Solana: A Landscape-Led Vision for Southeast Durham

Nestled in the evolving landscape of Southeast Durham, Solana represents a transformative residential development that is both ambitious in scale and thoughtful in design. Spanning 258 acres off Olive Branch Road—with a future connection to Virgil Road—Solana is a catalyst for growth in the region. As one of the first projects to tie into the City of Durham’s Southeast Regional Lift Station (SERLS), Solana set the precedent for development and laid the groundwork for future residential development. 

With 663 units, including townhomes and single-family homes, Solana reflects strategic planning and long-term vision. The community already features completed homes and a fully constructed clubhouse amenity area, including a large pool, picnic shelter with firepits, playground, and recreational spaces like cornhole—designed to foster family-oriented living. 

Our firm has been deeply involved in Solana since late 2018, providing comprehensive services including rezoning, annexation, site planning, construction documentation, construction administration, and as-builts. The original site plan was approved in 2022, and the project is expected to continue through 2028. Throughout, we collaborated closely with Pulte Group, the developer, to ensure a cohesive, community-centered design. 

A defining feature of Solana is its integration of active open spaces. The development includes a 3-acre dog park nestled within preserved woodlands—offering natural play for dogs in a safely fenced environment—and a disc golf course that winds through the entire site, allowing residents to play a full round of disc golf within the community open space. Sidewalks, nature trails, and internal roads were designed to encourage walking and exploration, creating a seamless connection between built and natural environments. 

Environmental stewardship was central to our design philosophy. We preserved over 70 acres of trees—15 acres more than required—and implemented Stormwater Environmental Management (SEM) strategies to responsibly manage runoff. A 500-foot-wide central floodplain corridor was protected, serving as the ecological spine of the community. Stream crossings were carefully placed at low points to minimize disruption and maintain connectivity between development phases. 

Infrastructure improvements extended beyond the site itself. This included expanding Olive Branch Road into a four-lane corridor and coordinating with both the City of Durham and NCDOT to support regional mobility. Additional infrastructure improvements were made as far as two miles from the site reinforcing Solana’s role as a regional anchor. 

What makes Solana truly special is its balance of growth and sensitivity. From early collaboration with city officials to thoughtful engagement with landowners and neighbors, every step was guided by a commitment to sustainable, respectful development. Our team’s deep understanding of the area’s infrastructure—especially our early involvement with SERLS—allowed us to design a community that feels both expansive and intimate. 

Solana is more than a housing development—it’s a living framework for the future of Southeast Durham. Qunity is proud to have helped shape a place where people can live, play, and connect with the landscape.