by Leo Suarez

The Rise of RBC Plaza Through Time

One year and a few weeks ago from now, the crown of RBC Plaza was lit up. There was good discussion on the blog that day so jump back in time and re-live it. Digging through my photo archives, I found lots of pictures of the tower under construction. Here is a small collection showing the tower grow from nothing to 500+ feet high.


View of the construction site from Fayetteville Street on October 19th, 2006.


The tall red crane is being put together on January 20, 2007.


The lower floors for parking are under construction on June 26th, 2007.


The building starts to make a dent in the skyline, showing its blue glass on December 12th, 2007.


RBC Plaza has now topped out and more glass follows its way to the top on April 12th, 2008.


The crown is being put together on April 27th, 2008.

RBC Plaza now towers at the top of the Raleigh skyline.

by Leo Suarez

Council adopts new vision for city’s growth – Local & State – News & Observer

The City Council voted unanimously today to adopt a new long-term planning document that will shape future development in Raleigh for the next two decades.

The vote means that the document, called the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, will officially go into effect Nov 1.

via Council adopts new vision for city’s growth – Local & State – News & Observer.

by Leo Suarez

BeerCon: The Busy Bee Cafe

The Busy Bee Cafe has returned to downtown Raleigh but with a different flair then its earlier setup in the same location back in the early 1900’s. Open early for the morning, coffee lovers and late for the night owls, the Busy Bee has an extensive menu for any time of the day.

A beer drinker’s spot for sure, the cafe serves up a great selection of brews picked by guys who know this stuff inside and out. Kegs are rotated frequently so lots of new beers are on tap for your drinking pleasure. Follow their blog or twitter for updates when new beers arrive.

Non-smoking
TV’s
Wifi
Outdoor seating

Website: http://busybeeraleigh.com/

225 South Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(go to map)
(919) 424-7817

by Leo Suarez

September Poll: Favorite Downtown Sports Bar

College football starts tonight (Go State!) and within the coming weeks the NFL and NHL will start their seasons as well. This month, I want to ask where you go to watch a game if not at home? There are a few options in downtown to take in the plethora of games on a weekend day but the atmospheres are completely different. Where do you most enjoy to watch sports? Is it at a sports bar or any restaurant with a TV? Make sure to vote and leave a comment.

by Leo Suarez

Pic of the Week

Rendering of the Nature Research Center being built at the corner of Salisbury and Jones as part of the Green Square project. Go to this website [Update: Broken link] for more renderings and a live webcam of the construction site.

Also, the Raleigh City Council just approved a site plan for a 12-story building for the the State Employees Credit Union that will sit on this same site. This is most likely the tower that you can see in the rendering.

by Leo Suarez

The Best Baklava In Downtown

If that picture gets you excited then you have to try one of these three places in downtown. This comes up after a conversation with some friends and after trying them all, I can’t pick a winner cause they are all so good. Which is your favorite, on or off the list?

Sitti
The Empire Eats and Neomonde collaboration, Sitti has the same great Baklava as the deli on Hillsborough Street.

The Roast Grill
The best way to complete your day is with a homemade piece of Baklava after a couple burnt ones.

Turkish Delights
The traditional Baklava tastes great but with all those other flavors, it’ll have you coming back. (pictured above)