Sep 11, 2026 - News
Raleigh is in the early stages of renovating Nash Square
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A rendering of how Hargett Street could be transformed between Raleigh City Hall and Nash Square. Courtesy of City of Raleigh
The city of Raleigh is in the early stages of redesigning Nash Square to make the space more inviting to the public.
Why it matters: Nash Square is one of Raleigh's five public squares that were laid out in the city's original plan from 1792, and it sits in the heart of downtown next to Raleigh City Hall.
- The other squares were Moore Square, Union Square (home to the State Capitol), Burke Square (now the Governor's Mansion) and Caswell Square (now the N.C. Department of Public Safety).
What's happening: The Raleigh City Council reviewed new drawings of how a refresh of Nash Square could look this month, including adding tree-filled medians on Hargett Street to narrow the road between Raleigh City Hall and Nash Square.
- Other improvements would include improving walking paths and opening the corners of the park.
- A monetary amount for renovating the square is not known yet. The city council will discuss it more in depth next year.
