The Raleigh News and Observer is planning construction of a new headquarters on their existing land downtown. They hope to consolidate operations scattered across multiple sites.

The plan is to buid 130,000 sq. ft. of offices on the site of the existing headquarters at 215 S. McDowell St. Additionally they would construct a parking deck for employees. Remaining property may be redeveloped as a mix of shops, office or residential space. This would fill the block bounded by McDowell, Martin, Hargett and Salisbury Streets.

The bidding process has just begun so no design exists yet. Concepts range the building anywhere from 6-11 stories. $28m is the anticipated spending the paper can do. Construction will not be finished until at least 2010.

This project is delayed due to business circumstances at the News and Observer.