Underfoot Participates in NCSU Mentorship Program

This spring, Underfoot Engineering volunteered to mentor North Carolina State University students for their Civil Engineering capstone project class, CE-450.

The objective of the class is to give the students an opportunity to use what they’ve learned during their academic career and collaborate with each other to design a residential or commercial site.

Underfoot provided a recently approved project as a hypothetical exercise. The students had the opportunity to design the site in their own way but within the criteria that professionals in the site civil sector must abide by.

The Underfoot team met with the students once a week to discuss design topics, review the students’ work, and provide feedback to ensure that they were learning and challenged throughout the course of the project. 

“Our Underfoot mentors were great,” said a participating NCSU student. “They always gave us guidance when we needed it, and didn’t just give us the answers. They guided us toward asking the right questions. They encouraged us to keep working and made themselves very available, even outside of scheduled meeting time.”

Underfoot has been a part of the mentorship program for more than 10 years, and the program requires an invitation each year. Dr. Jonathan Miller has made the CE-450 class a collaboration between the university and industry professionals.

“It is always an honor to be considered to volunteer and have the capacity to do so, as we are giving back to our local community and, for many of us at the Underfoot office, our alma mater,” said Jeffrey Taboada, an Assistant Project Manager on the team.

Mike Roselli and Landon Lovelace, both principals at Underfoot, were invited to judge the presented projects.

Walker Row: Luxury Condo Project in Downtown Cary

Triangle Business Journal recently reported on luxury condominiums being developed in downtown Cary, where Underfoot Engineering is serving as the lead engineer and landscape architect for the project. Raleigh-based Envision Homes partnered with Underfoot to design the project named Walker Row.

“This was an opportunity for us to explore a new product our client was excited to bring to market, utilize our aptitude for urban design, and extend the evolving urban streetscape of Downtown Cary to the corner of Byrum and Walker,” said Mike Roselli, principal for Underfoot Engineering. “With the proximity to the new Downtown Park, this project was a home run.”

The 44 townhome-style condos will be located at 207 and 211 Byrum St. and 413 S. Walker St., a 2-acre area at the corner of Byrum and Walker streets, near the Downtown Cary Park and library. Walker Row follows the success of nearby Park Station, similarly developed by Envision Homes and designed by Underfoot. 

Walker Row details:

Josh Swindell, principal for Envision Homes, says vertical construction will start in September, with an estimated timeline of about two years.

Along with Park Station, Walker Row is one of many residential developments in the works in the sought-after downtown Cary area.

Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about Walker Row and our consulting and design services.

Loyal Apprentice Gained Through Wake Tech Program

Underfoot Engineering, who has partnered with Wake Tech Community College in their WakeWorks® Apprenticeship program since 2022, was featured in a recent WRAL spotlight regarding the program. WRAL spoke to Rowan Wiles, who began his apprenticeship with Underfoot in 2023 with a goal of becoming a civil engineer. Now, almost 18 months later, Wiles said he considers himself a loyal employee. “It’s a really awesome, small-firm family,” said Wiles of Underfoot. “It feels like working with family.” Wiles works 40 hours a week with two “awesome” mentors. He receives training on anything that would come up in a normal day’s work, according to engineering standards and the specific processes at Underfoot. 

“This is an incredible opportunity for both Rowan and the team here at Underfoot,” says Vice President Mike Roselli. “Rowan will be finishing the program shortly, and we’re looking forward to engaging with Wake Tech for additional apprenticeships later this year.”

 Wiles also benefits from networking through the apprenticeship, such as attending events and making connections with people in the Raleigh Home Builders Association and similar groups in surrounding counties.  Ultimately, Wiles will gain 3,000 hours of work experience at Underfoot through the apprenticeship, and the hours will apply toward his degree program. Apprentices also earn compensation commensurate to predetermined goals and milestones with the firm. Wiles plans on graduating from Wake Tech and continuing to pursue additional education, including finishing his bachelor’s degree. He plans to stay with Underfoot “for as long as they’ll have me,” he said.  “It’s a great place to work,” Wiles said. “It’s a great work dynamic and promotes a really healthy work-life balance, which is really important.”

Abode Arringdon Sold to The Carlyle Group

A new Morrisville townhome development called Abode Arrington was purchased by The Carlyle Group, a global private equity firm. Underfoot Engineering was lead engineer and landscape architect for the project.

“This was a prime location for our client, with proximity to I-40, 540, RDU International Airport, and Research Triangle Park,” said Mike Roselli, principal for Underfoot Engineering. “The flexibility to develop both garage and street-parked units was key to providing a variety of housing options needed in this bustling area.”

 Abode Arrington was built and sold by DRB Group. Underfoot Engineering provided all site planning, design, and construction coordination services for the 65-unit development. The project was entitled through City of Durham and Durham County Utility processes. The Carlyle Group bought 58 of the 65 townhomes for nearly $22 million, or about $371,000 per home, reported Triangle Business Journal. The firm has a U.S. real estate investment arm and has about 1,300 total investments in the U.S. Abode Arringdon details: Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about consulting and design services utilized for Abode Arringdon.

New: Spacious Townhomes Near Southpoint

Underfoot Engineering is the planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture firm for a new townhome community near The Streets of Southpoint in Durham. Named Rollingdale, the homes built by Toll Brothers will start in the mid-$400,000s and are located off Highway 54 north of Interstate 40.

“This project required extensive coordination with the City of Durham and NCDOT to provide the developer with their ideal community size and a full-access movement on NC-54,” said Mike Roselli, Vice President at Underfoot Engineering. “And with quick access to Southpoint, this development will be very enticing to buyers.”

As reported in the Triangle Business Journal, the townhomes will include over three acres of open space. Originally under development by Rollingdale Investments, the land was acquired by Toll Brothers in May 2023. The homes will be up for sale in late summer and move-in ready this fall. Rollingdale details: • 2,225 square feet • Two open-floor-plan layouts with flexible rooms and outdoor decks • Three stories • Four bedrooms • Two-car garages • Lawn care provided Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about Rollingdale and our consulting and design services.

New Homes at Cardinal Landing in a Booming Harnett County

Underfoot Engineering is working on a new residential subdivision in Harnett County with homes priced around $300,000. Called Cardinal Landing, the subdivision is located off Highway 27, east of Buies Creek, and covers about 49 acres. Homes will go on the market in spring 2025.

“We’re really excited to deliver homes in the growing town of Coats, North Carolina, and the greater Harnett County area,” said Vice President Mike Roselli. “The proximity to I-40 and I-95 is a win for commuters that depend on these corridors.”

This price point for Cardinal Landing is lower compared to what homebuyers tend to find in other parts of the Triangle, targeting a buyer moving outside the core Triangle counties for a lower cost of living. Triangle Business Journal noted that the housing market in Harnett County is rapidly growing due to the increasing county population, which grew from 114,678 residents in 2010 to 138,832 residents in 2022, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Cardinal Landing details: Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about Cardinal Landing and our consulting and design services.

Mike Roselli Featured in TBJ People on The Move

Underfoot Engineering is proud to announce a significant milestone in its growth and service offerings. This month, Vice President Mike Roselli, PE, PLA, was featured in Triangle Business Journal’s People on the Move section under Architects & Engineering/Professional Recognition—a testament to his leadership and expertise in shaping the built environment. As part of this recognition, Underfoot Engineering officially introduced Landscape Architectural services to its portfolio. This strategic addition reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering comprehensive site solutions that blend functionality, sustainability, and design. Roselli will spearhead the new practice, guiding its vision and integration within the firm’s established civil engineering framework.

“Mike will oversee the firm’s vision to incorporate the service in-house and strengthen the firm’s strategy of designing great places in the Triangle and the Southeast,” said the announcement. “The additional practice area has been officially added to the firm’s portfolio of site design services.”

Roselli brings a unique blend of technical and creative expertise to this role. In addition to his Civil Engineering degree, he holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University, equipping him to lead projects that harmonize engineering precision with thoughtful design. The introduction of Landscape Architecture services positions Underfoot Engineering to better serve clients seeking integrated solutions for site planning, environmental stewardship, and placemaking. From urban developments to community spaces, this expansion underscores the firm’s dedication to shaping environments that inspire and endure. People on the Move highlights hiring announcements, promotions, and professional milestones across the Triangle business community. Underfoot Engineering is honored to share Mike’s achievement and celebrate this exciting new chapter. Congratulations, Mike, on this well-deserved recognition!

Jordan Retreat: Luxury Homes with Nearby Nature

Underfoot Engineering was selected to design a new housing development called Jordan Retreat, located in eastern Chatham County, near Jordan Lake. The project consists of more than 54 acres and 32 high-end single family homes.

“Jordan Retreat is a needle in the haystack,” says Underfoot President Landon Lovelace. “To preserve this much land and provide a unique and secluded subdivision this close to Jordan Lake is unheard of today.”

Triangle Business Journal reported that the land is owned by Oak Crest Commercial LLC, which bought the land in 2014. Nate Byelick, the owner, described the property as a “beautiful natural oasis minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the RDU urban sprawl.”

Jordan Retreat is across the road from 14 miles of walking and biking trails, hoping to attract active adults and families. Byelick also told TBJ that the project is the “first conservation subdivision submitted under Chatham County’s new, more stringent environmental guidelines.” Eighty percent of the land is preserved for nature.

Jordan Retreat details:

Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about consulting and design services utilized for Jordan Retreat.

Light Industrial Space in the Works at Tech Park Lane

Underfoot Engineering is the lead engineer on a new industrial building designed for small tenants between Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina at 80 Technology Park Lane off Highway 55 north of town. The 25,000-square-foot building has flex warehouse space for up to eight tenants.

“Truck movements for delivery vehicles are always the biggest challenge to industrial developments like these,” said Mike Roselli, Vice President at Underfoot Engineering. “We were able to develop a unique dock solution on this site to increase the site yield without compromising dock access. The owner is extremely happy.”

 Triangle Business Journal reported that Fito Salman is the developer on the project, who said the space is geared toward small businesses and light industrial users, such as plumbers, small technology manufacturers, or HVAC companies. John Powell, Phoenix Commercial Properties broker for the building, said that the space has received significant interest from potential tenants. The development kicked off in 2020 but was put on hold until 2022 due to the pandemic and high construction costs. Construction started in March 2023. The shell of the building is expected to be finished by mid November, with tenant upfits starting in early 2024. Technology Park Lane details: •  3.46 acres •  20-foot clear heights •  Six drive-in and two dock-high doors with a staging platform •  Eight bays total – two at 3,065 square feet, two at 3,490 square feet, and four at 2,975 square feet •  Land value assessed at $301,436, anticipated to increase to $4 million Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about Technology Park and our consulting and design services.

99 New Townhomes Planned for Pittsboro

Underfoot Engineering is involved in what Triangle Business Journal called a “rare townhome development” in Pittsboro – the first townhome community in years to be approved in the growing Chatham County town.  Developers are required to obtain a special use permit for this type of project, which the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners approved in a 5-0 vote. Underfoot provided the design and permitting for the development, working with Triple A Homes and The Legion Company.

“When we were first presented with the challenge of designing a townhome development in Pittsboro, we knew we were the team for the job,” said Landon Lovelace, President at Underfoot. “But the design is only half the battle. Getting the Special Use Permit approved through the Pittsboro entitlement process was the real achievement.”

 Dan Morse, president of Triple A Homes, told Triangle Business Journal, “The biggest thing is there’s nothing like this in Pittsboro, and now there will be. It’s very exciting, and we definitely plan to do more. There’ll be a price point that Pittsboro hasn’t seen less than a mile from downtown.” The townhomes will be located on 16 acres at the corner of N.C. Highway 87 and U.S. 15-501 (Sanford Road), just south of downtown Pittsboro. This project is one of several in the works for Pittsboro. Triple A Homes has additional developments planned as well.  Townhome details: Contact the Underfoot Engineering team to learn more about consulting and design services for this project and more.
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