Shaking up Raleigh’s housing market in a green way is IDYLE, the city’s first net-zero energy-ready townhomes. Recently splashing on the scene on South Bloodworth Street just steps from Transfer Co. Food Hall, the collection of 10 mod three-story, three- to four-bedroom dwellings comes tricked out with eco-perks like solar panels, a Tesla Powerwall, EV-car hookups and a home-monitoring system to track energy performance.
“It’s a groundbreaking project for Raleigh,” says Johnny Chappell of real estate firm Chappell and developer DevPointe. “This was a chance for us to do something that felt like it fit well in the Downtown fabric, but also something that stood out and offered something different for people who are looking to live, work and play in DTR.”
The concept first sparked in 2021 with a mission to increase density, expand affordable housing options beyond larger single-family homes and build sustainably so as to “be good stewards of the planet we all live on,” adds Chappell. Bonus: The primo location means max solar exposure—and positions the Downtown core in the front yard.
Courtesy of Chappell
Fully passive-powered, the homes are capable of generating more energy than they use to earn a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of zero—aka max energy efficiency—when upgraded to a full package of 32 solar panels. Translation: Homeowners can all but erase their monthly utility expenses while cashing in on major tax incentives.
Still, green doesn’t mean giving up luxe. Think chef’s kitchens with custom cabinets by local pros, quartz countertops, high-end electric appliances, and walls of windows framing views of skyline vistas. Rooftop terraces pull double duty, pairing solar panels that both power the homes and shade the space for optimal lounging and entertaining.
The result plays right into IDYLE’s calling card: boundary-pushing sleek, smart, sustainable living that’s anything but cookie-cutter. “We’ve had a very positive response, not only from homebuyers, but from those interested in something truly original,” emphasizes Chappell. “Anytime we get to do something outside the box or that pushes our creativity, it’s good for our team—and for the Raleigh market.” Call it a blueprint proving that, in Raleigh, sustainability and style aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re the new standard.
Brian Herring joins Center Park Group as Division President.
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After 25 years in residential construction and development—primarily focused on for-sale homebuilding in North Carolina—I’m excited to announce my move into the build-to-rent (BTR) space as Division President at Center Park Group. This shift is more than a personal pivot—it’s a strategic response to evolving housing demands in the Southeast and a chance to deliver a product tailored to today’s renters.
FROM SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES TO SCALABLE STRATEGY
Over the past two and a half decades, I’ve worn many hats—general contractor, homebuilder, developer, and entrepreneur. Through Herring Homes and other ventures, I’ve built hundreds of homes across Johnston, Wake, and surrounding counties. That experience taught me how to build efficiently and profitably, but more importantly, how to pivot as the market and buyer needs change.
I’ve always been focused on building homes where people actually want to live. Recently, though, I saw a shift: even strong buyers found it increasingly difficult to access homeownership due to rising costs, lifestyle changes, and interest rates. That’s when I began exploring where the industry was heading—and all signs pointed to BTR.
WHY BUILD-TO-RENT? WHY NOW?
Build-to-rent communities offer the space and privacy of a single-family home with the low- maintenance lifestyle of a managed rental. They’re ideal for young families, empty nesters, relocating professionals, or anyone not quite ready—or able—to buy.
From an investment standpoint, BTR is equally compelling. With strong fundamentals and growing interest from institutional capital, this model is filling a major gap in the housing market.
WHY CENTER PARK GROUP?
Center Park Group is more than just a builder— we’re community creators. I was drawn to CPG for its disciplined, integrated approach to development. From site selection to vertical construction and asset management, the company is built on a platform that’s efficient, scalable, and informed by deep experience.
As the Southeast’s premier residential general contractor, CPG sets the standard in craftsmanship and quality. But what truly sets us apart is the depth of our team. We take the time to understand each client’s goals and deliver tailored solutions backed by accurate data and market insight.
STRATEGIC FOCUS & FORWARD VISION
We identify sites within a 45-minute drive of major city centers, connected to existing infrastructure and zoned for residential development with no rental restrictions. Our target communities range from 50 to 300 units, located in areas with a 3-mile population of at least 30,000 and household incomes of $75,000 or more. Our product mix includes single-family detached homes, townhomes, and cottage-style units—designed to offer flexible floorplans, garages, and varying levels of finish.
With a growing footprint across the Southeast— including Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta, and Tampa— we’re positioned to scale quickly through our repeatable, data-driven processes. From day one, we’re able to deliver accurate unit pricing, construction schedules, and pro forma modeling.
LOOKING AHEAD
My focus now is on expanding CPG’s presence in Wake County and the surrounding region, bringing thoughtfully designed BTR communities to markets that need them most. With strong population growth, job creation, and affordability challenges, the demand for innovative housing solutions has never been greater.
At its core, this move isn’t just about transitioning from homebuilding—it’s about building smarter for the future and helping more people find a place they’re proud to call home. Center Park Group – Raleigh: 555 Fayetteville St., Ste. 300, Raleigh, NC 27601; centerparkgroup.com; 919-650-8224
