Raleigh Unveils Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park — A Landmark in Urban Recreation Near City Hike

Newly Opened: Gipson Play Plaza in Downtown Raleigh

RALEIGH, NC — Raleigh’s parks and recreation scene has reached a new milestone with the grand opening of Gipson Play Plaza, an 18.5-acre, $69 million recreational space located at the heart of Dorothea Dix Park. Heralded as the largest and most ambitious playground project in the Southeast, the plaza offers a dynamic blend of nature, art, play, and community gathering — and it’s already shaping the future for nearby housing developments like City Hike.

A Regional Destination for Play and Connection

Signage Outside of Gipson Play Plaza Near City Hike’s Downtown Raleigh Townhomes for Sale

Officially opened in June, the Gipson Play Plaza features an impressive array of attractions designed to appeal to all ages and abilities. Among the highlights:

• Slide Valley: A multi-level adventure area with four-story towers, climbing nets, and long tunnel slides.

• Watermill Mountain: A kid-powered water play zone inspired by Raleigh’s historic Yates Mill.

• Sensory Maze and Swing Terrace: Purpose-built for inclusive play and relaxation.

• Sand Bowl and Boulder Town: A massive sand-and-water landscape with imaginative playhouses and dig zones.

• Fountain Plaza and Picnic Grove: Spaces for community gatherings, complete with grills, shade structures, and seating terraces.

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The site also includes “The House of Many Porches”, a first-of-its-kind food and drink market inside Dix Park, serving locally sourced snacks, coffee, and beverages daily.

In addition to its extensive play infrastructure, the plaza weaves in thoughtful ecological design, with stormwater wetlands, pollinator gardens, and over 1,000 newly planted trees. Public art installations, including poetic inscriptions and large-scale sculptures, add a cultural dimension to the experience.

A Boost for Nearby Housing Developments

Aerial View of City Hike, Rooftop Townhomes for Sale in Downtown Raleigh

Gipson Play Plaza’s central location offers more than just recreational benefits — it’s also a major draw for homebuyers seeking proximity to nature and amenities without leaving downtown Raleigh.

City Hike is situated just minutes from Dix Park’s southern entrance. The contemporary collection, along Garner Road, offers twelve solar-ready units with skyline views, rooftop lounges, and proximity to the city’s expanding greenway network.

The community emphasizes sustainable urban living, and with Dix Park — and now Gipson Play Plaza — just a short bike ride or stroll away, the appeal for families, young professionals, and eco-conscious buyers is clear.

A Model for Parks-Driven Urban Development

Funded through Raleigh’s 2022 parks bond and a landmark $10 million private donation from Pat and Tom Gipson, the new plaza represents a growing commitment to weaving public space into the fabric of the city. The project is just the first phase of a long-term vision for Dorothea Dix Park, which city leaders hope will become one of the nation’s premier urban parks.

For nearby residents of City Hike, that vision is no longer in the future; it’s part of daily life. As Raleigh continues to grow, developments like City Hike are reshaping what it means to live downtown: proximity to green space, walkable amenities, and a strong sense of place. The addition of Gipson Play Plaza only strengthens that trend, offering not just a place to play, but a reason to stay.

Exterior of Move-in-Ready Townhomes at City Hike in Downtown Raleigh

Explore Rooftop Townhomes in Downtown Raleigh for Sale

At City Hike, meticulous craftsmanship, warranty-backed construction, and solar-ready design come standard, just like the panoramic green views waiting on your private rooftop. Speaking of green, here's how you can save some!

Thanks to a recent price improvement, select plans now start in the high $500ks. (That's on top of the $20,000 in limited-time buyer incentives already waiting at home.)

Two homes are already claimed, and we're ready to connect you to the rest of our designer DTR collection. Schedule a tour of move-in-ready homes, explore our 3D home tour or drop by our staged model for a self-tour virtually anytime with Chappell Keys. No matter how you visit, we'll surely see you soon!

YOUR NEXT-LEVEL NEIGHBORHOOD IS WAITING IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

OUR FIRST TWO CITY HIKE HIDEAWAYS ARE ALREADY SOLD… WANT TO BE THE NEXT ONE’S HOME?

Newest Sales Update from City Hike in Downtown Raleigh

WE’RE READY TO GET YOU HERE!

Looking for the latest available plans and expandable solar features? Connect with our experts today to schedule your site tour and see all the latest progress in person!

City Hike: Spring 2025 Update

Aerial of City Hike Progress in Downtown Raleigh

We’re excited to share that all City Hike homes (except those in Building D) are now complete and move-in ready!

The solar startup on our fully-staged model home has also been successfully completed, adding a tangible testament to the turnkey community's commitment to accessible energy-efficient living in DTR. Meanwhile, Building D is in its final phase, with Certificates of Occupancy (COs) expected to be issued once stormwater closeout is finalized in coordination with the civil team and the city of Raleigh.

