But seriously, I see this as an interesting and significant opportunity for the new mayor McFarland to step into a leadership role, and bring the team back to earth, that is, I mean, downtown Raleigh.  I favor the Lightner Center, am willing to put in my tax contribution for it, but only assuming it is constructed somewhere in downtown Raleigh.

If Raleigh 2030 succeeds in curbing the sprawl and provides opportunities for a more urban – or a less suburban – living, then we may see the reverse or sprawl, but as long as crappy apartment complexes get proposed, I am not confident that Raleigh will successfully stop shooting itself in the foot; this is what we have been doing for decades now Naturally, transit-oriented communities can provide success stories if embraced by Raleighites. While I am not interested in living in a condo, or an apartment, I would gladly live in a nice brownstone, provided there is some urban amenities that I can access easily. In a way, Raleigh is blessed to have neighborhoods like Oakwood, Mordecai, Boylan Heights, Glenwood South, Cameron Park and Glenwood-Brooklyn. They are walkable and offer opportunities for future mixed-use redevelopments in a scale that even NIMBYs should be happy :LOL:

I was just reading an article which documented historical suburban build-up in many northern cities – cities which are now experiencing out-flight of population.  The cities are struggling with the financial cost of maintaining the spread-out infrastructure while at the same time, the need for that infrastructure is now declining.  They gave the example of a 10-lane expressway running out of Cleveland, Ohio which is now almost vacant of traffic, and yet must be maintained.  This will be the Triangle’s destiny if they don’t starting working fast to increase population density within the existing Triangle (ideally within 3-5 miles of downtown Raleigh),  and centralize into “multi-modal” population and infrastructure CENTERS.  As the article points out with real-world  examples, failure to do this will eventually, down the road, leave us all with a financial albatross of maintenance costs resulting from all of the sprawl.  :-) I wonder what the reaction would be from the Cleveland City Council if a developer came to them right now with a map of greater Cleveland and low-density development dots spread across 20+ miles like the Carroll plans!
    

Of course, scale, alone, is not the only issue here. Architecturally, we seem to be getting nothing out of the ordinary. Uninspiring designs and hotels that belong near airports, not convention centers. We should get at least this part right, and I find myself in agreement with councilman Crowder more often than not – hard to believe, I know, but strictly when it comes to architectural details. As for the land use, I have yet to see the implementation of what the city council members – or at least most of them – have been screaming all these years. Take a look at the new single-story building that the city is building at the Millbrook Exchange Park (adjacent to Millbrook High School), near the entrance of the park. I find this building to be totally un-urban and shows exactly what this city lacks: leaders who walk the walk and don’t just talk the talk. This little building was a great opportunity for the city to make a statement, but they failed miserably. The fire station in the adjacent parcel is more urban than that.

I am afraid that our city leaders will wait for the developers to build something elegant and urban, which means that 2012 will be another disappointing year, regardless of the many good things that are happening. We deserve better and I hope that our leaders will open their eyes and see that.

There are at least 3-4 parcels that – if developed – could help improve the landscape, including the parcel adjacent to Clarion Hotel, but without a serious demand for office and residential space it will be an uphill battle. I don’t see the city doing anything, nor should the city leaders, but as you suggested Clarion Hotel – and other property owners – can do a few things to improve some sections. I can see a mixed-use project next to Clarion, with at least one average-priced eatery – ideal for the law students and visitors – and a coffee shop.

If I only had the money to make things happen :LOL:

If Empire would do a new project on the parking lot next door, it would sure add interest to Hillsborough, already one of downtown’s nicest streetscapes.  Random suggestion here: while they mull over the future of this parcel, why not spend a few dollars and cover that acre with a field of zoysia grass – or if it is needed for parking, blacktop it instead of current weed and gravel look.  Details count in trying to create a beautiful city.

 Mike, thanks for a vote of support on the Grand Plaza concept.  Grand plazas are what really make a city memorable and bring a sense of civic pride, as you said.  And, as you also mentioned, some larger scale development SOUTH of the PAC would help define the PAC plaza as the center of a big city where development runs in all directions.  I think a few apartment towers or office structures to the south of PAC would really make downtown seem a lot larger. and add to the wonderful view from the new park, townhouses, and office buildings on the Dix property.  (I’m just ribbing whomever believes that Dix must be ALL park or ALL development.  There’s room for it all, right?

