Founded in 1856 by activist Dorothea Dix as a historically significant mental health campus, the land that is now Dix Park was recently acquired as Raleigh’s largest park, at over 300 acres. While the park has gone through several transitions over the years, it has remained a vital part of the history and community experience in Raleigh. Three historic stone houses (Superintendent’s House, Physicians’ House and Gatekeeper’s Cottage) centrally located within the Park, were transformed as a key part of Dix Park’s strategic plan. Once used as residences for members of the original hospital staff, the restoration of the three long-abandoned dwellings offers a visitor’s center, office and education spaces, and public restrooms, creating a vibrant destination for visitors of the park.
Multiple stakeholders and partners were involved in this project, so coordination was key. As landscape architects, we enjoyed helping shape this park as it continues to provide historic and meaningful personal connections for the residents of Raleigh. The revitalized exterior space welcomes visitors to an outdoor classroom, amenity plaza, and newly accessible walkways interwoven between all buildings and across the natural site. Together, these create a cohesive space designed to enrich the daily life of those with offices in the stone house and provide improved connections for visitors to Dix Park including stunning panoramas of Downtown Raleigh.