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✨ A $2.5B Transformation Puts the Triangle Back in the National Spotlight
Published 13 days ago • 4 min read
Happy Friday, Triangle!
If you’ve been wondering what’s next for the Triangle, this week’s updates paint a pretty clear picture:
→ RDU just kicked off a $2.5 billion overhaul that’ll reshape how we all travel, from a brand-new runway to a full Terminal 2 redesign.
→ Then over in Durham, Northgate Mall is gearing up for its next chapter as Ellerbe Square, and the plans already have people talking.
→ And if you’re in the market for a home, there’s a new stat that surprised even me: more than half of buyers now choose homes with this holiday detail in mind.
I pulled together 15 of the best holiday events around the Triangle so you can plan December without digging for info. Tap to see the full list on IG:
Driving the news: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has launched four major construction projects (totaling $2.5 billion) to double its capacity over the next decade and keep up with the region’s rapid growth.
Details:
A new runway is under construction to replace an aging one, with completion expected in 2029.
Terminal 2 is expanding, with interior construction starting this December and a finish date targeted for 2032.
John Brantley Boulevard is being redesigned to reduce congestion, adding new lanes, bridges, and a rerouted drop-off area for Terminal 2.
Economy Lot 3 will nearly triple in size by 2026 and feature solar-powered canopies and a customer amenity center.
The big picture: These upgrades position RDU as a key player among mid-size airports nationally.
With passenger numbers recovering quickly post-COVID, RDU is banking on long-term demand from both business and leisure travelers.
Between the lines: The hardest part? Keeping operations smooth during years of construction. Terminal 2’s drop-off area will close for at least two years, forcing traffic to an undetermined location.
The bottom line: RDU is preparing for 30 million annual passengers, up from 15.5 million. For the Triangle region, this means more direct flights, fewer delays, and a smoother experience for local travelers and visiting businesses.
It’s a big win for regional accessibility and long-term economic growth.
Driving the news: The long-vacant Northgate Mall in Durham is poised for a major transformation. Plans submitted by Regency Centers detail a new open-air shopping development dubbed Ellerbe Square, anchored by a 140,000-square-foot national retailer and surrounded by smaller retail and dining spots.
Details:
Most of the existing mall, including the former theater and a parking deck, will be torn down.
The redevelopment will include six new buildings and over 750 parking spaces.
Construction could begin by late 2026.
Regency Centers is acquiring one-third of the mall property from current owner Northwood Investors.
Why it matters: Northgate Mall has been a dormant eyesore for five years. This reboot could inject fresh energy into a key corridor between downtown Durham and I-85, boosting local shopping options and job creation. Local leaders see potential for the area to evolve, even as some community hopes (like more housing and walkability) remain unmet.
The big picture: Earlier visions for the site included a life sciences campus, but Regency’s retail-driven approach signals a different direction.
And because the new plan doesn’t require rezoning, it skirts recent efforts by the city and neighbors to push for more green space and affordable housing.
Between the lines: While the first phase of development focuses on retail, there's still a chance for housing or mixed-use components in later stages, though that would require new approvals. For now, the city’s influence is limited.
The bottom line: Ellerbe Square is finally giving new life to one of Durham’s most debated properties. While it’s not the community vision some hoped for, it could still be a retail anchor that spurs future growth.
In this video, we’re taking a deep dive into the Raleigh of the future—what the city is expected to look like by 2035. With massive growth, transformative infrastructure, and major development projects underway, Raleigh is on track to look almost unrecognizable in the best way.
Driving the news: A new Realtor.com survey finds over half of U.S. homebuyers factored holiday hosting into their most recent home search, with Thanksgiving as a clear reference point for what makes a house feel "right."
Details: Younger buyers are leading this trend, shifting the definition of a “dream home” toward spacious kitchens, flexible layouts, and guest-friendly bathrooms:
60% of Gen Z and Millennials say Thanksgiving entertaining influenced their home choice.
Only 30% of Boomers said the same.
Top features buyers want for hosting: big kitchens (92%), large family rooms (92%), and guest bathrooms (87%).
Only 12% said a double oven was essential (space matters more than gadgets).
Why it matters: For buyers in the Triangle, this signals a real shift in lifestyle priorities. It’s not just about price per square foot, it’s about how the space feels when friends and family fill it.
Homes that offer room to gather, move, and relax aren’t just attractive, they’re emotionally meaningful.
To keep in mind: When showing homes, ask questions that uncover what buyers really want:
“What does hosting look like for you?”
“How many people would you like to fit around the table?”
“Would you prefer more sleeping space or more bathroom access?”
These questions make clients feel understood.
The bottom line: If you're planning to buy or sell soon, holiday hosting isn’t just a seasonal side note, it's reshaping what people value in a home.
Whether you're dreaming of a bigger kitchen or listing a house with that perfect flow, the ability to host could be your biggest asset.
I’m a Raleigh-based agent who’s passionate about real estate, local life, and making homeownership feel easy (and fun!). Subscribe and join 2,000+ readers who get the inside scoop every week!
