Not sure where to put this, but looks like we have a “4th Ward Entertainment District”
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It seems as this is an actual entertainment district and not a late night, shit-show, drunken stupor, entertainment district like Glenwood South.
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can someone tell what’s so ‘historic’ about this area? I’ve never heard of ‘4th ward’.
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Well, you can’t get everything…
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Historically Black neighborhood that was entirely eliminated by Urban Renewal. The convention center, performing arts center, and Red Hat all sit within the historical boundaries. Naming this entertainment area after the Fourth Ward is a way to honor our past.
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I think that’s part of the point, to teach people like us who have never heard about it the history that’s been lost. I’m not quite sure how the entertainment district fits in, unless it’s taking that name because of the current buildings there (convention center, concert hall, etc). I figure I’ll learn more as this takes off.
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Is there a 4th Ward boundary map that’s been shared? I’d like to see where this visually is located.
Not that I’ve seen but I’m sure I can find one. The district will also be marked by signs, including special street signs.
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It is bounded east-west by Wilmington & Dawson. North-south by Cabarrus & South (and properties that front on South).
So Red Hat amphitheater (new) to Performing Arts Center east-west with Convention Center, Omni, Lincoln Theater, and surrounds to the north.
Performing Arts Center website has some good historical background:
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Just found this:
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It seems like this is coming right out of the DTR Economic Dev Strategy, here. It says to brand this area as an entertainment district. See page 18.
Studies put into action!!!
Actions
- Develop a framework to differentiate and focus shopping, dining, and
entertainment opportunities downtown with preferred storefront frontage
zones to guide development and support walkability
• Neighborhood Goods & Services: Essential goods and services proximate to downtown’s
residents and office workers looking for coffee, grab-and-go meals, sundries, and personal
services nearby
• Shopping & Dining District: A 16-18 hour district anchored by unique chef-driven restaurants,
destination bars, stylish fashion and furnishings representing the best of North Carolina and
Raleigh’s Black business history
• City Market: A curated, unique mix of independent food, beverage, and artisan goods
manufacturers to showcase Raleigh’s local creativity, anchored and activated by Artspace and
restaurant and event space at the market hall
• Restaurant & Bar District: Energetic districts that comes alive at night with an eclectic mix of
innovative eateries and vibrant nightlife spots that celebrate local flavors and neighborhoods
• Arts & Entertainment District: Vibrant and lively storefronts providing a wide diversity of known entertainment, dining, and shopping opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages
• Transition Zones: Maintaining a walkable urban fabric that connects downtown districts
storefronts are occupied by a diverse blend of destination restaurant and bars, creative offices,
and other appointment based storefront businesses (e.g., gyms, urgent care, banks)
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For some reason reminded me of this
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So am I in the Warehouse District with a subdistrict of the 4th Ward Entertainment District OR have I just been transported to a whole new district in my sleep? Asking for me and a friend? 
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Depends which trail, strollway, or line you are on 
. Maybe all 3 at once?
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I gotta be honest… until we get some more entertainment options outside of a giant amphitheater and a convention center (and a highly underutilized performing arts center) … I think it’s quite a stretch to just call this an “entertainment district” lmao. This “district” doesn’t even have Kings/Neptunes, Pour House, nor Lincoln Theatre within its boundaries…
To me, this is just performative nothing.
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I completely agree, and for that reason, it’s almost a slap in the face to try to rebrand it now. This is another miss. I’m telling you, just leave the names alone, it often does more harm than good. It’s a historic district that was totally compromised during urban renewal, as previously stated. Calling it an entertainment district now feels tone deaf. Sorry for being negative on the renaming topics, this just feels so unnecessary, again.
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Well I mean we have a full city block right beside the new Omni hotel. We could build… wait for it… the RALEIGH EPICENTER!!! It worked so well for Charlotte, why not us? 
I’ll show myself out now
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I would have much rather seen something similar to the historical monument at Chavis Park ie an art installation or permanent feature that actually tells the story of Raleigh’s Fourth Ward and the people who shaped it.
The intent here is clearly well meaning, but the execution feels underwhelming. Adding another collection of signs seems more likely to contribute to the ongoing “where exactly am I in Raleigh?” confusion than meaningfully preserve the history of the area.
The Fourth Ward deserves to be remembered, but I think that history would be much more powerful if it were interpreted through public art, storytelling, photographs, or a thoughtfully designed monument rather than essentially creating a place marker for a neighborhood that, unfortunately, no longer exists in the way it once did.
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