Empire Properties wants to build tower in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District

One of the city’s biggest downtown landlords wants to replace a dirt parking lot with retail, office and living space, which will likely require property rezoning.

Empire Consolidated Development, founded by Greg Hatem, is asking the city to rezone land on South Dawson Street to allow for a mixed-use building up to 12 stories. City rules currently allow up to four stories on the site, which spans about one-fifth of an acre and is located next to Crank Arm Brewing on Davie Street.

The request could pave the way for the third major construction project in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District in as many years. A couple blocks to the northeast, Kane Realty is building a 17-story tower and Raleigh is building the Union Station transit hub, both of which are on pace to open early next year.