By Joe Fisher, WRAL reporter

Raleigh, North Carolina – Raleigh’s skyline could change. A developer has expressed interest in building multiple skyscrapers up to 40 stories high. If they were built, they would become the tallest buildings in the city.

This project is called The Nexus, and it originally included several 20-story buildings.

Now the acquisition group wants to build even higher, but they will need city council approval before moving forward.

Construction on the downtown 3-acre property has been put on hold. But there are still plans to build several towers, with offices, retail stores and condos. The development would transform an entire city block between McDowell and Salisbury streets.

The only question is: what height will Acquisition Group be allowed to build?

The land is zoned up to 20 stories high, but the city’s growth and strong demand for housing have the owner hoping to grow up to 40 stories.

“We have seen incredible interest in this area. Obviously, the announcement with Apple a few weeks ago rocked the region and put us even more on the map than we were, “said Mack Paul, of Morningstar Law Group, who represents the developer ?.

Nearby, PNC Plaza is currently the tallest building in town with 33 floors. She, too, owns condos, and one resident, Wilton Barnhardt, is worried about her resale value if her view is soon blocked.

“I have no objection to the development,” Barnhardt said. “I object to a 40 story wall being in my opinion.”

Shops and restaurants are planned on the ground floor of the new development.

Emily Hancock said living in a mixed-use space allows her to drive less and walk more.

“I think having more inbound traffic and more foot traffic brings more business. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, considering what we’ve just come out of, ”Hancock said.

However, some are concerned about downtown traffic and the area’s limited public transportation.

“At some point it’s going to be like every other city,” Esa Punch said. “I just wonder when do you save things like this part of Raleigh?” How much more can you build? “

A growing skyline in a growing city with growing pains on the horizon

Lawyers representing the Nexus Project have said that if they get permission to build 40 floors, that doesn’t mean they’ll build that high.

Raleigh City Council gave the green light for another 40-story tower in September. This development is planned for Capital Boulevard and Peace Streets, but it is not clear if this building will actually reach this limit.

A zoning change for the Nexus has yet to go through the city’s planning commission and city council. It could be about two years before this project is launched.