Downtown South

Across its 140 acres, the Downtown South is expected to be home to a soccer practice facility, 20,000-seat stadium, small outdoor amphitheater, and an indoor VR Center.[2]

Steve Malik began to collaborate with Kane Realty in 2018 hoping to attract Major League Soccer (MLS) to Raleigh. However, the MLS ultimately chose Charlotte, North Carolina, delaying the Downtown South development's construction. Despite the bid falling through, Malik still hopes to relocate the North Carolina FC and Carolina Courage to the stadium upon its completion, but the stadium is on hold until further notice.[4]

The Downtown South development was paused due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, affecting project finances, zoning requests, and blueprints.

Many citizens were concerned about the displacement and harm the development could cause to the community. After the MLS chose Charlotte for the location of its 30th team, many doubted the continued need for the project. Raleigh City Council denied the many proposals and requests, believing the rezoning application "disregarded equity and fairness." After a series of council meetings, the project was eventually approved on December 15, 2020, though the stadium was later put on hold.[5][1][4]

After this approval, Kane Realty bought the remaining land needed for the project, which later resulted in a lawsuit being filed against the project on March 30, 2021 by a small business located on the site[6] A hearing related to the lawsuit is scheduled before the NC Court of Appeals in February 2023.

The 3,500-seat entertainment venue will have an indoor ballroom and a rooftop entertainment space. It will have 70,000 square feet and will begin construction in 2023.[7]

1727 S Saunders St will be the first high-rise structure at Downtown South. Expected to start construction in 2023, the 24-story structure will include 370 residential units, 453 parking spaces, and approximately 14,000 square feet of retail space.