I’ve been overlooking this one for a awhile so I’m glad to be circling back to it. If you haven’t been following the news for the Raleigh “Hair Curler”, the cylindrical structure on Hillsborough Street that was the Holiday Inn, then I hope this update is seen as a good one. Later this year, the building will reopen as a Hotel Indigo after a big renovation. A few years back, there were plans to demolish it. However, here in 2026, the building now has historic status and we’ll soon be able to enjoy the views from the 20th floor once again.

I had to dig through the vault to see if I could find any photos from up there and I did find a single one. I recall going up there with friends to an underwhelming bar (I think called The Skye Tower Lounge) but a spectacular view. I’m sure it’ll be even better now. Here is a shot I took from 2008.

I’ll have to get a new one with that similar view this Fall. I was always a fan of this building so for me, the plans to demolish it were disappointing. This reversal certainly makes me happy and I plan to get out there and enjoy the spaces as much as I can. (future meetup anyone?)

Never satisfied, we also need to look at the property next door. I’m talking about the gravel parking lot which the owners of the Hotel Indigo own as well. Hopefully after this project wraps up, the experience of it was positive and that work on a new project here gets going. That lot is a bit narrow for anything similar to what’s been built recently but maybe another hotel, like The Casso on Morgan Street or the The Willard on Glenwood, could fit nicely.

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