Merritt Breaks Ground on Phase 1 of North Carolina Research Triangle Industrial Development

Baltimore-based full-service commercial real estate firm Merritt Properties recently announced the start of construction for phase one of the RDU Business Park. Upon completion, the 150-acre development will deliver more than 790,000 square feet of Cary, N.C., industrial space(opens in new tab) in the heart of the North Carolina Research triangle.

Located just three miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the light industrial business park project encompasses up to 13 single-story industrial buildings that range from 8,600 to 108,225 square feet and offer tenants convenient access to Interstate 540, Interstate 40, and U.S. 70. Additional phases of the project may be developed, depending on market demand at the time.

“The start of construction on the first phase of RDU Business Park is an important milestone for Cary and the continued growth of our regional economy,” said Mark Lawson, president of the Cary Chamber of Commerce. “High-quality light industrial space remains one of the most in-demand product types, providing businesses with the flexibility to expand while creating quality jobs. We appreciate Merritt Properties’ investment in Cary and look forward to welcoming the companies that will help shape the future of this business park.”

Phase one includes three single-story buildings totaling more than 201,000 square feet and is expected to wrap up in the fourth quarter of 2027. Two of the buildings will feature 18-foot clear heights, while the third will offer a 24-foot clear height. Additionally, two buildings will share a 150-foot-deep truck court, while the third will feature a dedicated, 110-foot truck court.

All three buildings will include rear-loading docks; drive-in capabilities; 30- and 40-foot column spacing; free surface parking; and 277/480-volt electrical service.

“We’ve continued to grow our presence in North Carolina because we believe in the strength and future of this market,” said Keith Wallace, regional director of Merritt Properties’ North Carolina office. “The West Phase is the first step in delivering a premier shallow-bay industrial park that will meet growing demand and support the next wave of business growth across the Triangle.”

“The construction of RDU Business Park combines exceptional connectivity with flexible space where companies can put down roots, build their teams and grow,” said Scot Berry, Cary’s assistant town manager and chief development officer. “We’re excited to see this project break ground, helping more businesses choose Cary and remain here as they provide jobs and opportunities for our community.”

Data analyzed for Commercial Café’s national industrial report(opens in new tab) showed that Charlotte, the most prominent industrial market in North Carolina, had the 13^th-largest construction pipeline in the country at the close of July 2026 with 7.6 million square feet in development at that time. Under-construction industrial space in Charlotte(opens in new tab) was also the fourth-largest pipeline among top markets in the Southern U.S. region last month, behind Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta.