This 17.92± acre tract at 12863 NC Hwy 210 in Benson, NC offers a rare opportunity to develop in one of Johnston County’s most active growth corridors. Located just ½ mile from I-40, the property provides excellent regional connectivity and strong visibility along a key east-west commuter route.
The site is zoned IHI (Interstate Highway Interchange), which is intended to support higher intensity, traffic-oriented commercial uses. This zoning is ideal for retail, drive-thru/QSR, convenience, service commercial, medical, and flex-style employment uses that benefit from strong traffic exposure.
Positioned within Johnston County’s Regional Growth Area and identified as a Regional Mixed-Use Center, the property is aligned with long-term planning objectives that support commercial expansion and mixed-use development. This designation reduces entitlement risk and provides confidence for future development.
The surrounding area is experiencing rapid residential growth, with Johnston County seeing approximately 20% population growth since 2020 and continued annual growth of 4–6%. The site sits within a large and expanding consumer base, creating immediate demand for retail and services.
The trade area is significantly underserved, with approximately 45% retail leakage and over $100M in annual food demand leaving the market. This presents a strong opportunity for developers and retailers to capture unmet demand through grocery, restaurant, and service-oriented uses.
Traffic counts further support commercial viability, with approximately 16,700 vehicles per day on NC Hwy 210, 17,000 on Hwy 50, and over 85,000 on I-40. Planned infrastructure improvements, including an $88M NCDOT project along Hwy 210, are expected to enhance access and increase traffic over time.
Public water and gravity sewer are available to the property, making it well-suited for commercial and employment uses. While residential sewer capacity may require additional approvals, the site remains positioned for a flexible development approach.
A preliminary concept plan combining the subject property with adjacent parcels demonstrates the potential for a larger-scale commercial development featuring up to 11 outparcels. The adjacent landowner has expressed a willingness to consider offers, supporting a potential assemblage as illustrated in the concept
The property also benefits from proximity to the $1B Vulcan Elements rare earth magnet facility, which is expected to bring approximately 1,000 jobs to the area, further driving demand for nearby retail and services.
This site offers a compelling combination of location, traffic, growth, and flexibility, making it well suited for developers seeking to capitalize on both immediate commercial demand and long-term corridor growth.
Tyler Mills
Steele Commercial, LLC