Scroll for a closer look at the latest construction progress… or skip the preview and schedule a time to pop by in person!

CHECK OUT THE LATEST SITE PROGRESS

DELIVERY DATE: FIRST HOMES IN PHASE ONE ARE NOW MOVE-IN-READY

INSIDE OUR FULLY-STAGED MODEL HOME

SCHEDULE A GUIDED SHOWING OR STOP BY VIRTUALLY ANY TIME WITH CHAPPELL KEYS

THE FIRST CITY HIKE HOME IS SOLD… WANT TO BE NEXT?

Newest Sales Update from City Hike in Downtown Raleigh

WE’RE HERE TO GET YOU HOME!

Looking for the latest available plans and expandable solar features? Connect with our experts today to schedule your site tour and see all the latest progress in person!

City Hike: Winter 2025 Update

There’s plenty to celebrate entering the new year at City Hike and don’t worry; we have photos of it all!

Our first homes in Phase One, including our newly finished staged model home, are move-in-ready. Keep scrolling to see them all, and we’re giving you the inside scoop on what’s coming in Phase Two…

Aerial of City Hike Progress in Downtown Raleigh

INSIDE OUR FIRST MOVE-IN-READY HOMES

DELIVERY DATE: FIRST HOMES IN PHASE ONE NOW MOVE-IN-READY

THE LATEST PROGRESS IN PICTURES

DELIVERY DATE: PHASE TWO HOMES SET TO DELIVER BY SPRING 2025.

THE FIRST CITY HIKE HOME IS SOLD… WANT TO BE NEXT?

Newest Sales Update from City Hike in Downtown Raleigh

WE’RE HERE TO GET YOU HOME!

Looking for the latest available plans and expandable solar features? Connect with our experts today to schedule your site tour and see all the latest progress in person!

City Hike: Fall 2024 Update

There’s plenty to celebrate this Fall at City Hike and don’t worry; we have photos of it all. Construction progress on our first homes is well underway, and we’re bringing you an inside scoop on our most recent milestones.

Including a pretty exciting headline: our first home is sold! Keep scrolling for more…

Aerial of City Hike Progress in Downtown Raleigh

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO DESIGN YOUR HOME WITH THE VIRTUAL DESIGN CENTER!

Curate your interior selections with the Virtual Design Center

At the end of this month, October 31st, your time will have officially run out to curate your interior design via our cutting-edge Virtual Design Center.

So act fast to explore every custom option at City Hike!

THE LATEST PROGRESS IN PICTURES

DELIVERY DATE: FIRST HOMES MOVE-IN-READY BY NOVEMBER 2024.

THE FIRST CITY HIKE HOME IS SOLD… WANT TO BE NEXT?

Newest Sales Update from City Hike in Downtown Raleigh

WE’RE HERE TO GET YOU HOME!

Looking for the latest available plans and expandable solar features? Connect with our experts today to schedule your site tour and see all the latest progress in person!

City Hike: Summer 2024 Update

Things are heating up this summer and we’re not just talking about these NC temps! We’re bringing you the latest progress from City Hike, and of course, we have photos of it all.

Construction progress on our first homes is well underway, and we’re bringing you an inside scoop on our most recent milestones!

Aerial of City Hike Progress in Downtown Raleigh

THE LATEST PROGRESS IN PICTURES

DELIVERY DATE: FIRST HOMES MOVE-IN-READY BY FALL 2024.

READY TO EXPLORE? COME HOME TO CITY HIKE!

Newest Sales Update from City Hike in Downtown Raleigh

SCHEDULE YOUR SITE TOUR

Looking for the latest available plans and expandable solar features? Connect with our experts today to schedule your site tour and see all the latest progress in person!

New Solar-Ready Modern Townhomes Coming to Downtown Raleigh

City Hike is a cutting-edge, eco-friendly collection of 12 solar-ready, designer townhomes currently under construction at 1111 Garner Road and expected to be delivered later this year.

Exterior Rendering of City Hike — Modern Townhomes for Sale Coming to Downtown Raleigh

Raleigh, NC - Chappell [Powered by Compass], in cooperation with Concept 8 Holdings and Southern Energy Management NC, is thrilled to announce the newest solar-ready modern home collection in Downtown Raleigh. City Hike, located at 1111 Garner Road, embraces a new era of eco-friendly residential development in the Triangle area. 

With 12 residences available starting in the $600ks, City Hike offers homebuyers convenient Downtown Raleigh access, walkable connectivity to green space and greenway trails and an expansive rooftop vantage point. The first homes are under construction and available for tours, with early buyers being afforded the opportunity to customize their interiors via the revolutionary Virtual Design Center [Powered by TIA] and enhance their home's energy performance with upgradeable solar systems.