Triangle Business Journal reports the RBC is coming off of the tower this week, and the PNC goes up in 5 or 6 weeks when the name change is official. Will Matt be rappelling down the outside to bring us pictures?

Regarding the new proposals for Site 4, I can say with confidence that Summit people are on drugs :LOL: I visited downtown last night, just to get a fresh look and I can’t even believe that someone even suggests something so small My question is this: Since there is plenty of parking, why not split Site 4 in two parcels and offer it to both developers? One of them will build a boutique hotel and the other one (Summit) the pathetic building they propose. That way we’ll maximize the use of the available space and hopefully get a couple of 20-story buildings instead. Sure, it is more expensive to build taller buildings, but a premium parcel like Site 4 deserves better. If Greg Hatem’s last proposal included a 15-story hotel and an adjacent condo/office building of similar height, I don’t see why not doing something similar and get the hotel space we need. Just a thought.

BTW, and I can only speak for myself, there are two reasons I can’t settle for smaller buildings: 1) We need taller, more elegant towers to overwhelm the many eyesores we created over the years. 2) We are running out land where high-rises can be built, especially if The Edison turns out to be the crap we saw recently. There is plenty of room for midrise crap. Let them build it in the Warehouse District.

I’m with u, JRD.  I don’t think your feedback was wrong at all.  Very likely the sites (2 and 3) mentioned WILL be developed in the future, as u said. 

I don’t see issues on the site as right vs wrong.  Just discussion and opinions.  In this case, I just happened to notice a case (one of many cases) where my beloved city of Raleigh will, IMHO, pass over a superior “big city” design option regarding an important city block in favor of, IMHO, inferior design choices.  As in my post – “just my opinion”.

It’s like discussing Dix Park, right? - how many acres should be developed, how many preserved?  Discussion, opinions, and dreaming.

Back on the new hotel proposal for the west side of Salisbury, some will argue about how many stories high the structure should be.  I really don’t care.  What they design at street level is much more interesting, in my opinion…as in the Charlotte design vs the San Diego design.

You asked for others input and we gave it to you.  It doesnt mean everyone else is wrong.  And in case you want more input, those sites WILL one day be developed because it is prime real estate owned by someone or some entity that wants to unload it for profit.  Stop wasting your time dreaming about it.

I have visited and studied the website http://www.doverkohl.com/project.aspx?id=100&type=0 and opened the related PDF files about the project, and come away convinced more than ever that my proposal is more realistic.

The website proposes a “central, monumental plaza”, and yet this plaza lies embedded between structures on sites 2 and 3 and, to my further amazement, adds additional structures within the the Performing Arts Center block, on the left and right of the Greek Center.  Honestly, guys, with the real estate left after all of that stuff, I’ve seen hundreds of backyard patios in Cary that would be larger than this “central monumental plaza”!

If you study the diagrams on the website, the only reason that the structures on sites 2 and 3 of their drawings appear to be even half-way reasonable is because they are sketched as only 3 or 4 stories high, identical in height to the Performing Arts Center itself, and also include receded facades on F Street, and also a touch of neo-gothic roof edging to add architectural interest.

NOW, take a look at the only actual PHOTOGRAPH in that PDF file for a real sense of scale.  And now mentally add all of the stuff they are proposing into that actual photograph and tell me what is left for a “grand plaza”?  And if you should then replace their 3 or 4 story structures with 25-story towers…wow – you would have your coveted high-rises, but the Performing Arts Center, centerpiece of downtown Raleigh, would so lost (and so reduced in relative scale) that a visitor would need a GPS to find the PAC from 50 yards away.

I propose a full block plaza with classical fountain (example Fountain Square in Cincinnati Ohio) and once the new Residence Inn (or whatever) is in place on the west, a high-rise sits where McDonalds lives along Wilmington on the east, and something finally happens at Charter Square, there would be plenty of high-rises around a real-deal big-city plaza.  The majesty of the plaza would make all blocks around it much greater in monetary value.  :-) Just my own opinion.

PS – There is absolutely no reason why urban development cannot proceed southward from the PAC area.  Contrary to its history as a no-man’s-land, the land south of the PAC would be ideal for high-rise condos or apartments in the future.

