5
Bring me another Darryl's!

10/1/2011 1:48:21 PM

As far as I know most of the blocks there have been bought by developers to be torn down. While they wait for banks to start lending again they're reluctant to do anything with them.

10/1/2011 2:15:45 PM

Quote :

"Not speaking for wolfpackgrrr but I am guessing she is referring to more than just street level/restaurant activity. "

Yes exactly. I know that in the past there were plans for some high rise buildings to be built along Wilmington but as far as I know the brakes have all been put on that. There's also been very little money spent on cleaning up the streetscape the way they have Glenwood and Fayetteville. That said I was down there Saturday and noticed they are resurfacing Wilmington so that's a good sign.

Quote :

"Not to mention Empire is working on the former Brass Grill space. "

As far as I can tell they're just gutting it and trying to sell the space. Not that that's a small project but who knows how long it'll be before they can get some tenants in there.

[Edited on October 3, 2011 at 8:58 AM. Reason : s]

10/3/2011 8:57:45 AM

There is so much in this article.

Quote :

""We mostly hang up here," said Mary Beth Cristinziano, a mother of three who lives in nearby Wakefield. "I don't know what that street is downtown with all the coffee houses. What's it called?" "

Quote :

""We feel like we have so much up here," said Cristinziano, who added that her family gets downtown six or seven times a year. "We have the parks. If we want to see a musical, the schools put on musicals. We go to Wake Forest. You get a nice meal there. Probably not the caliber of the ones downtown." "

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/10/09/1551793/after-downtowns-decade-what-will.html#ixzz1aNtCSUPf

10/10/2011 9:17:01 AM

That article creates what seems to me a false dichotomy--that you can have growth downtown, or growth in the suburbs, but one has to come at the expense of the other. I don't think that's the case at all. Evidently neither does Meeker, with mention of the high-dollar non-downtown projects that haven't gotten much recognition during his tenure.

10/10/2011 4:58:50 PM

Raleigh Mayor
Candidate

Nancy McFarlane
27,746
62%

Billie Redmond
12,954
29%

Randall Williams
3,970
9%

(Last updated 8:00 p.m., Precincts: 77% reporting)

still some ways to go, but here it is so far: http://www.wral.com/news/political/page/10223704/?group=top_races

10/11/2011 8:19:04 PM

Wow Nancy pwned.

10/11/2011 9:04:07 PM

I don't know anything about any of the candidates. I didn't vote. What do you guys know about McFarlane?

10/12/2011 7:26:00 AM

I know she had Meeker's endorsement, and that counts for a lot.

10/12/2011 9:14:15 AM

Some of her stances:

Quote :

"What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be effective as a member of City Council? If you've identified specific issues above, what in your record has prepared you to be an effective advocate for them? I have served on City Council for 4 years. During that time I have been chair of the Comprehensive Planning Committee and served on the Budget and Economic Development Committee. I am a good consensus builder and have a proven record of standing up for environmental issues."

Quote :

"How do you identify yourself to others in terms of your political philosophy? For example, do you tell people you're a conservative, a progressive, a libertarian, or what? I am independent and have a progressive philosophy. I am more interested in practical problem solving than partisan ideology. I have spent years working hard for the things that are important to me. I spent years working for the schools to address issues such as funding and equity. I was the HOA president for my neighborhood and worked against storm water and silt runoff damage to our streams and lakes. I am a strong supporter of environmental issues and have strengthened storm water regulations for construction sites. I have worked with both the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper and the Yadkin Riverkeeper regarding watershed and pollution issues."

Quote :

"Is the city's debt load too high? Or does the fact that Raleigh retains its AAA bond rating indicate that the debt load is manageable for our city our size? No, our debt load is not too high. We have one of the lowest debt per citizen ratios, which is part of the reason we have a AAA bond rating."

Quote :

"Do you support the transit plan for Raleigh and Wake County developed by Triangle Transit and the committee of Wake mayors? Do you support taking the 1/2-cent sales tax for transit to Wake County voters in the next two years? If its on the ballot, do you expect to support or oppose its passage? I will support it when we finish it! And yes, I will support the 1/2 cent sales tax. With our expected growth, we have to provide transportation options that will protect our quality of life issues such as clean air and water and our ability to get around."

Quote :

"With the state hospital closing, what is your vision for the 306-acre Dorothea Dix tract? Should it all be a destination park someday? Should development be allowed on part or all of it? I do not support selling off Dix property for development. I would like to see Dorothea Dix saved as a park for generations to come. We will never have another opportunity like this again,"

Quote :

"If there are other issues you want to discuss, please do so here. The primary focus right now is the economy. We will come out of this recession on the strength of small businesses. I have presented a small business initiative to council. It starts with a small business office in city government. There needs to be one point of contact that can help guide anyone wishing to start a business, or having problems with an existing business, that needs our help. Government is here to help the citizens. There are many good organizations that can provide resources, but we need to be a central point of contact for all of them. We also need to provide information about navigating the city system, especially permitting, so citizens are informed as to what to expect when starting a business. After that office is established, I would like to identify the best way to look at best practices and gather information from small businesses in the area to focus on how city government can help."

Let me just say I think that small business office is a GREAT idea. As someone who was trying to do research on starting a small business in Raleigh, it was really difficult to find a comprehensive guide on the process of permits, etc. I hope that idea gets off the ground so I can go use it

10/12/2011 9:19:47 AM

http://dtraleigh.com/2011/10/the-edison-scales-down-shows-new-renderings/

The edison plan went from two giant glass towers, to Oberlin Court +1 floor

10/24/2011 9:54:32 AM

Yeah it's pretty piss poor

10/24/2011 9:58:19 AM

Quote :

"I don’t think skyscraper fans will be happy about this one. Building this piece of The Edison also means we lose the building with Cooper’s in it on East Davie Street. Six stories of new building at a loss for two stories of history is not a good exchange in my opinion."

Agreed.

10/24/2011 10:09:02 AM

Wow, that's gone from spectacular to craptastic. I don't think this type of development at this height is what we need downtown--hell, the thing they're building in Cameron Village is taller than 6 stories. I hope it doesn't get approved.

10/24/2011 11:27:18 AM

I'm guessing 6 stories has to do with construction materials? Otherwise I don't see why they don't just do a 12-story building at the southernmost part of the parcel and go from there.

10/24/2011 11:45:39 AM

6 stories usually tends to be about the limit for using cheap materials.

10/24/2011 11:49:03 AM

tearing down coopers to build that generic piece of shit? jesus fucking christ

10/24/2011 2:24:11 PM

Ugh, I am seriously disappoint

10/24/2011 2:29:55 PM

I'm assuming it hasn't been reviewed by the planning authorities yet? If they've half a brain they will realize this is not the type of building we need on such a major parcel in the heart of downtown, and tell them to go big or go home.

10/24/2011 4:41:39 PM

I will be so disappointed if that gets pushed through. Talk about more generic filler.

10/24/2011 10:38:14 PM

Anyone heard of or been to this place yet?

http://www.calaveraraleigh.com/

It's a place that specializes in tequila drinks and empanadas and that's about it.

Well, they do have some specialty drinks, beer, wine, but the empanadas and tequila are the main even, so to speak.

[Edited on November 8, 2011 at 12:19 PM. Reason : ]

11/8/2011 12:18:16 PM

I've heard good things but haven't made it there yet.

11/8/2011 12:20:14 PM

^^ I was wondering if that place was ever going to open.

11/8/2011 12:25:35 PM

Yeah the owners are actually my next door neighbors.

The interior design is really cool. Dark red painted walls with the spanish candles, decorated skulls, spanish artwork, etc. The drinks are incredible, they have some cucumber mojito. Tis true the only have empanadas, but they are really good. They have a pulled pork one. Only complaint is the building is somewhat limited in size so not much seating. Should be really nice next summer as they have several outdoor tables. Highly recommended if you like tequila.

[Edited on November 8, 2011 at 1:25 PM. Reason : .]

11/8/2011 1:25:01 PM

Do they have mezcal? I've had the hardest time finding any in NC.

11/8/2011 1:30:04 PM

11/27/2011 10:15:39 AM

Nice. Is that SECU tower purely offices? I remember reading something about it possibly containing some extended stay hotel rooms or something but I'm not sure if that's still the case.

[Edited on November 27, 2011 at 1:54 PM. Reason : ]

11/27/2011 1:48:57 PM

Stopped by the newly reopened Pullen Park. The place looks great.

11/27/2011 5:07:54 PM

Some friends stopped by over the weekend and said the same thing

Thanks for posting the Calavera place. It looks awesome

11/28/2011 10:59:35 AM

^^^I'm pretty sure it is just office space. My company is installing the controls and I've looked over the plans in depth. The first 6 stories or so are just for vehicle parking.

11/28/2011 11:11:02 AM

Any idea on when it should be completed?

11/28/2011 1:50:49 PM

there will be a branch in that unit right?

