Michigan Central Station Transforming into Modern Rail Hub

Detroit, October 17, 2025

After decades of inactivity, Michigan Central Station is making a comeback as a vibrant rail hub. The historic landmark is undergoing transformation to enhance connectivity in Detroit, providing improved transportation options for residents and visitors alike. This revitalization project aims to not only preserve the rich history of the site but also to integrate modern transportation solutions, fostering a prosperous and connected community.

Charlotte, North Carolina

New Indoor Music Venue Announced Near Bank of America Stadium

Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE) has unveiled plans to construct a new 4,400-seat indoor music venue adjacent to the North Gate of Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. The facility, covering 89,000 square feet, aims to enhance the city’s entertainment offerings by providing a centrally located performance space. Construction is slated to commence in 2027, with an anticipated opening in 2030. TSE will fully fund the project, though specific cost details have not been disclosed. The venue will be developed in partnership with Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s design and development group. This initiative reflects TSE’s commitment to enriching Charlotte’s cultural landscape.

Delays in Uptown Library Construction Project

The construction of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new five-story Uptown branch at 6th and North Tryon Streets is progressing but behind schedule. Originally slated to open in 2026, the $137 million, 115,000-square-foot facility is now expected to open in spring 2027. The library has been closed for four years, and once completed, it is projected to attract a million visitors in its first year, becoming a key community resource and major Uptown destination. Library Director Caitlin Moen attributed the delay to detailed work aimed at ensuring the building’s longevity. The design incorporates feedback from the community, focusing on adult users, while the separate ImaginOn branch continues serving children and teens. Mecklenburg County has contributed $72.33 million, and the library foundation still seeks $8 million in private donations to meet the total cost. Key features include a pedestrian-friendly Tryon Plaza, a shared lobby with the adjacent theater, a 2,500-square-foot café, an open atrium, and a public second-story terrace. The library aims to enhance Uptown’s evolving cultural landscape.

Wilson Stadium Under Construction in Wilson

Construction is underway for Wilson Stadium, also known as the Wilson Sports + Entertainment Complex (WiSE), in Wilson, North Carolina. The stadium, with a capacity of 4,500, is set to be the home of the Minor League Baseball team, the Wilson Warbirds, starting in 2026. The project broke ground on May 10, 2024, and is expected to be completed by the opening day of baseball’s 2026 season. The $70 million stadium will feature artificial turf and is part of a broader $280 million development project approved by the city of Wilson. The development includes mixed-use spaces such as office and retail areas, townhomes, apartments, and an 80-room hotel overlooking the field.

Mid-Currituck Bridge Project Advances

The Mid-Currituck Bridge, a proposed 7-mile long two-lane toll bridge spanning Currituck Sound, is progressing through legal and planning stages. The bridge aims to alleviate summer traffic congestion and improve emergency response and evacuation times. Plans for the bridge have been in development since the 1970s, with the project gaining momentum in recent years. The Federal Highway Administration approved the project in March 2019, and in May 2023, litigation filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center concluded, allowing the project to proceed. The bridge is expected to be built in the 2020s-2030s, though an exact opening date remains undetermined.

Asheville Regional Airport Expansion Continues

Asheville Regional Airport is undergoing a significant expansion and reconstruction project. Once completed, the terminal will be 150% larger than its current size and will have 12 gates instead of 7. The new two-story terminal is part of a $400 million project, with $175 million in bonds approved by the state treasurer. The groundbreaking ceremony for the terminal occurred on August 11, 2023, and the new air traffic control tower is expected to be ready in 2025. The completed project is scheduled for 2026.

Challenges in North Carolina’s Construction Industry

The construction industry in North Carolina is facing significant challenges due to new tariffs on imported materials, impacting over 45% of construction supplies. This has led to a sharp rise in costs, with a 1.4% increase in January alone. The outlook remains uncertain as economic and political factors contribute to hesitancy among investors. This ongoing price surge affects both structural and finishing materials, forcing architects and developers to adapt quickly. Strategic planning and early cost assessments are essential for managing budgets effectively amidst fluctuating expenses and complex supply chain dynamics.

