Flowers Cottage at Dix Park Opens to the Public on August 20

 

Dix Park Conservancy remodel transforms historic cottage into a coffee shop and bar


(RALEIGH, NC) – August 17, 2026 – Dix Park Conservancy has transformed one of Dix Park's oldest buildings into a new public gathering place. Flowers Cottage, now home to Cottage Coffee and Park Bar, opens to the public Thursday, August 20, offering coffee, drinks, treats, and a deck overlooking Flowers Field and the Raleigh skyline. 

The Conservancy funded and led the project, the latest chapter in a building it first brought back to life in 2018. Back then, the Conservancy restored the long-abandoned cottage into a home for its meetings and events. Now, the same building opens fully to the public, its historic character preserved and its doors open to everyone. 

Flowers Cottage is operated by local hospitality partners Justin Pasfield and Jeff Clarke (Person Street Bar, Natural Science), who bring their own neighborhood hospitality to the park. A portion of the cottage's revenue goes back to Dix Park Conservancy to support its work across the park. It's a model the Conservancy sees as central to Dix Park's future: a public place people love that helps sustain the park itself. 

"This is what philanthropy looks like on the ground at Dix Park," said Kate Pearce, President & CEO of Dix Park Conservancy. "We took a building that sat empty for years, brought it back, and have now opened it up as a place for everyone to enjoy.”

The renovation preserves the original character of the cottage while creating a more open and accessible visitor experience. It adds an expanded deck, patio, and new public restrooms. A small natural play area and additional landscaping will be installed later this year.

Inside, Flowers Cottage offers locally roasted coffee, matcha, and house-made Italian sodas, soft-serve ice cream from a local dairy, snacks, plus craft beer and wine. Cottage Coffee serves the full menu upstairs, while Park Bar pours beer and wine beneath the expanded deck. 


"Being trusted with a project like this isn't something we take for granted," said Jeff Clarke, co-operator of Flowers Cottage. "Dix Park means a lot to this city, and we're proud to help make it a place people want to spend their time." 

The opening comes as visitation to Dix Park continues to grow following the opening of Gipson Play Plaza and the arrival of the park’s Trolls by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. It marks another step in the Conservancy’s work to honor Dix Park’s history while creating new ways for the community to experience and support its future.

"Investments like this are shaping the future of Dix Park, creating new opportunities for connection and community," said Stephen Bentley, Director of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources. "We're proud to see the park evolve through the partnership behind it and are excited for everyone to experience Flowers Cottage." 

Address

Flowers Cottage at Dix Park

2105 Umstead Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603

Hours

  • Thursday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.

  • Friday: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.

  • Saturday: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

  • Sunday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. 

Project Team

  • Maurer Architecture (architecture)

  • Northgate Construction (construction)

  • The Site Collaborative (landscape architecture) 

 
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