I will echo what some of you said regarding Charter Square. I would rather see this hotel becoming part of Charter Square; with additional space for condos/apartments and/or offices. It is puzzling how the developers of Charter Square cannot get something all this time, even though there are hundreds of apartments flooding DT Raleigh and enough hotel rooms to justify something larger than Charter Square I hope that we get some interesting proposals for Site 4, especially projects with some sort of decent architecture… Enough with those cheap-looking hotels.

Height is okay.  Exterior wall finishes and design are more of the issue.  I was hoping for more modern glass/metal building here.  I will not be heartbroken if not though.  Its a hotel.  Its construction.  It should spur other development.  Its good news.

JRD, I like your 3-way roundabout idea for Sites 2 and 3. In fact, I have a similar vision, with two buildings like Torres Kio in Madrid (Spain).

Regarding this new proposal my answer is: HELL NO!!!! Enough with crappy designs and small projects taking up valuable land. Let them go to the Warehouse District, or Glenwood Ave. 10-12 story hotels do not deserve Site 4. WTF? Greg Hatem had scaled down his project to 15 floors, on one half of Site 4 and we said no. This would be yet-another disasterous decision, if the city leaders give it the green light. On the other hand, the Moddie Turay proposal may end up being more attractive, since we are talking about a boutique hotel with 150 rooms; I can see this project being at least 15 floors. Anyway, glad to see that there is interest, but I surely hope so we don’t end up with the crappy proposal by the Summit group. Please, show some respect for DT Raleigh.

N&O also mentions a competing proposal for a 150-room “boutique hotel and restaurant” for the site.  I guess we’ll have a better idea 3-6 months when detailed proposals are due.

I see what you are saying as far as a park for that land, but the fact of the matter is that those lots are soooo prime for not only large (taller) developments but also finally connecting F streets walkability to memorial auditorium which I cannot wait to see.  

There is already the City Plaza (which fails to inspire as far as I am concerned) two blocks north as public space.  We cant just have all green space just cause we want it.  The land belongs to others.

I do like your fountain idea though, which is something Ive commented on before.  What I have said before is that F street should end in a large three way roundabout with south street right in front of memorial auditorium.  Basically taking  bits of the edges of the lot of memorial auditoriums north side, and the SW and SE sides of the west and east side of the of the lots we’re talking about and making a oversized roundabout with a large CLASSICAL fountain in the center memorializing the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island.  So it would be like an island with a memorial to the Roanoke Island settlers. There could also be a buffer of trees on the N sides of the street to make it still feel park-like on that end.  Basically the idea in my head is to create an iconic large open square type gathering space in front of one of our most iconic structures without sacrificing a ton of land.  I guess it would mimic sort of a European type square central square that could be closed off on occasion so large crowds could gather for festivals and such.

Not only would it add a great deal of walkability to that end of F street, it would also spawn higher demand for the land around that area of downtown which would in turn increase development.  Also with a centered fountain, it would be visible all the way from the capitol building and the far ends of south street, perhaps making that street also more desirable for development.  If the city invested in such a space, I believe it would get its money back four fold in revenue from increased tax base.

Oh, yeah.  And take out that lame fountain that currently sits in front of MA, offsetting its symmetrical nature.  (I Hate it)  Put it somewhere else.

That brings up something I’ve been wanting to ask the site regulars to comment on: I think just about everyone would agree that the Memorial Auditorium complex is THE the most spectacular structure in Raleigh, North Carolina.  My question is about the block in front of (north of) Memorial Auditorium.  To me, the entire block from South to Lenoir and Wilmington to Salisbury (currently all surface parking) could easily (and relatively inexpensively) become the most spectacular plaza in Raleigh.  At the center would be a world-class fountain (perhaps selected from contest entries) on a line between Memorial and the Capital.  The rest of the plaza would be walkable and vehicle-free (the precise surfacing and landscaping is again open for debate and perhaps again to be chosen by contest entries).

But I’ve seen documents in the past that, to my dismay, indicate the east and west segments of this block are marked for future development.  To me, that would be a shame.  This block would need to stay whole to have maximum magic, and as such would add value to all adjacent blocks in the area.  The currently named “City Plaza” 2 blocks north with its light towers and 4 retail mini-blocks is nice, but to me its just a well-designed wide spot along F Street, and is not in a class with what I envision for a completely developed block of South/Lenoir/Wilmington//Salisbury.

As a newcomer (OK, been here 22 years now) the prime quality of this square seems obvious to me as the natural true center of Raleigh, and I am always amazed that I am walking thru a quiet little old parking lot whenever I cut thru there.   I would like to hear some of the other great posters on this site comment about this one to me.  What am I missing here?
 

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/01/24/1803651/residence-inn-eyed-for-downtown.html

Key passages:

“Summit Hospitality Group told the city it has secured tentative financing for the project, envisioned as a Residence Inn on Salisbury Street across from the Raleigh Convention Center. The company must submit a formal proposal to the city…
At the Salisbury Street site, Summit Hospitality says a hotel would be the main tenant in the building. Details on additional tenants were not immediately available. The development would be similar in size and scope to a Residence Inn near Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, company president Doyle Parrish told city officials in a memo.”Here’s a photo of the Residence Inn in uptown Charlotte: http://image.pegs.com/content/H/H0W/H0WB/H0WBZ/RCCLTRUext01_j.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KQkgyI4RZiI

On a separate note, and I apologize if its already been mentioned, but city website has a site plan for an apartment building “401 Oberlin” on the Northwest corner of Oberlin and Clark Ave.  (Across the street from the Cameron Crescent apt building under construction.)  No elevations yet, but judging from the number of parking spaces proposed, it appears that the building will be 5 stories.  250 units – mostly 1 bedroom, with retail space along Oberlin.  I think it has great potential!  And if it were priced affordable, I could see students living there and most of the traffic created would be pedestrians rather than vehicular (something I know the neighborhood will probably fight over).  Also, JDavis is the architect so I know most of yall already hate it without even seeing it.

Regarding the arguments in favor of the park idea, it is always funny to hear about NYC’s Central Park as an example. NYC had amazing urbanity and density when that park was created and it made sense to save so much open space. Raleigh will not reach that kind of urbanity, unless we level everything around Dorothea Dix campus; pretty close to impossible.

Regarding the Dorothea Dix development, it saddens me that people don’t know how to compromise. If the Friends of Dorothea Dix Park want a 300+ acres of park – it is a joke to “allow” only 17 acres for urban development – then they are too rigid to work with others. Sorry, but a compromise means to meet others half way. Personally, I would be happy with 100 acres of dense urban development that would include a few squares, like DT Savannah. I am “giving” the other side over two thirds to do what they want.

As for McFarlane, I am not sure she can do more than cast a vote and offer an opinion. What bothered me about Meeker with regards to Dix Park was his sudden change of heart. From supporting the ULI plan he switched to the all-park option. Not the brightest decision, IMO, but he probably knew that a decision would not be made during his times and wanted to keep his alliances in place.

Anyways, Im sick of hearing people talk about making Dorthea Dix in to only a park.  It has got to be half and half.  If the city is going to buy all that land and not develop any of it at all, taxes will go up to pay for it.  If the city buys it, they need to expand their tax base by developing part of it with higher density residential.  If this mayor is opposed to developing the land up there, then she’s worthless as far as that is concerned.

I agree with the impact of mid-rises in our skyline, as well as the positive outcome from all those apartment buildings. Not only with regards to adding residents, thus boosting retail and entertainment destinations, but also on making land harder and more expensive to acquire. Unfortunately, it is one of the few ways to ensure that little buildings will not be built on large lots.

a, I wonder who would benefit the most from the merger. Sure, I’d rather see a North Carolina company be the winner, but what about the impact it will have on Raleigh, particularly downtown. Ideally, PE will not be acquired by any company, but resurrect itself instead. Duke already showed its aggressive side by demanding higher rates in order to offset costs associated from the merger. Sorry, but I don’t see that as good for the consumers. Forget about downtown. The merger may not be a death nail, but its negative impact will be felt.

Hope y’all had a Merry Christmas.

In other news, I came into downtown today via Capitol Blvd from the North and was really impressed. I always come into DT from the South or West, so seeing it from the North is pretty impressive. I also saw lots of activity on the Powerhouse Plaza site. Have they officially begun construction?? Did I miss that news?

As far as the Duke/Progress merger, I hope Red Hat can find a location in downtown if the merger falls apart.

Ernest – I hope I don’t put too many crazy thoughts in you head with this one, buuuutttttt…. what if by scaling down half of the Edison, that they double the size of the other towers when they are built in the future?  Its okay to dream right?

What are the odds of the PE/Duke merger falling through? Everyone still seemed optimistic that it’s still going to happen. Is that just an effort to save face? And if, for whatever reason, RedHat DOES decide to move over to the Edison, didn’t they just significantly alter the plan so that it’s now only an obscene 6 story apartment complex? Has that plan been scrapped and the huge towers can still be salvaged?? I still don’t understand why RedHat wouldn’t choose Charter Square, given that it’s the same landlord that they have in Cent. Campus. Even without RedHat, what can’t Charter Square get built already?!!! What is their deadline?

OK. That’s all of the questions I have for now. 

I have been a little inactive, for various reasons, but I should get back to my old self before the end of this year. That includes becoming more involved with developments and updating my website… This time for real

Nipper/Dwight: I think that the 12-story building is actually an apartment building. From the size of it, it sounds like The Edison. However, someone mentioned to me a few months ago that there are 2-3 other apartment buildings about to be proposed in the area East of downtown. This may be one of them. I hope that Gregg came to his senses and threw out the stupid 6-story idea. Who knows, The Edison may be Red Hat’s Plan B and Gregg wants to be prepared.

Steve: Charleston is a gem. Unfortunately, Raleigh could never duplicate – let alone create – such a great urban experience. The historic element of DT Charleston, alone, is enough to excite a visitor. You are right, though. Glenwood South offers tremendous opportunities to create a pleasant urban experience and it can happen organically, without a major developer building several blocks at the same time, the same way they build subdivisions. Glenwood South offers a great place for smaller developers to get their feet wet with smaller projects. The only complain that I have is that developers don’t cater to those buyers who like brownstones. Glenwood South has several spots for such development.

RayP, I agree with you regarding Citrix… Powerhouse Plaza would be ideal, provided the developer can move fast and Citrix can wait long enough. The L Building is also an option. Hell, Glenwood South could offer such opportunity VERY easily. As long as developers can move fast enough, we can get Citrix to downtown.

As for the merger, I hope it doesn’t happen, period… I hope Progress Energy fires its CEO and returns by doing smaller acquisitions and expansions. PE can survive. Hell, if Duke Power was going to increase the rates, let PE do so and remain here. Thankfully, Red Hat re-affirmed its commitment to coming downtown – read today’s N&O – so I am not concerned. There is a Plan B and that is better than nothing

Who said anything about a highrise? 50,000sqft is about 2-4 floors depending on the building. So why not build a 7 to 10 story building for multi smaller compaines to expand. If I was a developer thats exactly what I would do while other developers won’t!

Powerhouse Plaza hasn’t even broken ground.    that’s a 2+ year wait.

 N West and W JonesRaleigh, NC 27603Plans for this 10-story, mixed-use commercial project include a 206,000 sq. ft. building with an adjacent 403-space parking deck.12,000 square feet of Retail/Restaurant space88,000 square feet of Class A Office space134-room upscale, leading brand select service Hotel complete with a Rooftop Lounge and Terrace. Aims for LEED Certification as an energy efficient structure. 

#1)  As a developer, would YOU be willing to build a completely speculative building that was empty?   Regardless of the fact that this is impossible today with financing and a person would not beinsane to do this with one’s own capital.   You are talking about a $50,000,000 investment minimum that that will only build you a realitively short building.   something like the RBC Tower would cost upwards of $100,000,000.

With this said, i think you may be taking too pessimistic of a view here.    I think the Citrix move (potential) is very likely a by-product of the ‘Red Hat Effect”.

Progress Energy (CP&L) was here for over 100 years and have been absoultely useless in luring other companies into the city.  

I am in the tech world.  Citrix is a very legit company and from the way i read the article, they seem to be very focused, if not solely focused on downtown.   I didn’t realize the CEO is an NC State grad.  

A move to 50,000 square feet is not like buying and selling a home where you need to be out and in your new home in 30 days.    A high-rise building could easily be completed in 14-18 months (assuming the preliminary work is done like caisons, foundation work, underground parking ,etc).   Does this sound like any site you guys know of downtown?   

Also, on my ride home tonight, I took notice of the intersection I think most desperately needs redevelopment, and it’s Davie and Dawson. It’s at the southwest corner of downtown but easy walking distance (literally about 4 blocks) from FS, just east of the amphitheater, on one side there are some dilapidated buildings, another corner has an empty lot, another has a Firestone and the other corner is basically an overpass where there isn’t much development potential. If the other three corners were replaced with anything urban in feel, it would dramatically expand the urban footprint in that area. 

Funny how the website for the architects says that the Bar Association building is the “cornerstone” for new development in the region, maybe they know something we don’t…. 

That should liven up the street

Here is a slightly interesting article in the N&O, titled “Rapid Fitness relocates to a new space in Raleigh”. There is a mention of Jim Goodnight – yes, the founder of SAS – which is strange: “Rattenni said Goodnight wanted a gym for the spot, something that would fit in with the revitalization efforts under way on Person Street, and gave him a “phenomenal deal” on the rent.” Why is Goodnight interested in owning a property in DT Raleigh? Is he thinking about investing on something major? After all, he is part of the problem when it comes to urban planning and sprawl; a typical suburbanite in mentality. I don’t want to read too much into it, but I begin to wonder why Goodnight is interested in DT Raleigh’s revitalization efforts?

But still, Im with yall on the whole monotonous building thing.  You would think they would add SOME sort of cool feature or make them look like a few different buildings of different heights.  Oh, well

To me, European and Mediterranean type of apartment buildings are far more appealing. I also like – for the most part – 712 Tucker Commons and The West, and I have no problem with a few modernistic designs I have seen. Still, I don’t care to see more of the same in the same area. Kind of hard to describe without showing images, but that would be hacking Matt’s website. Sorry

i hear your comments expressed by many others.   everyone complains about these apartment building ‘designs’.   I’m just not sure what everyone is looking for?   what exactly would represent ‘good architecture’ in your opinion as it relates to these apartment buildings?

Regarding The Gramercy, it seems to be a nice infill, although I dislike those monolithic buildings that take up an entire side of the block. We have way too many of these buildings and I hate to see yet-another one. For the record, it is designed by JDavis Architects, which is good news-bad news. I like the architects of JDavis, but I fear that we’ll see a carbon copy of other buildings Personally, I would love to see something similar to North Hills East, which includes a monolithic structure, but the exterior has been designed in a way that gives the impression of several different buildings. Also, keep in mind that this is a death sentence for the 11-story 630 North project, which was going to be located on the Western side of this parcel. To me, that was a superior project, but we’ll never see it happen

That is one of the old school design.  A true original and in my opinion full of character.  Once its gone, you will surely see the character go with it.  I think that is one of the few things that should stay, but whatever.  That part of the street is going to be dramatically different in two years.  Im interested to see how it turns out.

Jeff, thanks for providing the link. While the number 1500 is over-inflated – includes non-downtown areas – it surely is exciting to see some progress. That section screams for re-development, but I am also ecstatic about the underground parking deck. Not that parking incorporated into a main structure would bother me. In fact, I would not mind if the developers got the momentum and support they needed and then changed the plans so they can build the deck above ground, adding another 2-3 floors to the final structure While the current buildings provide some sort of “charm” to the area, by no means they can contribute more than 200-300 additional apartment units.

Regarding the construction in the Crabtree area, I would assume that it is a new hotel, as Carver mentioned. Several months ago I read that they were going to demolish an existing hotel and build a new one, with more amenities, although a bit smaller, if I recall correctly. Just another waste of space, IMO. It may be a different project, though, but I will check it out.

Ben…. I dunno.  I keep seeing that crane on my way to work and was wondering that as well.  Also what’s going in front of the Container Store?  not that exciting but still wondering….

Seriously, any initiatives that allow us to take advantage of the Triangle’s focus on technology – and not only – is great news. Not all new technology companies will end up downtown, but there are plenty of opportunities in renovated buildings, or even some of the smaller projects (i.e. L Building, Powerhouse Plaza). Personally, I am excited about this news and I think that Meeker did a great job on this, although it came a bit late, IMO.

