Raleigh Area Land Trust and Raleigh Raised Development Break Ground on Cottages of Idlewild, Bringing 18 Affordable Homes to Downtown
On August 25th, 2025, Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT), in partnership with Raleigh Raised Development, marked a major step toward addressing Wake County’s housing shortage with the ceremonial groundbreaking of Cottages of Idlewild, the first affordable cottage court in downtown Raleigh. This development will deliver 14 permanently affordable for sale homes for households earning less than 60% AMI and four rental units for households earning 30–80 percent of area median income (AMI).
From the outset, RALT has partnered with the City of Raleigh and Wake County to bring Cottages of Idlewild to life. The shared vision was creating a close-knit cluster of homes arranged around a landscaped courtyard—complete with art installations and communal gathering spaces—that fosters both affordability and connection.
“The Cottages of Idlewild represent more than just housing,” said Kevin Campbell, Executive Director of RALT. “They embody our belief that everyone deserves a place to call home and a community in which to thrive. This project sets a new benchmark for inclusive development in Wake County.”
“At Raleigh Raised Development, we saw an opportunity to do things differently—to prove that affordability and quality design can go hand in hand,” said LeVelle Moton, Co-Founder of Raleigh Raised Development. “Working alongside RALT, we’re excited to offer a model that other communities can replicate.”
“Creating deeply affordable homeownership options is a core priority for the City of Raleigh,” said Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell. “Cottages of Idlewild will provide stability for families and help reshape our city’s growth in a more equitable way.”
Lead funding for the project includes:
Wells Fargo Foundation- Our affordable housing partner, providing philanthropic support to help make home construction possible.
Coastal Credit Union – Our legacy impact partner, contributing both philanthropic funding through the Coastal Credit Union Foundation and reduced mortgage rates to increase home affordability through Coastal Credit Union. Thanks to their commitment, homeowners will benefit from mortgage rates that are below the current market rate.
These investments come at a critical moment: between 2020 and 2023, North Carolina’s median home sale price climbed 37 percent, while Wake County rents jumped 46 percent over five years. Cottages of Idlewild’s shared-equity model guarantees that these homes remain affordable not just today, but for generations to come.
RALT’s goal is ambitious: 100 permanently affordable homes over the next five years. Cottages of Idlewild is the first of many milestones on that path. Community members and supporters can stay engaged through volunteer opportunities, site tours and fundraising events.
To learn more or make a gift, visit www.ralt.org.
About Raleigh Area Land Trust
Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) is Wake County’s first and only community land trust. The non-profit organization is dedicated to providing affordable housing options for residents of Wake County. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, RALT works to create housing solutions that promote equity and opportunity for all individuals and families. The non-profit has committed to constructing 100 homes over the next five years, addressing the pressing need for accessible housing solutions in our community.
