by Leo Suarez

Small Glenwood South Update

I took a walk down Glenwood South last night and kept my eyes open for new stuff. The signs in the pictures above were at the building on Glenwood and Tucker. Some other points:

  • The corner space of 222 Glenwood is still empty. This can also be made into two spaces but right now the dividing wall has not been built.
  • Renovation work is being done on the building between Armadillo Grill and Solas.
  • Two parking spots were taken away from the area in front of The Hibernian for the R-Line. I recently heard of a complaint at this stop where the bus drove by and did not stop for a waiting pedestrian. Perhaps this will help with that and traffic flow.
by Leo Suarez

“More than 60 percent of 1,006 registered voters in Durham, Orange and Wake counties said they…”

“More than 60 percent of 1,006 registered voters in Durham, Orange and Wake counties said they support light rail, buses or a combination of the two, along with dedicated lanes for circulators in downtown areas.”

– Poll: More than half of voters support mass transit :: WRAL.com

“More than 60 percent of 1,006 registered voters in Durham, Orange and Wake counties said they support light rail, buses or a combination of the two, along with dedicated lanes for circulators in downtown areas.”

– Poll: More than half of voters support mass transit :: WRAL.com

by Leo Suarez

The Old Melrose Knitting Company Warehouse

I know very little about this warehouse but it is my favorite one in downtown. You may have passed it a thousand times before noticing it because the warehouse is tucked away on the right as you come into downtown on Dawson St. at Lane St. I bring it up because there has been some small amount of activity here recently. A brick wall has been built in front with two openings, wide enough for a single car. My first guess is that there will be a parking lot in front for possible offices in the building.

I took a picture of the warehouse almost a year ago. Below is that picture followed by a recent one showing the new additions. If anyone has any information about the warehouse, please share in the comments. A Sanborn map from 1903 (pdf) shows the warehouse and that the Melrose Knitting Company was here.

by Leo Suarez

Tech Culture in Downtown Raleigh


Picture by Prachi Gauriar via Flickr.

When I’m not taking photos or drinking beer, the tech junkie inside me likes to find a cool spot downtown and ‘geek out’. Coffee shops are usually the place to find people doing the same being productive for their work or for a hobby. I’m a big fan of drink and wi-fi on slow weekends and I know there are others out there. Inspired by John’s recent comment on the topic (you the man!) here is a short list of places to visit that offer good atmosphere and amenities for web surfing and working.

Café Helios

Café Helios is a great coffee shop in Glenwood South. On top of coffee, they also serve wine, beer, and there is a light food menu to keep you from starving. My favorite part of Helios is when the weather is nice and all the doors open up. The outdoor seating is cozy with a wall of bushes that separates people from the sidewalk. Check out half price wine bottles on Tuesday and $2.50 pints on Wednesday. Open late too.

The Morning Times

Another coffee spot that gets love for having great hours is The Morning Times. They pretty much have the Fayetteville St. area covered during late night. A few outdoor tables and large windows on the first floor offer some great people-watching spots when you want to drift away from working. The second floor is practically an art gallery with tables for studying or writing. They have all the coffee you need as well as some juices and snacks. Morning Times is very laid back, even with all the energy right next door at The Raleigh Times.

The Flying Saucer

Probably for the less serious worker, The Flying Saucer may have the largest beer selection in downtown with about 80 taps and over 200+ beers total. If you are sitting inside, the day time is usually less hectic until the nightlife crowd shows up and getting a table for all your things is easy. When it’s warm, the outdoor benches are the place to be to get a little radiation from the sun and your laptop screen.

Boylan Bridge Brewpub

The recently opened Boylan Bridge Brewpub has the best view from any outdoor seating area in downtown. The huge patio has several benches for your tech fiesta to gather on. If flying solo, the small tables will do just fine. Microbrew beer and solid bar food will keep you happy as you take in the view. The indoor area isn’t bad either.

Fayetteville St.

This goes hand in hand with the upcoming free wi-fi initiative that the city is proposing. Not all tech culture has to include beer or coffee. Grab that netbook, sit on a bench, and get online. You don’t have to spend any money and it works from the Capitol building through City Plaza all the way to the performing arts center. People-watching here is at an all time high when the weather is nice. Those benches were put on the sidewalks for this purpose right?

Honorable Mentions

Landmark Tavern

Landmark is more of a happy hour spot because they do not open until 4 pm. The beer garden patio in the back is great when you want to be outside in the shade.

Raleigh Times

The atmosphere at Raleigh Times is through the roof here and they have plenty of tables outside. Getting work done can be difficult; the place is way popular.

Port City Java

Port City Java is another coffee shop with plenty of room to sit and work. They have lots of windows that show the activity outside. I’d like to see more outdoor tables though.

Sosta

Sosta is a great early morning and lunch spot. They have a comfortable atmosphere that will let you focus on what you need to get done.