Governor McCrory Announces Deal to Sell Dorothea Dix Property | Eastern North Carolina Now

Agreement would pave way for destination park in Raleigh

    Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory and Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane announced today that state and municipal leaders have tentatively agreed to a deal that would sell the Dorothea Dix property to the City of Raleigh.

    "This agreement allows the creation of a destination park in our state capital, protects state taxpayers and continues to honor the legacy of Dorothea Dix," said Governor McCrory.

    Mayor McFarlane added that the purchase of Dorothea Dix Park "marks a significant moment for the City of Raleigh."

    "A centrally located urban park in Downtown Raleigh will spur economic development and provide open space and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors but more importantly, this acquisition secures and preserves property that has historic significance not only for the city but the entire state of North Carolina," said Mayor McFarlane.

    The 307-acre property, which contains the Dorothea Dix Hospital and dozens of administrative buildings now used by state agencies, is located near downtown Raleigh on the south side of Western Boulevard east of Centennial Boulevard. The site has primarily served as a mental health treatment facility since the first patient was admitted in 1856. However, the hospital was closed in 2012 after most services were transferred to the Central Regional Hospital in Butner. Under the terms of the proposed sale, the State will retain the use of the property that currently contains office buildings used by the Department of Health and Human Services.

    The proposed purchase price for the property is $52 million. The City of Raleigh has until December 31, 2015 to identify a definitive source of funding.

    The agreement is subject to final approval by the North Carolina Council of State and the Raleigh City Council.

    The terms of the proposed sale can be found here.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov