Raleigh deal to buy Dix hospital finalized
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The deal is done. Gov. Pat McCrory and Mayor Nancy McFarlane announced Friday that the state has finalized the sale of the Dorothea Dix property to the City of Raleigh.
"Today is a significant moment in history for the city, as Raleigh officially assumes ownership of the Dorothea Dix Park property," Mayor McFarlane said. "I want to thank Gov. McCrory for working with me the past two years on this final purchase agreement. I am so proud of the countless staff from both the City and State, as well as community partners and other government leaders who helped secure and preserve the park for future generations to enjoy."
In May, the mayor and governor officially signed the purchase contract allowing the city to acquire the 308-acre mental hospital property for a total of $52 million.
The site had primarily served as a mental health treatment facility since the first patient was admitted in 1856. However, the hospital was closed in 2012 after most services were transferred to the Central Regional Hospital in Butner.
The Raleigh city council has already approved a one-year lease agreement with the Capital Area Soccer League for the use of approximately 60 acres of the property for $1. The lease will be reviewed annually.
It also approved a two-year lease agreement with North Carolina State University for 2.5 acres of land to be used as a daycare facility - also for $1 - and a lease agreement with the State of North Carolina to remain on portions of the site west of the railroad for up to 25 years and east of the railroad for up to 10 years.
