Merritt Properties has started construction on RDU Business Park, a new light industrial project planned on 150 acres in the Town of Cary. The development site is located approximately three miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, positioning the future park to serve regional industrial and logistics users seeking proximity to the airport and major transportation corridors.
At full build-out, RDU Business Park is planned to include as many as 13 single-story industrial buildings totaling 790,527 square feet. The project is designed for light industrial, warehouse, and distribution uses, with the buildings configured to accommodate a wide range of tenant sizes and operational requirements. Individual buildings across the park are expected to range from 8,600 square feet to 108,225 square feet, offering flexibility for both smaller and larger occupiers.
Merritt has begun work on the initial portion of the project, referred to as the West Phase. This first phase covers 31 acres of the overall site and will deliver three single-story light industrial buildings totaling 201,250 square feet. Construction activity is underway, marking an expansion of Merritt’s presence in North Carolina as the firm continues to add industrial space in the market.
When RDU Business Park is fully developed, Merritt’s portfolio in North Carolina is expected to exceed 1.35 million square feet across six business parks. The new project therefore represents a meaningful share of the company’s regional footprint and extends its strategy of developing single-story industrial product in key locations. The staged approach to construction allows the developer to respond to user demand as the park matures.
The first three buildings within the West Phase are scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027. These facilities are currently available for preleasing, giving prospective tenants the opportunity to secure space ahead of delivery. The buildings are being planned to support a variety of industrial and distribution operations, reflecting the diverse demand profile typically seen near major airports.
Additional phases of RDU Business Park will be brought forward as market conditions support further construction. This phased rollout is intended to align new supply with tenant interest over time, rather than committing the full site to immediate build-out. Future phases are expected to continue the focus on single-story light industrial product within the same overall square footage framework for the park.
Merritt Properties is overseeing leasing for RDU Business Park. By retaining leasing responsibilities in-house, the company maintains direct relationships with prospective tenants and can tailor space offerings within the planned building sizes as the project progresses through subsequent phases.
