Join us on May 6 for a spring site tour of the Midway Event Center, a new 30,000‑square‑foot, two‑story food hall and event venue at the heart of the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Designed by HH Architecture and constructed by Clancy & Theys, the project is envisioned as a vibrant, year‑round destination that extends the energy of the State Fair beyond its annual run.

The Midway Event Center features a dynamic first‑floor food hall with permanent and rotating vendor stalls, a full bar, and indoor‑outdoor seating, all anchored by a monumental stair that visually and physically connects both levels. The second floor includes a large banquet room and flexible event spaces supporting everything from community gatherings to conferences and celebrations. During the tour, hear directly from the project team about the design vision, construction process, and the role this project plays in shaping the future of the Fairgrounds. 
Space is limited—early registration encouraged.

Agenda:

Location: 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

Parking and Access:

The following Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is required since this is an active construction site:  

Additional PPE will be available at the site to use if needed. 

Speakers: Attendees will  hear from representatives of the project architect, HH Architecture, construction manager Clancy & Theys, and other key consultants.

Laura Beesmer, AIA 
Architect and Project Manager | HH Architecture 
Laura received her Master of Architecture from The City College of New York and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Florida State University. She joined HH Architecture firm in 2019 and has contributed to master planning, new construction, and renovation projects for higher education, parks and recreation, municipal, and state clients. Laura is passionate about community-focused design and committed to developing innovative solutions that create inspiring, meaningful spaces.

Sarah Waldron, NCIDQ, Fitwell Ambassador
Interior Designer | HH Architecture
Sarah received her Bachelor of Interior Design from Appalachian State University and has been at HH Architecture since August 2024. Sarah brings a thoughtful and creative approach to every project. She is passionate about using color, texture, and materiality to transform spaces into environments that are both beautiful and highly functional. She enjoys the challenge of designing spaces that foster meaningful human interaction while strengthening the connection between people and the built environment.

Lee Tillett
Senior Project Manager | Clancy & Theys
Lee Tillett is a seasoned construction professional with more than 27 years of experience delivering complex projects across the Southeast. As Senior Project Manager for Clancy & Theys, Lee provides leadership throughout all phases of construction, with a focus on client satisfaction, cost control, scheduling, and team coordination. His expertise spans contract management, preconstruction planning, subcontractor coordination, and execution of large-scale, technically demanding projects. Lee has played a key role in a diverse portfolio that includes education, multifamily, mixed-use, and federal projects. His leadership has consistently driven successful outcomes, even under challenging conditions, such as navigating supply chain disruptions and compressed schedules during active school construction projects.

On the Midway Event Center project at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Lee is leading project execution in close collaboration with HH Architecture, engineering partners, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. His experience managing large teams and complex logistics is instrumental in delivering this 29,000 SF facility, which will serve as a vibrant, year-round destination featuring a banquet hall, flexible meeting spaces, and a two-story food hall. Lee’s leadership ensures the project remains on track and ready to be showcased during the 2025 State Fair.

John Hyzak
Superintendent | Clancy & Theys
John Hyzak is an accomplished Superintendent with 13 years of construction experience, including five years with Clancy & Theys, specializing in higher education, mixed-use, and large-scale commercial projects. He is known for his strong field leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to safety and quality. John oversees day-to-day field operations, including subcontractor coordination, inspections, scheduling, and quality control, with a particular focus on complex MEP systems.

John brings valuable experience from a wide variety of projects. His background includes managing intricate building systems, structural coordination, and high-performance project delivery under CM at Risk contracts. His ability to maintain schedule and quality while coordinating multiple trades makes him a key asset on fast-paced, high-visibility projects.

At the Midway Event Center, John is leading on-site construction efforts, ensuring seamless coordination among trade partners and maintaining strict adherence to safety and schedule requirements. His hands-on leadership is critical to bringing this 29,000 SF multi-purpose facility to life, including its banquet hall, flexible meeting areas, and dynamic food hall spaces. As construction progresses toward the 2025 State Fair, John’s attention to detail and field expertise help ensure the project will be ready for public display and long-term success as a community destination.

Items of Note: