New center in Cary will break ground in Spring 2025
The new Western Regional Center got the greenlight today to prepare final plans for construction when the Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved its design plans and renderings. Once built at 151 High House Road in Cary, this modern facility will span 3.4 acres and offer approximately 28,000 square feet of space across two stories.
"As Wake County's population continues to grow, so does our need to provide services to meet the demand,” said Shinica Thomas, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Our location at James Jackson Avenue served us well. Now, it's time we transition to a new, bigger and better location, with the community at the center of the services we offer.”
The new site is currently shared with one of Wake County’s long-time community partners, Dorcas Ministries. Parking will be expanded in the area, adding 66 new spaces for improved accessibility.
Services currently offered at the existing Western Health & Human Services Center will remain active at the location until the transition to the new location. The new center will provide a wide range of services, including Medicaid, child welfare, vaccinations, family planning and more. Additionally, amenities such as a tax payment station and workspaces for county inspectors and Sheriff's Office staff will be available.
Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with features such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and LED lighting incorporated into the design.
The new center will join the other four centers in Wake County providing similar services:
- Departure Health & Human Services Center
- Eastern Regional Center
- Northern Regional Center
- Southern Regional Center
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2025, with completion anticipated in about 14 months and a grand opening scheduled for the summer of 2026. The project is estimated to cost $14–15 million, with funding already allocated in the County’s current Capital Improvement Program.