Naturally, small and medium technology companies opt for the lowest leases they can find, although they always go for decent facilities. Renovated warehouses are on the top of the list, but any building that can be retrofitted would do. Red Hat’s need for much more square footage than the average technology company will allow them to have their logo somewhere in the skyline, but smaller companies can remove every available office square foot from DT Raleigh. The next step will be to build something large enough to accommodate 2-3 technology companies, but I am going too fast… For now, it is great to see technology becoming the key player, as opposed to financial institutions, which continue to fail us as a city.

wral-dot-com/business/story/10407563/

RayP, I doubt very seriously they will do anything useful there. I wish they would extend Camden Str all the way to New Bern Ave, but that will require the purchase of at least 2-3 parcels. Not to mention that Camden Str is a small road and any widening would also force the acquisition of some land (part of existing parcels). I guess it is a little easier to deal with connecting Cotton Pl with New Bern Ave. Also, it would be nice to extend Haywood Str all the way to New Bern Ave, thus completing the area’s already nice urban grid. Lots of opportunities for urban (re)development in the entire area, but without some decent development it will be a huge waste.

Regarding Glenwood South, there is a problem that I avoided mention, but it is an observation that many people have made. GS has attracted a few thug-looking individuals. A friend of mine who used to walk around GS on a regular basis – he is a single 55-year old man – was threatened by a thug and he was greatly discouraged from going back there on a regular basis. Now, my friend is a perfectly normal human being, and sure as Hell not a person looking for trouble, but he is now almost scared to go back. The demographics at GS has changed and the bad economy just doesn’t help much. At this point in time, I want to see more police patrolling GS and sure as Hell I don’t want to see establishments that attract low-class customers. GS has to maintain some diversity, but without losing the core of its clientele. Anyway, this is an observation that I have made and I know I am not alone. I think that the hotel and apartments will give GS an opportunity to recover, but that won’t come for another 2 years.

Right now, the property’s community use is in the brainstorming phase. Everything from urban farming to a grocery store has been suggested. Jones said the church is looking to partner with other community service groups in the area to make the site as effective as possible.
“We hope to look at it almost as North Hills has done, make it a multiuse property that we can use to do something to help the community,” Jones said.
Search on “news and observer” “church buys 8 acres” if you want to read

As for Tyler’s, it’s less than 2 miles from my apartment, has a good atmosphere (judging by Durham’s), and the beer/food list is nice.  I see me being there at least once a week, hopefully more in the nice weather.  I know a lot of people who are excited for that and Ale House.  Not enough people seem to know about Tyler’s when I tell them, but everyone seems really receptive to it.  Hopefully word of mouth and their other locations will help with that.

None-the-less it’s what it is and places come and go…..

This Tyler’s Taproom addition is going to be an interesting venue. I’m hoping they can keep a good rotation of microbrews going to give all the Raleigh, NC beer hounds another option compared to the other already crowded watering holes. If they can do that it may stand the test of time. I know I’ll be visiting there for lunch at least once a week so they already have me locked in. So who knows…..

There were rumors about the Glenwood Towers and I am not sure I liked them very much. They were talking about demolishing the two buildings and replacing them with smaller ones – I don’t think they included the senior residents in the plans, though. It would be a bit tough to displace so many older residents, especially when there is plenty of land to redevelop before you remove the senior citizens from there. Unfortunately, the inevitable will happen and the numbers of those seniors will reduce. Then, we can make some consolidation of Glenwood Towers and Sir Walter Raleigh Apartments into a new building and hopefully redevelop this parcel, along with converting Sir Walter Raleigh Apts. Personally, I don’t want to see something smaller. Maybe a cluster that would feature a 15-story (on the Glenwood Ave side) and a series of 7-10 story buildings for the rest of the block (minus the church that will not go anywhere anytime soon).

One observation, which many of you might have made, as well. In the last few years, Glenwood South has lost a lot of its previous momentum – and customers. I have made it a routine to drive around downtown every 2-3 weeks and check out the night scene. I have noticed a major shift in favor of the CBD area, and while I am happy to finally see people walking around Fayetteville Street and the nearby streets, I don’t want to see Glenwood South losing so many people. Oh well, once the new apartment buildings and hotel finish, things will change, but that will not happen for another 1.5-2 years.

Did anyone see that Colin Firth and Emily Blunt will be filming in downtown this week? I wonder if there will be any shots of Raleigh in their new movie.

RTP is right on the border between the two areas and there are some parcels there that physically there is no reason they could not be served by either one. I have actually pondered what it would take to open a data center there that was connected to both utility grids. That would be some serious diversity.

I agree the merger sucks though. Pretty funny how Duke customers have long had much lower rates than PE and no suddenly, Duke is jacking their rates up to equal them before the merger. Definitely benefiting hte consumer.