Category / New Construction

by Leo Suarez

Downtown Raleigh Construction Projects To Watch In 2011

2010 did not have a lot of new construction taking place so the development fanboys might be disappointed. 2011 may surprise us, or it may not. Either way, let’s go into the new year with a list of what action there is to follow.

AIANC Center for Architecture and Design

Rendering of the new AIANC Headquarters

Groundbreaking, shown above, has already occurred for the Center for Architecture and Design. This building from the American Institute of Architects North Carolina Chapter will incorporate many sustainable design features and will seek a LEED Platinum level certification, the highest such level.

The building should be finished late this year. To see and read more about the building:

– Update page for the AIANC Center for Architecture and Design
– In North Carolina, a Gutsy Move : Huffingtonpost.com

Contemporary Art Museum

The Contemporary Art Musem (CAM) will be open on April 30th, 2011. This project has seen steady work throughout 2010 and will finally be finished in a few months.

CAM website

Justice Center

The massive Wake County Justice Center with its triple crane action has been discussed a lot on this site. We will see work taking place here all year. Completion is planned for the summer of 2013.

Project website

Green Square

Just like the Justice Center, Green Square has also been under construction all of last year and will continue through 2011. A combination of offices and the Nature Research Center will most likely open in 2012.

Green Square website [Update: Broken link]

by Leo Suarez

Pic of the Week

I just want to warn you that this is a weak post but either way, there is construction happening on Progress Energy’s land on Lenoir Street near the intersection with Dawson Street, to the west of the rail tracks. I’m not sure what is being built but my guess is that it is the power station that they wanted to build to support the power demands of downtown.

I do remember this was an issue a few years ago but cannot find the articles online at all. I’ll keep attempting to locate something but comment if you recall any details.

The short version of the story is that Progress Energy wanted to build a power substation where Union Station would go now and that caused some controversy. The story never really seemed to end, unless I missed it in the news or no one was talking about it but now Progress Energy is working on something. Is this the same power station?

by Leo Suarez

Wilmington Street Renovations Continue

Looks like Wilmington Street is getting some work done on her. The space at the corner of Wilmington Street and Martin Street is being renovated and according to a sign, shown above, will be finished in the Fall of 2011. The building, shown below, was listed in my Top 10 Empty Spaces To Fill Around Downtown, posted over two years ago.

I updated that list a year later and 237 Wilmington was still empty. This gives me an idea for a 2010 refresh by the way. Anyway, this is a good sign for a major hole in the slice of swiss cheese that is downtown Raleigh retail/restaurant spaces.

by Leo Suarez

Green Square Construction Update

Last week I had a wide angle lens that I was borrowing for a trip. I had one more day before returning it so I hit the sidewalks and walked around downtown Raleigh for some pictures. Here are some raw photos of the Green Square project under construction for those that don’t see it too often.

If you click on the photos, a gallery pops up with larger pictures and more then are shown. RSS and e-mail viewers please click the source link to view it.

by Leo Suarez

Finishing Touches On The Downtown Amphitheater

Looks like some people didn’t get to drink beer and grill out on Memorial Day. Work was being done around the Downtown Amphitheater site yesterday as the venue’s first show is only three days away. Some chairs are installed, concession stands are put up, and a few trailers are parked for what I’m guessing are restrooms. The newest entertainment option for downtown is almost ready.

There’s really not much to say about the Downtown Amphitheater and the best word to describe it is ‘functional’. Bands have a stage to play on, patrons have places to sit, and the chairs point at the stage; nothing all too exciting. The scenery of downtown, the shimmer wall and the buildings on Fayetteville Street, could be a unique experience with live music outdoors.

The venue is easily accessible, sitting between Dawson and McDowell Streets. The sidewalks have been paved around the entire block and pedestrian connectivity is relatively easy coming from anywhere in downtown. There is also an R-Line stop on Cabarrus Street.

The huge pile of dirt behind the stage is a nice touch. Probably the cheapest way to block any distractions seen by those driving down Dawson Street. I’m convinced that without it, drivers would slow down and cause traffic backups during shows.


View from the grass section.

In my opinion, I don’t care what the amphitheater is called. This venue will draw crowds based on the bands on stage. Let’s not forget that once upon a time when the convention center was being built, this block was planned for future expansion space for the convention center in the future. This venue preserves that same plan, adding an easy, disposable entertainment option for when the city or some developer is ready to spend the big bucks. Enjoy it for what it is. I’ll see you there!