Demolition begins in preparation for East Civic Tower

The old Raleigh Police Department headquarters is being replaced with a new city hall called East Civic Tower, where city staff will be consolidated under one roof.

A rendering of a 17-story white civic building in Raleigh.

Los Angeles-based artist and architect Susan Narduli will work on the public art at East Civic Tower.

Rendering via City of Raleigh

Protective fences recently went up around the old Raleigh Police Department headquarters near Nash Square in preparation to demolish the building — today, bricks will start to fall.

ICYMI, a new 17-story city hall called East Civic Tower will replace the vacant building which was built in 1962. Once completed, the facility will serve as city hall with all city staff housed in one building.

Instead of using an explosion to demolish the vacant building at 110 S. McDowell St., crew members will start scraping bricks off the building today around 1:30 p.m. using a large (and noisy) machine — so if you’re working downtown, you might want to reach for those noise-cancelling headphones.

With construction slated to start this summer, the city expects to finish the $206 million project by December 2026. Stay privy to construction progress with the project’s update page.

More from RALtoday
Your personal library is about to get an upgrade. Read up on the independent bookstores of Raleigh.
Keep an eye on this article for all updates about the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2026 postseason and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
This new-construction home is filled with modern details and is steps away from 5,000 acres of protected forest.
Sponsored
A 4,000-unit residential living community called Asteria is Disney’s first Storyliving by Disney location on the East Coast.
In honor of National Poetry Month and Raleigh’s first poet laureate position, we’re inviting you to channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickinson, or Keats.
Dive deep into the record bins at these Raleigh music hubs.
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Who doesn’t love shopping local? Pack the perfect picnic using only local items.