This boutique collection offers a designer base layout boasting 3 BR + Optional 4th Bedroom, 4 BAs, and 2,177 SQ FT of refined, modernly inclined Raleigh living. Each home comes with an expansive rooftop lounge, two-car parking, and an open-concept layout with multiple built-ins and explorable design expansions. 

Connect with our City Hike Pros to Explore the Virtual Design Center

Thanks to City Hike’s Virtual Design Center, buyers can select between three preset design schemes or build their own by combining various selections.

Through its cutting-edge demo, interested homebuyers can render their unique combination of fixtures and features in real-time, learn about the materials, and connect with City Hike agents to pick a plan.

After going under contract, future homeowners can make their interior selections and purchase upgrades via the online portal.

“Our Garner Road collection offers high-performance, low-maintenance homes designed to minimize a buyer’s carbon footprint and power bill.

In a market where inventory is in such a high demand, we’re proud to be providing a sustainable solution for our people and our planet.”

Eco-friendly, upgradeable features include nine (9) solar panels and an optional Tesla Powerwall. Homeowners can fully monitor and analyze their energy usage in real-time through the SolarEdge dashboard supplied by Southern Energy Management. In addition, the performance of every high-tech home is backed by system warranties and the SEM in-house solar support team.

“City Hike is not only an exceptional collection, it’s an example of our ongoing commitment to bringing environmentally friendly residential opportunities to the Triangle,” said Johnny Chappell, Owner & Broker of Chappell and development team member. “Our Garner Road collection offers high-performance, low-maintenance homes designed to minimize a buyer’s carbon footprint and power bill. In a market where inventory is in such a high demand, we’re proud to be providing a sustainable solution for our people and our planet.”

“Plus, with our new Virtual Design Center courtesy of our partners at TIA, we’re putting even more power in buyers’ hands,” continued Chappell. “From upgrading to solar to customizing the cabinetry, the VDC allows homeowners to curate their new home from their couch! Pick your plan, choose your features and click send. We bring the maintenance-free, modern plan; you bring the designer vision. Together, we’ll create a Downtown Raleigh home you’ll love.” 

City Hike is named for its embedded Downtown Raleigh locale and convenient green space access. Every aspect of this boutique community’s refreshing design, from its solar-ready potential to its customizable interior aesthetic, is designed to optimize the home’s performance, equipping natural resources to empower a healthier home & cleaner environment.

Solar-Ready Townhomes for Sale in Downtown Raleigh

The 1111 Garner Road community is one of multiple eco-friendly collections the Chappell team has brought to market. Currently, the team is representing IDYLE, 11 Net-Zero-Ready modern townhomes on Bloodworth Street and Tower, a Net-Positive energy collection of modernist single-family homes in the Village District.

Chappell and its development partners are collaborating on multiple other Missing Middle home collections under construction across the Triangle. In the Lake Johnson area, the teams are bringing 26 duet-style homes at Wrenwood and are close to delivering the first homes of Phase Two . The companies are also collaborating on Oberlin Heights, 11 luxury townhomes coming to the Village District area and anticipate the first home being move-in-ready later this year.

In regards to move-in-ready collabs between Chappell and its development partners, ITB Raleigh’s Lyon, has only two duet-style, modern homes remaining in the 70% sold collection. Further out, 50% claimed North and Broadway welcomed its first homebuyers earlier this year to its first finished Downtown Durham townhomes, while in Wake Forest, the Forest on Franklin collection of craftsman-style townhomes only has three remaining residences to explore..

Chappell [Powered by Compass] is the real estate broker for City Hike. Tightlines Designs serves as the project’s architect, Concept 8 manages the construction, and Southern Energy Management NC validates the development’s solar capabilities. Rich Paravella of Prime Lending is the preferred lender for the project, while Mann, McGibney & Jordan, PLLC, is the preferred attorney. Concept 8 Holdings is the developer.

For more information on City Hike, visit cityhikeraleigh.com or contact 919.877.6647. For a full look at the community’s sustainability specs and FAQs, visit cityhikeraleigh.com/go-green.

About Chappell [Powered by Compass]
Chappell [Powered by Compass] is a team of doers and creators pushing the bounds of expected real estate to deliver an exceptional experience. As one of the best residential real estate firms in the greater Raleigh, Durham, & Triangle areas, we are a team of knowledgeable experts who bring years of insight and expertise to every interaction. We’re proudly powered by Compass, the best boutique brokerage in the country. Tech-driven with tools and resources to ignite any listing or project, we invite you to experience real estate differently – whether it’s buying, building, or selling.

About Southern Energy Management

Based in Raleigh, NC, Southern Energy Management (SEM) specializes in rooftop solar and green building. Since 2001, SEM has installed 15+ megawatts of solar across 2,500 homes and verified over 25,000 ENERGY STAR and green-certified properties. A Certified B Corp since 2009, SEM earned Best for the Environment by B Lab and was named 2022 Inc. Magazine Best Workplace.