Development News in Raleigh

In a move inspired by pity and PR, two of four malls previously restricting bus access have reached an agreement with the City on allowing bus access.  Brier Creek and Towne North (in Ye Olde Raleighe) have agreed to allow buses to make stops on their property.  Towne North had previously closed their bus stop and Brier Creek is opening up for the first time.  If you missed it we covered this injustice a few weeks ago.

The other two malls will not be regaining bus access.  Aparently Bent Tree doesn’t serve anyone interested in public transit and Brennan Station is going to let folk cross the street from the Towne North, knight costumes and all.

NC Realtors are viciously fighting proposed taxes on home purchases. Spending millions on lobbyists because they are worried about the effects on their business.  What they don’t tell us as residents is that by avoiding this tax they are passing the bill on to property taxes.  The result is that long time residents end up paying for newcomers streets, schools and other local services. It’s disgusting - and it allows developers and realtors to sell new homes but not give back to the greater community.

STOP The NC Home Ticks is a robust blog all about this subject.  What’s most interesting is the level at which the special interests in the new homes market are mucking with our government, from planting numerous lobbyists in our capital to delivering talking points to Brad Crone.

More below the fold

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