Durham Gateway: Major New Community Planned for Brier Creek Area

A new development is on the horizon for Brier Creek

A transformative new development is on the horizon for Brier Creek, this time from Durham County’s side of U.S. 70. Known as Durham Gateway at Brier Creek, the proposed project spans more than 270 acres in Durham County and an additional 30 acres in Wake County. If approved, it will introduce a thoughtfully planned mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, totaling up to 1,750 residential units.

Development Highlights

• Project Scale: The development proposes a blend of housing types to accommodate rising demand, with a mix of multifamily units, townhouses, and detached homes.
• Community Engagement: Developers and city planners held an initial public meeting on May 1, 2025, with more community sessions expected as the process continues.

What This Means for Brier Creek

Brier Creek, traditionally known for retail, business parks, and established residential communities, is now set to become a hub for major residential expansion. The Durham Gateway project reflects a growing trend toward large-scale, mixed-use developments across the Triangle.

Transportation & Planning Considerations

With easy access to I-540, US 70, and RDU International Airport, the area offers strong regional connectivity. However, the project must undergo rezoning from Rural/Suburban to Planned Development Residential and secure infrastructure commitments such as road access and multi-use paths. Coordination between Durham and Wake counties will be essential.

Next Steps

• Rezoning Process: Approval is required before breaking ground.
• Infrastructure Planning: Road networks, utilities, and pedestrian access must align with community standards and long-term sustainability.

Local Reactions

Some residents see the development as an opportunity to introduce new amenities and housing options, while others are concerned about traffic congestion and the potential impact on neighborhood character—particularly along the already-busy US 70 corridor.

A Broader Pattern of Growth

This project follows a string of large residential developments in the region, including Alta Bethpage, a 336-unit community, and Amavi Brier Creek, which began pre-leasing 350 homes in late 2024. Overall, Raleigh-Durham had more than 20,000 multifamily units under construction by the end of last year, signaling strong growth across the metro area.

In Summary

Durham Gateway at Brier Creek could become one of the region’s most significant residential projects, offering thousands of new homes across more than 300 acres. As public meetings, permitting, and planning progress through 2025, residents and developers alike are watching closely. This development may help define the next chapter of growth in the Brier Creek area—and the broader Triangle.