Equinox II is a rare opportunity to acquire an architecturally significant property with substantial redevelopment potential in one of downtown Raleigh's most active and desirable locations. Located directly across from The Bend in the heart of the West End District, this 4,017-square-foot, two-story masonry building with an attic sits amid strong development momentum, including approximately 400 new apartment units currently under construction nearby. Zoned NX-4, the property allows for the development of up to 12 residential units under current zoning, with the potential to increase density to as many as 20 units through rezoning and the addition of an extra floor, making it an exceptional opportunity for residential or mixed-use redevelopment while benefiting from an irreplaceable urban location.
Originally completed in 1983, Equinox II is a pioneering example of passive solar design and sustainable architecture. Over the past four decades, the building has saved more than 9,000 MBTUs of energy compared to a typical office building in the Southeast, an amount equivalent to the annual electricity usage of approximately 240 single-family homes. Even by modern standards, it operates at roughly 60 percent less energy consumption than a contemporary high-tech office building, demonstrating the enduring value of thoughtful design.
The all-masonry structure features an 8-inch concrete block envelope with 4 inches of exterior rigid insulation, finished in durable cement-based stucco, allowing the building itself to function as thermal storage. Its southern exposure, combined with earth berms along the north, east, and west sides, enhances energy efficiency and year-round comfort. A large central atrium serves as both the main solar collection space and a focal point of the building, with sloped glazing designed to maximize solar gain while providing shade. Offices open directly into the atrium, filling the interior with natural light and indirect heat throughout the day.
Equinox II has remained largely true to its original design while benefiting from targeted upgrades, including high-efficiency electric heat pumps and LED lighting. Over the last decade, the property achieved an Energy Use Intensity of just 20.4 kBtu per square foot per year, far below the regional average of 77.8 kBtu per square foot per year. The building can continue to operate as a highly efficient office or investment property, or it can be repositioned to take full advantage of its zoning flexibility, residential density potential, and premier downtown Raleigh location.
