Development News in Raleigh

This morning, the News and Observer’s Jack Hagel reported that Gregg Sandreuter of Cary (hold your boos and hisses) and Cherokee Investment Partners have pitched the idea of a 38-story business/hotel/residential in downtown Raleigh. What makes this note worthy is the that the proposed building will be designed based on the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, rating system.

The stie of two tower project known as the Edison is tentatively planned for the block cornered by Wilmington, Blount, Martin and Davie Streets. You may have noticed a big pile of rubble there from recent demolision work. The block is currently owned by Progress Energy and in order to begin construction a deal will have to be reached purchasing the 3.6 acre plot. Hagel reports that some businesses will remain on that block, including Raleigh staple Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque.

Construction of the new towers would begin in 2009 if approved by the city.

Other notable projects of Sandreuter include the Dawson on Morgan (home to over 50 condos in the heart of downtown as well as the Borough) and West (in Glenwood South’s entertainment district). 

Getting to and through downtown Raleigh is a nightmare, whether you live in the city or not.  Even seasoned veterans are baffled by one way streets and informative signs on Raleigh’s I-440 Beltline.

And it is not exactly inviting.  Right now the gateways into downtown Raleigh look something like THIS.

Cue Corbin Design, hired by the city to design a new wayfinding system for downtown.  Their portfolio includes Atlanta, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Milwaukee; it is no surprise that they were chosen by the city following an invitation to interview.  The majority of the information design for our new system is extremely well thought out and clearly stated.  (Downtown findability will be accentuated if DOT takes Corbin’s recommendations for signs along the beltline—suggestions that are outside of the original scope of work.)

The aesthetics of the project, however, are questionable…[MORE]

On Saturday Capital City Grocery reopened, after changing owners and going through a bit of an overhaul.  Anyone who hasn’t gotten to check out Capital City Grocery and the rest of Seaboard Station is highly encouraged to do so, the Grocery is in good company with Logan’s and Sun Flowers.  The grocery is focusing on organic and natural goods and includes salad and hot bars with selections of vegetarian and omnivore friendly cuisine. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating- its a great place to grab lunch downtown.  Complimenting the food they will also offer beer and wine by the glass as well as a full coffee menu.  The store has stayed much the same, but I’m sure we can expect some evolution as they find the right market. 

Lets hope Capital City gives Whole Foods some good competition as it would benefits Raleigh residents doubly. Our city can only benefit from smart minded independent businesses like this one

Many of the new shopping centers in Raleigh have banned buses from coming on their grounds.  The developers argue this is because buses risk pedestrian safety (although, Raleigh buses are some of the safest), but others are very aware that this is fueled by racist and classist motives.  Chris Estes, executive director of the North Carolina Housing Coalition, makes the point that shopping centers are designed to attract people to come work and shop, public transportation can only help with that end goal.  The framing of public transportation is somehow dangerous is a distraction for the real motives behind the bans.

This trend is not unique to Raleigh, but part of a disturbing nation wide trend.  In Buffalo NY, 2.5 million dollars was awarded to the family of a girl crossing the road, as the result of a mall restricting bus access. Negligent planning on the developers part should not become the city’s problem and serving the city’s population as a whole is important for any shopping center. 

A list of the participating shopping centers below the fold

Where would bicyclists ride?

The study will consider the needs of bicyclists in the corridor. An option being considered is to allow bicyclists their choice of riding through the roundabout under the legal definition of a vehicle, according to North Carolina law, or riding on the sidewalk instead.

The Hillsborough St. Plan

That’s right, bikers: You are on your own in Raleigh.  The future plan for revitalizing Hillsborough Street, a full restructuring and redesign of key intersections, does not include a bike lane.