Barnhill Building Group and its joint venture partners—Balfour Beatty and D.A. Everett— are proud to announce that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Headquarters Campus project has received the 2026 ENR Texas & Southeast Best Projects Award in the Government/Public Building category. The recognition honors the collaborative efforts of the project team, architect LS3P, and numerous trade partners who helped bring one of North Carolina’s largest public construction projects to life.
Located in Raleigh’s Blue Ridge Corridor, the new DHHS Headquarters Campus consolidates approximately 3,200 employees from 14 divisions into a modern, purpose-built workplace designed to support efficient operations, collaboration, and future growth. The first phase of the development includes a 460,000-square-foot office tower, a central utility plant, and a 1,052-space parking deck.
Delivered through a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) joint venture between Barnhill, Balfour Beatty, and D.A. Everett, the project presented significant challenges from the outset. Faced with market volatility, escalating material costs, a delayed project start, and a fixed occupancy deadline tied to the State’s relocation from Dorothea Dix Park, the team developed innovative solutions to keep the project moving forward. A phased procurement strategy allowed critical work packages to be bid early, helping secure pricing and maintain momentum while design continued. The approach proved so successful that it created a model for managing risk and uncertainty on future public projects.
Collaboration played a critical role throughout design and construction. Early coordination between the design and construction teams led to key design refinements that improved constructability and reduced costs while maintaining the project’s overall vision. The team also continuously evaluated design changes, costs, and schedule impacts in real time, allowing informed decisions and minimizing disruptions as the project progressed.
Several construction innovations contributed to the project’s success. More than 1,300 prefabricated curtain wall panels allowed the building to be enclosed in approximately five months, accelerating interior construction and reducing weather-related impacts. The project also incorporated a large underground stormwater management system that preserved valuable site space while supporting long-term campus performance. Additionally, the team accelerated construction of critical IT and data center spaces so state personnel could begin installing technology infrastructure well before final completion, ensuring a seamless transition into the new facility.
Beyond the building itself, the DHHS Headquarters Campus serves as a catalyst for future development within Raleigh’s Blue Ridge Corridor. The project established infrastructure for future expansion, improved pedestrian and transit connectivity, and integrated access to surrounding greenway systems. As the first phase of a larger master-planned development, the campus is expected to support continued growth and investment throughout the area.
The project was completed under the final approved budget and ahead of the adjusted schedule, demonstrating the power of strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and disciplined execution. ENR’s Best Projects Award recognizes not only construction excellence, but also the teamwork and problem-solving required to deliver outstanding results.
The DHHS Headquarters Campus stands as a landmark achievement for North Carolina and a testament to what can be accomplished through innovation, partnership, and a shared commitment to excellence.
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