In a recent Wake County government meeting, officials discussed the development of a new General Services Administration (GSA) facility, a project that aims to address long-standing space issues and improve service delivery. David Rutherford, deputy director of facilities design and construction, presented an update on the planning process, which has been in the works since 2019. The need for a new facility arose from overcrowding in existing downtown buildings and the inadequacy of the current GSA site, which has been in use for over 30 years.

The proposed facility will be located at the Wake County Office Park, strategically positioned to enhance service response times to key areas, including the downtown campus and the Wake County Detention Center. The master plan indicates a need for a facility of approximately 207,000 square feet, situated on a site of 11 to 17 acres. This plan reflects a growth projection of 1.8% annually over the next 20 years, accommodating an increase in full-time employees from 151 to 250.

Rutherford highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the facility's design, with over 90% of GSA staff participating in surveys that informed the planning process. The design aims to consolidate various GSA operations, which are currently spread across multiple locations, into a single, efficient facility.

The meeting also touched on the potential for affordable housing on the site, with plans to incorporate approximately 90 housing units alongside the GSA facility. This dual-purpose development aims to maximize the use of county-owned land while addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the area. The affordable housing component is positioned to be further from industrial uses, ensuring a suitable living environment.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its strategic location and the potential to reduce costs associated with acquiring new land. However, concerns were raised about traffic impacts on Pool Road, which is already a busy area. A traffic study is anticipated as part of the next steps in the planning process.

The timeline for the project includes schematic design work to be presented in the fall, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2026. The total budget for the GSA facility and associated developments is estimated at $117.5 million, with funding already allocated in the county's financial plan.

As the project progresses, officials will continue to engage with community stakeholders and address any concerns related to the development, including the future of the Olivia Rainey Library, which may need to be relocated as part of the site redevelopment. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the potential benefits of the new facility and its role in enhancing county services and community development.