In 1959, the founders of RTP pioneered a new model for conducting R&D. Their innovative focus on the link between universities, businesses and government created a groundbreaking innovation model that has since been replicated worldwide.
But models of success are never static. To fulfill the ever-changing needs of RTP’s fast-paced global businesses, leaders of the Park continue to invest in design, technology and infrastructure to maximize use of the 7,000-acre park. In 2012, RTP’s leaders unveiled a new Master Plan for the Park, the first in 50 years.
[Download the Master Plan here.]
Find out more and share your thoughts
Send your ideas about new development and the future of RTP, as well as questions or comments on the Master Plan, to redevelop@rtp.org.
For engineers, designers, and other development services professionals who are interested in future opportunities in RTP, please contact rtp@hines.com.
And anyone can follow us on Twitter for a consistent stream of updates -- @TheRTP.
Goals and Principles
The Master Plan took shape around 3 major goals:
- Retain existing firms, many of whom like the pastoral character of RTP but want to see more services and amenities
- Attract a broader range of tenants, with the understanding that small entrepreneurial firms are often looking for different facilities than what the Park currently offers
- Continue to draw large companies, which can remain a core market for RTP even as new types of development are introduced
To accomplish these goals, consensus was built around several planning principles:
- More Density, More Nature, recognizing that nodes of clustered, connected development can be balanced with areas of preserved open space to enhance the Park’s identity
- 21 Century Amenities that establish RTP as a live/work/play/learn district that doesn’t just roll up its sidewalks at the end of the workday
- Promote a Landscape Character for the Park that uses key entrances and attractive shared open space to strengthen our identity and visiblity
- Become a model for Sustainability by preserving natural systems and reducing our ecological footprint
Ongoing Work
The RTP Master Plan was unveiled to the public on November 9, 2012. At the launch event, the Research Triangle Foundation announces Hines as their new development partner and EE&K as designer for a new mixed-use village in RTP.
Several early steps have already been taken in making the Plan a reality. And the unveiling is hardly a stopping point. Much work remains over the next several years as we begin development of a mixed-use village, the first project under the new Master Plan.
Here are some key accomplishments to date:
September 2010
The Research Triangle Foundation engages Cooper, Robertson & Partners, a preeminent architecture and urban design firm based in New York, to create the RTP Master Plan. CRP assembles a team of highly qualified firms to contribute to various aspects of the Plan, including HR&A (markets & economics), Grimshaw (design), and Buro Happold (sustainable landscapes).
Early 2012
After drafting and initial refinement, the Plan is presented to Park companies, regional public officials, and other key stakeholders. Their input and buy-in was crucial for finalizing the Plan.
June 2012
Updates to RTP’s state enabling legislation are passed by the NC General Assembly to allow clustered, mixed-use development in the Park.
Sept and Dec 2012
Updates to RTP’s general zoning are adopted by Wake and Durham Counties to allow more development flexibility for Park companies.
November 2012
Master Plan launch event (watch the video here).
Statewide bus tour (http://www.rtp.org/reimagine-nc) to reconnect with the entire state of North Carolina.
Early 2013
Amendment to the RTP Restrictive Covenants to be adopted.
Mid 2013
Land Plan for mixed-use village to be finalized. Additional steps in the development process will include negotiating with landowners, securing entitlements, and pursuing financing.
