Renaissance Center

Renaissance Center has proven to be an extremely successful extension to Durham’s already impressive regional retail destination, the Streets at Southpoint (also a project of McAdams). Using our experience on a major adjacent project, we were able to more easily navigate through the approval processes for this project, despite having to address wetlands impacts, watershed restrictions, floodplain impacts and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) improvements while working under the City of Durham’s stringent mixed-use zoning district parameters. The site of Renaissance Center proved to be challenging due to the narrow parcel and a 40-foot drop in topography. McAdams overcame this challenge by designing multi-level grading incorporating stepped buildings, extended stem walls and retaining walls. McAdams designed on-site and off-site construction drawings including one of the first stormwater wetlands ponds in Durham and a complete realignment and abandonment of an existing NCDOT street. Our Stormwater and Environmental team delivered floodplain impact justifications and obtained approval through the City of Durham, while avoiding detention requirements.