by Leo Suarez

Potential Parking Parcels For Prominent Progress

Renovation and new construction are all over downtown. A couple projects have hit some financing snags so the new construction buzz has become a little slow now that RBC Plaza and the Convention Center are so close to opening. While enjoying the present, it is always good to look toward the future. Since empty lots are hard to come by, parking lots will have to do. Here is a short list of parking lots with high potential for development in the near future in downtown.

Sites 2 and 3

The two parking lots in front of the Performing Arts Center are known as sites 2 and 3, with an “extended” Fayetteville St. bisecting the two lots. There are lots of factors to consider here if imagining what could be built. Should buildings be shorter to ‘step down’ to the Arts Center or should we build tall? Should Fayetteville St. continue to South St.?

Davie and McDowell

This parking lot is surrounded by good stuff so it is only a matter of time before something sprouts here. A hotel would make sense because of its close proximity to the convention center. The parcel is pretty large so a true mixed use project would seem likely.

Lenoir and Wilmington

As Charter Square goes up across the street, the increase traffic flow on Wilmington will make this area look very attractive to developers. The block is sort of transitional between downtown mid-rises and neighborhood houses so it will be interesting to see what is proposed here.

Blount St.

The parking lots between Jones and Edenton street occupy two entire city blocks (except for the Haywood House). The western block could be used for government expansion buildings while the eastern block could be used for low-rise townhouses and condos, creating a neighborhood feel that transitions into Oakwood. Plans for a city visitor center are out there but I have not heard of any new information on that topic.

Are there any other key lots out there ripe for development?

by Leo Suarez

The RBC Spire is a DT Raleigh Symbol

The lighting of the RBC Plaza is a symbol of the progress of the revitalization of downtown Raleigh

[Via MyNC]

I agree with Scott Custer’s statement. The RBC Bank CEO and others lit up the spire last night at a ceremony on Fayetteville St. You may have been lucky to see it lit up a couple of times in the past but it’s now official; the RBC crown is now lighting up the nighttime skyline. It is the symbol of the private sector’s investment in downtown Raleigh.

When the crown is lit up, it is impressive. I think it will be Raleigh’s version of Atlanta’s Bank of America Plaza. The crown stands out at night, from Fayetteville St. all the way out to the beltline and hidden views beyond that. Until something taller comes along, this will probably be the center of most of our national exposure photos; TV shots during sports games, the next billion top 10 lists Raleigh makes, promotion items, etc. Whether visitors like it or not, I think a majority of them will remember the RBC crown and if they see it again outside of the city, they will remember that it is in Raleigh.

The bar has been raised, when will it be topped?

by Leo Suarez

Finishing Touches Around The Convention Center

Have you checked your calendars? We are three weeks away from Raleigh Wide Open 3 and the opening of the Raleigh Convention Center. The final details outside the center are now being smoothed over and will be ready for your eyes and feet soon.


Paving Salisbury, planting trees, laying bricks and more at the plaza entrance. Click for bigger picture.


After almost three years, McDowell is now walkable again.

Shimmer wall installed, new street/pedestrian lights are up and working.


Installing sidewalk lights in front of the entrance on Salisbury St.


Cabarrus St. will soon have flowing traffic, cars and people.

by Leo Suarez

Pic of the Week

These are not exactly downtown Raleigh related but since I’ve got nothing new and need a few days to get back into the swing of things, I thought I would share this from my weekend. Both of the main stages had a large LCD screen above them that scrolled text messages that you could send in. While trying to shamelessly plug DTRaleigh.com (yes, I know, unsubscribe now) and grab a picture of it above the stage I actually ended up catching other Raleigh related shout outs.

Which actually leads to an interesting question; do you tell people you are from Raleigh or Raleigh NC?

by Leo Suarez

Raleigh’s Signature Music Festival

The Spring weekend events have slowed down and in the thick of summer, people tend to travel more, at least I do. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good “staycation” in Raleigh but it’s good to get away from time to time. This weekend I’ll be in Baltimore for the Virgin Music Festival and I cannot help dream of the possibility of a huge music event here in Raleigh. I’m not talking about concerts at TWC pavilion but a multi-stage, multi-day event that draws people from in and outside of the country. If you have been to one, then you know what I mean and already know the difference.


A new amphitheater is coming on this block

Downtown will probably not hold this kind of event although we are stepping up. The upcoming amphitheater tent that will go up across the street from the convention center will be a big plus to the downtown music options.

What about the Dix property? Now there is a bold statement. I would bet that the idea of hosting a music festival here would receive a lot of opposition from Raleighites but the area is perfect for actually doing it. With a really expansive green landscape and a touch of urban with the buildings of downtown towering over, the Dix property could one day host such an event. It would provide a unique setting compared to other big name festivals. Coachella has their rolling mountains around the polo fields of Indio, California, Lollapalooza has the skyscrapers of Chicago in Grant Park, Raleigh can have its green landscape with huge trees and a buzzing city around it.

Maybe. Maybe not. Anyway, had to throw that thought out there.


Could you ever see a stage like this in Raleigh?