An artist's rendition of RTP 3.0.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK — In a historic and unanimous vote, companies and landowners in Research Triangle Park have approved new development standards that adopt the RTP 3.0 framework, unlocking the ability to pursue mixed-use and residential opportunities for the first time in the Park’s nearly 70-year history.

RTP 3.0 is the result of a multiyear planning process to chart a long-range vision for the next half-century of innovation and economic growth in RTP. The plan is designed to strengthen research and development, expand economic opportunity, and better position the Park to attract and retain top talent. It introduces new development options that support a broader mix of uses, including enhanced corporate campuses, walkable mixed-use environments and limited residential options. These changes help preserve RTP’s legacy as a leading global destination for innovation while supporting one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

During last month’s meeting of the RTP Owners and Tenants Association, the RTP Development Code and associated regulations were unanimously approved by all present and voting members, marking a defining moment in the Park’s evolution. The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina Board of Directors subsequently approved the measure, completing a five-year effort to modernize how RTP grows and competes.

The updated covenants and design standards follow the zoning frameworks approved by Wake County and Durham County Commissioners and introduce greater flexibility for how land can be used across RTP, including reduced setbacks and increased development density.

Together, these actions mark the transformation potential of North America’s largest research park from a traditional corporate campus model into a more dynamic, connected innovation community designed to attract talent, accelerate discovery, and drive long-term economic growth.

“RTP 3.0 began as a bold 50-year vision for what Research Triangle Park could become,” said Scott Levitan, president and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, and a lead visionary behind the RTP 3.0 planning initiative. “For decades, these 7,000 acres, an area roughly half the size of Manhattan Island, were defined by a single-use corporate campus model. That model served RTP well, but the future demands more. These new standards give companies the flexibility to reimagine their work environments and unlock new possibilities to create spaces where people can work, live, collaborate and connect, ensuring RTP remains globally competitive in research and development, and a leading driver of economic growth for North Carolina.”

This milestone builds on years of convening and collaboration among companies, landowners, university leaders, elected officials, public partners, economic development representatives and community members. An earlier vote in January 2025 passed with overwhelming support, and this final approval underscores the trust, alignment and shared commitment to RTP’s future.

With RTP 3.0 now approved, the framework maintains the traditional corporate development model while introducing three new development options:

* Enhanced Corporate Campus

* Residential Neighborhood Development

* Mixed-Use Node

These new options provide companies and landowners greater flexibility to align their real estate assets with evolving business needs, changing market conditions and talent expectations.

The RTP 3.0 Vision Plan acknowledges existing and potential future bus, bus rapid transit and rail routes, ensuring RTP is prepared for future transit-oriented growth.

A central feature of the vision is the proposed RTP Greenway – a 10-mile north-south corridor connecting campuses, mixed-use nodes and natural areas across the Park. Building on RTP’s existing 20-mile network of trails, the greenway is envisioned as both a recreational amenity and an economic asset, enhancing quality of life while improving mobility and connectivity.

For those interested in learning more about the opportunities RTP 3.0 unlocks, the Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and with support from McAdams, is hosting the “RTP 3.0 Lunch & Learn: Reimagine the Park” on Aug. 13. The session is designed for RTP companies and members of the development, design and real estate community. For additional details and to register, visit https://www.rtp.org/calendar/rtp-3-0-lunch-learn-reimagine-the-park.

RTP landowners can submit applications under the enhanced development standards starting July 16. To apply or learn more about RTP 3.0 opportunities, visit https://www.rtp.org/reimagine.

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