North Carolina’s Construction Industry Ranks Fifth Nationally

North Carolina’s construction industry continues to stand out on the national stage, ranking as the fifth strongest in the country, according to a new LendingTree analysis. The study, which looked at wage growth, job growth, and new housing permits, paints an encouraging picture for the state’s builders, tradespeople, and contractors, signaling momentum for the region’s ongoing economic expansion. Between 2021 and 2024, construction wages in North Carolina rose by 11.4%, which trails the state’s overall wage growth of 22.3% for all occupations. While the pay increases in construction were more modest, the industry still outperformed the state’s overall labor market when it came to job growth: employment in construction grew by 13%, compared to a 10.8% increase for the workforce as a whole. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s appetite for new housing remained strong.

Efforts to Enhance Highway Construction Zone Safety

With numerous projects underway in Charlotte and the surrounding area, there is a renewed focus on work zone safety. Lawmakers are working to make these construction zones safer for everyone, as 84% of North Carolina contractors have reported a crash within the past 12 months, placing the state well above the national average. Proposed legislation could increase fines for speeding in work zones from $250 to $5,000. This initiative aims to protect both workers and drivers, ensuring safer construction environments across the state.

North Carolina GOP Plans to Redraw U.S. House District Map

North Carolina Republican legislative leaders have announced plans to vote on redrawing the state’s U.S. House district map. This move follows former President Donald Trump’s call for GOP-led legislatures to counter Democratic redistricting efforts. The current North Carolina map, drawn in 2023, resulted in Republicans winning 10 of 14 seats in 2024, compared to a 7-7 split in 2022. The GOP now aims to make the 1st District, currently held by Democrat Don Davis, more Republican-friendly, potentially raising their total to 11 seats. Critics argue these actions are partisan gerrymandering. North Carolina Democrats and advocacy groups like Common Cause and the NAACP are challenging the proposed redistricting in court, citing racial discrimination and voter dilution. The state’s Democratic governor cannot veto redistricting plans, giving Republicans a clear path to implement changes. This redistricting battle is a crucial factor in the upcoming competitive midterm, where Democrats need to gain only three seats to flip the House.

ReBuild NC Seeks Additional Funding Amid Scrutiny

North Carolina’s hurricane homebuilding program, ReBuild NC, is requesting more than $200 million in new funding to complete projects for homes damaged by Hurricanes Florence and Matthew. The agency has run up a deficit of over $221 million and paused construction and payments to contractors in December. If the General Assembly fails to appropriate the additional money, ReBuild NC warns that contractors may leave, further delaying recovery efforts. The program aims to provide dependable housing solutions for residents affected by the hurricanes.

North Carolina Freedom Park Opens in Raleigh

North Carolina Freedom Park, located on Lane Street in downtown Raleigh between the Executive Mansion and the Legislative Building, opened on August 23, 2023. Designed by Phil Freelon and the firm Perkins + Will, the park includes the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network’s Crime Victims’ Memorial Garden. The total project cost of $5 million was funded partly from an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant of $1.9 million. The park serves as a significant addition to Raleigh’s public spaces, offering a place for reflection and community engagement.

Durham’s Novus Tower Nears Completion

The Novus, a 27-story mixed-use tower under construction at 400 West Main Street in Downtown Durham, is nearing completion. The tower, developed by Austin Lawrence Partners and Global Holdings, is expected to open in 2025. The building site was formerly occupied by the South Bank building. The Novus topped out on January 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Durham’s urban development.

Queensbridge Collective Development in Charlotte’s South End

Queensbridge Collective, formerly known as 1111 South Tryon, is a two-building development under construction in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood. The project broke ground in May 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2027. The development includes residential towers and is part of a broader effort to revitalize the South End area, providing new housing and amenities to the community.

Durant Road Bridge Project in Raleigh

Construction on the Durant Road bridge in Raleigh is underway, with traffic shifts now in place as part of a two-year project to build a new bridge that will span over the S-Line, a new rail line connecting Raleigh and Richmond. The project is expected to cause delays, and drivers are advised to plan accordingly. The bridge is part of a broader effort to improve transportation infrastructure in the region.

Blue Ridge Road Construction in Raleigh

Construction along Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh is ongoing as part of a larger project to enhance transportation infrastructure in the area. The work is expected to cause some disruptions but aims to improve traffic flow and accessibility.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Author: Construction NC News

The NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionncnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in North Carolina and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.