Blue Heron & Cline Break Ground on Rosewood

Rosewood reflects Blue Heron’s vision of delivering a thoughtfully designed community in one of Raleigh’s most dynamic and rapidly growing neighborhoods. The Raleigh-based investment and development company completed the $12.85 million land acquisition earlier this year and sees the area as a rare opportunity to offer residents walkability to downtown’s restaurants and cultural experiences while providing a balance of outdoor connectivity to Dix Park and State Farmers Market. 

Cline brings together expertise in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, land planning, and branding to envision the new luxury mixed-use, multifamily community. Strategically located between the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood and the urban growth surrounding Dix Park, Rosewood will serve as a vital connector between Downtown Raleigh and the city’s expanding greenway trail network. 

“As both a member of the Blue Heron team and a Boylan Heights resident, I’m thrilled to see this corner of Raleigh come to life after so many years. Rosewood has been thoughtfully designed by an incredibly talented team to bring beauty and new energy to this part of the city. We are excited to break ground and can’t wait to welcome residents to Rosewood,” says Julie DeSena, Office Manager, Blue Heron Asset Management.

Rosewood will offer an urban lifestyle complemented by wellness-focused amenities and outdoor recreation areas. The design balances contemporary living with timeless architectural principles, drawing on subtle mid-century modern influences. Warm brick detailing, graceful arches, and thoughtfully layered materials create an elevated yet approachable aesthetic that echoes the character of nearby established neighborhoods.

“When completed, Rosewood will strengthen access to the surrounding neighborhoods while contributing to the evolving character of Downtown Raleigh,” says Lindsey Kretchman, AIA, Partner at Cline. “The design is guided by the area’s ongoing transformation, creating a cohesive community that meaningfully connects distinct areas of Raleigh – architecturally, socially, and physically.”

Spanning 399,000 square feet across two buildings and a central public plaza, Rosewood will comprise 269 leasable units ranging from 499 to 1,531 square feet and will offer flexible indoor and outdoor resident spaces. Amenity highlights include a custom sauna and cold plunge suite supporting physical and mental wellbeing, private coworking areas, and elevated gathering spaces, including a rooftop lounge and terrace overlooking South Street. Unexpected details, like a concealed speakeasy tucked within one of the buildings, offers a unique resident experience.