Welcome to Butner
A rural southern town with a unique history, Butner offers a simple way of life for its residents. Located just north of Durham and the capital city of Raleigh, Butner offers the best of both worlds; easy access to city amenities, but with a quiet place to call home. Butner has a rich history of agriculture, military and institutions. Originally an agricultural community that became a training camp, Camp Butner, during World War II, Butner has a unique past that no other town can claim. During its days as a training camp, John Umstead hospital was built for returning veterans. Now there are multiple institutions as well as many industrial entities that are the primary employers for Butner, including the new Central Regional Hospital. As the triangle area continues to grow, Butner expects to see a lot of new industrial growth bringing more residents and commercial development.
On November 1, 2007, Butner was incorporated and governed by a council-manager form of government. The Town Council has made it their priority to make Butner the best place to live. The Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena is currently being renovated to preserve this piece of the town’s history and provide recreational opportunities for all residents. A town hall is being designed and construction should begin by the end of 2009. In less than two years since incorporation, more than five grants have been applied for. These grants have or would help the town to build a new outdoor recreation complex, construct a greenway to encourage pedestrian travel to improve air quality, expand pedestrian access with new sidewalks, a pedestrian plan for the entire town, and to add playground equipment at the Central Avenue Gazebo Park. Four grants have been awarded; the outdoor recreational complex is still pending. The Council has also made improvements at Lake Holt Concession building and additional landscape at the Central Avenue Gazebo Park.