South Street, between McDowell and Dawson, is now closed. I think this is a pretty big deal as it marks the start of a second wave of the “Convention Center District”. That’s not a thing I’m embracing but something that I think we’re becoming more and more; a convention center downtown. That’s probably a topic for another day.
Continue reading →During the February 6, 2025 Design Review Commission meeting, there was a presentation (YouTube link here) related to the plans for the upcoming Red Hat Amphitheater, which should start construction this year. The video really speaks for itself and it’s a highly recommended watch. While the images aren’t final by any means, they do a great job of giving you a sense of what’s being built along Lenoir Street, more specifically to the south of the current amphitheater site as it sits today.
Continue reading →Above is the Raleigh City Council meeting (watch on YouTube) that included a presentation, public comments, and a vote on the plan to rebuild the Red Hat Amphitheater just south of its current location, resulting in the closure of South Street between Dawson and McDowell Streets. It’s worth watching, as you can really see the council’s thoughtful deliberation on this issue. I encourage readers to give it a view.
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The Red Hat Amphitheater turned out to be such a good idea that the latest chatter this Summer is all about making it bigger and better. We’ve talked about how the amphitheater was always meant to be temporary and now that the Raleigh Convention Center wants to expand, the amphitheater needs to move. For awhile, the plans to move the amphitheater were simple; put it one block to the south. However, with plans to close streets and the temptation to actually move it to Dix Park, this topic is getting more complicated.
If you’re not on the Community, you’re missing a great ongoing discussion so I encourage you to jump in on the conversation. If you’re staying here, let’s take a closer look at what we have on the table so far.
Continue reading →Red Red Hat by dtraleigh, on Flickr
Red Hat’s new signage towers high over Wilmington Street.
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!
City Manager Russell Allen will ask the City Council today to allocate $59,760 to design a 4,978-seat venue to host summer concerts under the Shimmer Wall. The venue, to be built on the site of the old Sir Walter Chevrolet dealership at McDowell and Lenoir streets, would cost about $1.5 million and could open as early as May of next year.
via Raleigh vote on concert venue set – Local & State – News & Observer.