Comments on: Downtown Raleigh Lightning

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:47:49 +0000

Whoa, RBC looks really cool with the aircraft beacon…I still haven’t seen it with the flood-lights in person yet.

By: JR

JR — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:32:05 +0000

The site of the original Reynolds project has been cleared but vacant since the end of autumn. Unbelievable.

By: Ernest

Ernest — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:53:43 +0000

I am not surprised that the city officials are running out of patience, and I can’t blame them for trying to pursue a new/better deal. In this case, however, I would exercise extreme caution. If we had better bids in the past, I would have been more enthusiastic about an opportunity to build something even better, but Lafayette is a great project and promises to be an elegant building, too. At this point in time, ANYONE would have a hard time to deliver something major at this site. Also, before the city officials ask for new bids, there are two steps to take: 1) Make sure they finalize The Hillsborough deal. 2) Request RFPs for Sites 2 and 3. Then, and only then we can go after Site 4 again.

At this point in time, we should not allow developers who have stalled projects to deal with, to bid on Sites 2 and 3. I am not suggesting favoring Empire Properties over other developers, but give them a little more extension to deliver something. Missing an April deadline is nothing when compared to the 301 Hillsborough property. If Empire Properties can’t come forward with what they envisioned, within a reasonable amount of time, then open Site 4 for new bids, otherwise give the developer a little more time. Besides, the city will have to clean that site from contaminants prior to any groundbreaking. Let’s do that and then push the developer.

By: C

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:33:38 +0000

I’d like to comment on TC’s remark on the owner of Bank of America’s building dragging his feet on the City Plaza project. Does that sound fishy to anyone??? I say that because BOA = Charlotte, actually I should say BOA OWNS Charlotte. Sounds a little like someone trying to stand in the way of progress here in order to keep some busniess in Charlotte…maybe???

By: TC

TC — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:51:34 +0000

Excellent! Let’s get a developer in here that will break ground and build a real high rise building (I am hoping it is someone from out-of-state, someone with vision). That property needs a signature building (and a building that will cover up most of that ugly Marriott).

NO Surprise: More delays with City Plaza (as I said at the beginning of this project, this will be scaled back and a city center joke). Sounds like the owner of the Bank of America builidng (you know, that pathetic brick box) does not give a damn about this project, playing hardball and wasting time (he will take his bat and ball away, in this case the (4) retail locations)

By: Walt

Walt — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:51:01 +0000

WOW! Amazing shots!

By: Travis

Travis — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:30:28 +0000

Did anyone else see the N&O article concerning the Lafayette? There seems to be an issue meeting deadlines and also with funding that may end this vision…

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:18:16 +0000

Great shots, Matt! In the first picture you can see the completed “Shimmer Wall” on the west side of the convention center… I can’t wait until that and the RBC spire are lit up at night!

By: Matt K.

Matt K. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:45:36 +0000

I’m still waiting for Matt Robinson to get that magic shot of the RBC spire being electrified (and I’m sure he is, too).

BTW, wonder how many daredevils will attempt that rooftop pool when stormy weather approaches? LOL

By: Chad

Chad — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:36:08 +0000

Looks like that bolt is what’s juicing the BB&T sign and making it so bright.

By: Ernest

Ernest — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:38:08 +0000

When I saw the lightnings I knew you were out there taking photos Statistically speaking, the chances of squeezing a lightning between Raleigh’s two tallest in a photo, particularly from the money shot angle, is next to none, but you did it!!! RBC Plaza has done a lot to improve out skyline and I can’t wait until it is all lit up. Thanks for sharing your great work with us.

By: laryea

laryea — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:19:35 +0000

cool matt!