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.
- 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
COMPLETED MILESTONES AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
More about the Former DMV Site Project
Project Details
- Type:
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City Properties and Facilities
- Date Range:
- -
- Budget:
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$23.34M