2,284 new townhomes, and 4,746 lots that are either under construction or approved, as of April 2022.

Garner isn’t just the site of residential construction or development. Investors and developers are converting a former big box store into life science space, and Amazon operates a distribution center in the town.

Investors to convert ‘big box’ store in Garner to life science space

Site location

The statement released by the developer lists the current owner of the land as “the Yeargan Family.” The site sits along the southwest corner of Highway 70 and White Oak Road in Garner, with access to Interstate 40 via the Highway 70 exit.

“We have begun conversations with the Town of Garner and are committed to bringing a high-quality mixed-use district to the region that celebrates wellness, innovation and connection,” said Matthews in the statement. Matthews led the Cushman & Wakefield office in the Triangle prior to launching the new firm earlier this year, the statement notes.

“We are excited about the opportunities that this project will bring to Garner,” said Joe Stallings, the Town of Garner economic development director in the statement. “With over 200+ acres in one of the most desirable areas in the nation, this site is unlike any other in North Carolina.”

Neither Matthews nor Town of Garner officials immediately responded to an interview request from WRAL TechWire.