The Exchange Raleigh, a $1 billion dollar mixed-use development, is well underway with its first tower, 1000 Social, topping out last month in Midtown.

We walked through the framework — hard hat and all — with Dewitt Carolinas CEO Todd Saieedto chat about their vision for the tower and the 40-acre project.

Here's what we learned:

Saieed and partner Ven Poole grew up in Raleigh, so they are creating this project with the community top-of-mind. The development will be surrounded by an expansive four-acre park and three acres of trees, designed with a WELL Building Standard. The company says it is prioritizing sustainability and wellness efforts before, during, and after construction is complete.

"We wanted to create highly amenitized buildings to enhance and compliment employee lives," Saieed said.

Residents will have access to luxury conveniences — including six destination dispatch high-speed elevators, balconies on every floor, advanced air filtering systems, private bathroom pods, and concierge services.

The community will have access to 20,014 sqft of ground-floor retail and restaurant space with plenty of outdoor seating available.
The newly constructed double-helix parking deck will offer 1,585 spaces and allow for faster and more convenient arrivals and departures.

What's one of our favorite features? Oh, we're glad you asked. The two-story main lobby will feature an illuminated contemporary tree trunk sculpture to represent the company's roots in the City of Oaks.

The 12-story tower is 50% pre-leased, with tenants slated to start moving in April 2024 — Whitley Law Firm, Summit Design and Engineering Services, GFL Environmental, Inc., and Dewitt Carolinas, Inc., will occupy 165,000 sqft of the available 330,000 sqft of Class A office space.

What’s next? The infrastructure is almost complete, which includes enhancements to city roads and neighboring sidewalks. 1000 Social's portion of the sky bridge is being connected to the 10th and 12th floors and will be ready to accept the mirroring tower, 2000 Social. A timeline for the second tower has not yet been announced.