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06/17/2025 1:46 pm

Aerial photo of old DMV building

Former DMV Site

Welcome to the Future of the Former DMV Headquarters

Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Project Update

On Tuesday, May 20, City Council voted to award a bid for demolition of the former DMV Headquarters site at 1100 New Bern Avenue. This work will prepare the site for future development.

About this Project

On June 24, 2024, the City of Raleigh acquired the former DMV headquarters in Southeast Raleigh, a 5.88-acre site with potential for community-driven development. The journey started in January 2019 when the City began working with NCDOT and State legislators. When the DMV headquarters moved to Rocky Mount, an opportunity came to light—and the vision for this area was further developed in the New Bern Station Area plan, which provides a basic blueprint for what the site could become. For a detailed timeline, visit the City's Journey to Acquisition page.

Historically, this area was home to many African Americans during segregation and was known for its close-knit community. Although the neighborhood has changed with rising costs and new residents, many legacy residents remain, keeping the strong sense of togetherness alive. Our project aims to honor and preserve this rich history. To learn more about the history of the site and neighborhood, visit The Story of New Bern Avenue.

In January 2024, the City launched an engagement plan to gather input from residents, business owners, and community leaders on their vision for the site. A Project Working Group was also formed to guide the development process.

Join us on this journey, from beginning stages to construction, and learn more on how you can be part of shaping the future of this important site by reading below.

STATUS:

  • We are making significant progress on the demolition of the DMV building.
  • The demolition & abatement contract was approved by Council May 20, 2025.
  • With councils’ approval to award the bid to the contractor, we have now entered contract negotiations and execution.

    • COMPLETED MILESTONES AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

    • Project investigation and abatement design: Summer 2024 - Complete
    • Permitting; Began Early 2025. Permit review occurred through March 2025 - Complete
    • Bidding; Began Spring 2025
    • Received quotes from qualified demolition companies Complete
    • City Council approval May 20, 2025 Complete
    • Contract negotiations, routing and execution is anticipated through June 2025
    • Demolition Begins: Summer 2025
    • Safe removal of all site materials and deconstruction of all structures - known as “remediation”: approximately one year
    • The site will be ready for re-use Summer of 2026

    More about the Former DMV Site Project

Project Details

 
Type:
City Properties and Facilities
Date Range:
-
Budget:
$23.34M

Contact

 

Niki Jones
Assistant City Manager

Lead Department:
City Manager's Office
Participating Department:
Community EngagementCommunicationsPlanning and DevelopmentTransportationCity AttorneyHousing and Community Development

Subscribe

 

Pre-Approval

Date Range:
-

Acquisition and Funding:

The City of Raleigh is in the process of acquiring the old DMV headquarters. This 5.88-acre site now stands as a canvas for community-driven development.

In January 2024, the City Council took decisive steps by authorizing instruments for the purchase, closure of properties, budget amendments, and allocation of ARPA funds. Simultaneously, an engagement plan for the site was put into motion.

View the City Council presentation.

Lead Department:
City Council

Visioning

Date Range:
-

Shaping the Future of the DMV Site

Your participation is crucial as we collectively shape the future of this iconic location. Join us on this exciting journey towards a vibrant and community-focused transformation!

We are embarking on the visioning and planning phases, a crucial period where community involvement takes center stage.

Get Involved: Engagement Opportunities 

Ongoing Engagement

Project Working Group
The Project Working Group  will be part of the decision-making process for the site’s future. Applications for the group were closed March 17, 2024. Learn more about the project working group members.

Want a Project Working Group member to attend your community meeting? Contact us at community.engagement@raleighnc.gov to schedule a Meeting in a Box session!

Upcoming Site Activation

While waiting for construction, the City of Raleigh will use the former DMV lot for community events to bring people together and support local vendors.

  • Basketball Tournament & Resource Fair
    This summer, join us for The Rose Tournament: Growing Beauty from Concrete, a powerful community basketball tournament and resource fair held at the former DMV site. Inspired by Tupac Shakur’s poem “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” the event will celebrate resilience, connection, and community-led change. The day will also mark the debut of a temporary outdoor court, which will remain open for play until construction begins! Date for the event to be announced soon.

Stay tuned for more ways to get involved! We will soon be announcing additional engagement opportunities. If you have ideas or visions for the site, we want to hear from you! Please email your thoughts to community.engagement@raleighnc.gov.

Previous Engagement

  • Community Kickoff: Shaping the Future DMV Site
    On August 24, 2024 the City hosted the Community Kickoff Event to launch the engagement and visioning phase of the project. Residents enjoyed food, fun, and connecting with fellow community members and our Project Working Group. Read more about the event.
  • Community Input: Former DMV Site Survey
    From October 2024 to March 2025, we conducted a survey to gather community input on the future of the former DMV site. Over the course of five months, 700 participants shared their thoughts, helping to shape the vision for this space. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
  • Community Office Hours – Thank You for Joining Us!
    From October 2024 to February 2025, we held monthly office hours at the former DMV site, providing an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts and ask questions. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and contributed to the conversation! While office hours have ended, we encourage you to stay engaged!
  • Egg-stravagant Basket Giveaway
    On April 12, over 250 attendees joined us for a Spring Basket Giveaway! Families enjoyed treats, music, bounce houses, face painting, and received updates on local projects.

Phase Contacts

 

Nadia Moreta
Assistant Community Engagement Manager

nadia.moreta@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2708

Lead Department:
Community Engagement

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