11/28/2011 2:39:24 PM

When can we witness the power of this fully armed and operational battle station?

11/28/2011 2:46:04 PM

^lol

11/28/2011 7:32:36 PM

Quote :

"^^^I'm pretty sure it is just office space. My company is installing the controls and I've looked over the plans in depth. The first 6 stories or so are just for vehicle parking."

The 6 story parking garage on the backside won't suffice?
It's kind of a narrow and oddly shaped building to turn half of it into a parking garage.

11/28/2011 10:12:17 PM

that building across from Peace is so ugly

11/28/2011 10:37:40 PM

Better than the Bath Building.

11/28/2011 10:54:28 PM

From what I've heard, the Bath building is ugly because it needs to be--basically a concrete shell that has several other independently contained and ventilated spaces within it, for labs where toxic/dangerous/biohazard substances can be worked with. So it really can't have frivolous things like windows on the upper floors where the labs are. It's an interesting piece of architecture for what it is, contrasted with something like Price Music Center on campus (same construction idea but for acoustical rather than hazard reasons), which is a featureless brick box. Plus, if you care about such things, it's actually a very good example of the somewhat hard-to-love Brutalist style of architecture.

http://goodnightraleigh.com/2008/06/ugliest-building-in-raleigh/

It is particularly badly located though. Doesn't make a great backdrop for the Heck-Andrews house, for example. But as far as ugly buildings, its neighbor across Lane street (at the corner of Blount, backs up to the state library/archives) is far worse. I have no clue what goes on there but it is plain, square, also has few windows, and is dreadfully boring.

11/29/2011 9:09:54 AM

Makes sense. I always wondered what was on the upper levels there.

I feel like appreciation for certain architectural styles will always skip the next generation before people can see the beauty once more, but part of me wonders when brutalism will be an attractive aesthetic again. I'll drive down Lane this evening as I can't quite picture that other building.

And since you mentioned the State Archive I'm going to have to post this for comparison as it never comes up.
NC Archive building on Jones St:

North Korean building at Pan Mun Jom:

I can't be the only one who sees it.

11/29/2011 4:26:08 PM

haha, I'd never seen that comparison, but it is kind of apt.

11/30/2011 8:39:44 PM

^^ hahaha I can see it. As an aside, if you ever get a chance to do a DMZ tour, do it. One of the strangest places I've ever been to.

Quote :

"there will be a branch in that unit right? "

Yes. It's replacing the one currently inside the museum.

11/30/2011 8:44:49 PM

I actually noticed that after doing a DMZ tour.

11/30/2011 8:49:04 PM

haha did you buy any of the souvenirs in the North Korea gift shop? I bought the North Korean wine out of sheer curiosity. My friend and I shared it that night and both agreed it was some of the nastiest shit we've ever had the displeasure of drinking.

11/30/2011 9:15:01 PM

I bought a few bottles of NK soju as gifts and kept one for myself along with a bottle of NK blueberry whiskey. I never plan on consuming either.

I gave one bottle of the soju to a guy who works for me and he immediately opened it and tried to chug it thinking it was a beer. He was surprised.

11/30/2011 9:21:34 PM

Behold, The Gramercy: http://www.raleighnc.gov/content/PlanCurrent/Documents/DevelopmentPlansReview/PlansInReview/2011/PlansSubmittalMapsByType/SitePlan/SP-064-11.pdf

209 apartments in 7 stories at the NW corner of Glenwood and North.

By my count, that's a total of 1168 new apartments proposed downtown near Glenwood South, 532 apartments at Cameron Village, and 403 at Valpark. Is this boom sustainable? Will some of these projects be dropped?

12/2/2011 10:59:14 AM

Oh hey look another boring POS design.

12/2/2011 11:04:41 AM

Fist-Pumping Estates to Replace Church

12/2/2011 12:15:16 PM

Wow, more generic crap. Looks like what you'd happen if you tried to combine the FMW project on Hillsborough with the Paramount, with a dash of 712 Tucker thrown in for good measure. Can no one build anything distinctive?

[Edited on December 2, 2011 at 1:48 PM. Reason : At least they're not knocking down anything interesting or historic to build this one.]

12/2/2011 1:48:08 PM

Quote :

"FMW project on Hillsborough"

I swear it looks exactly like that. Is it being built by the same company?

12/2/2011 3:08:35 PM

Speaking of that FMW crap, they're completing the asbestos removal at Jackpot/green house, so they should be coming down any day.

12/2/2011 3:24:37 PM