I’ve been extremely disappointed in the lack of creativity on approaches to revitalizing Fayetteville St. Hopefully this is better
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The city disallowing the Plensa installation at the plaza was a mistake.
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The Convention Center hotel sucks and the city blocks in front of Memorial Hall create a deadzone. Fayetteville street’s renewal is unfinished and always has been.
Slap two 40-50 floor whoppers on those blocks, extend Fay street to the end, expand the CC, and renovate the CC Marriott to make more attractive especially for pedestrians around it… On top of just bringing more residents to this part of downtown, that all combined will do things.
I’m also gonna strongly suggest another grocer in this part of downtown. The northern and western neighborhoods of downtown are served by Publix and Weaver Street (and Village Teeter to an extent). This area is underserved and it will become a problem.
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Other things - I am kind of meh with the big events on this street. If I ever want to check out a restaurant here I have to roll a dice on whether it’ll have a large crowd, a 2hr wait, and a hundred food trucks blaring diesel in my face. Could it be that this is interfering with this neighborhood’s ability to stabilize as a place to reliably live and work? The events are nice but maybe we should think about whether this is the best spot for them in the future long term…
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I’ve been working on a blog post on this topic. It was announced back in July.
I’m sure lots of people will propose, like @Vatnos is saying from his armchair, that you build your way out of this but I’d be disappointed if the plan says to just add more stuff. We have space in downtown, we just need things people want to go to. I’m skeptical of street plans, art installs, and incentives to build new towers.
I think the plan will be more weedsy around recruitment. And that’s fine.
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The “Moore Square East” block is getting a grocery store.
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Honestly, building more wouldn’t magically fix this, might even make it feel more sterile.
We need to ask ourselves why did Fayetteville St become packed on the weekends and weekday lunch hours from 2009-2012.
In my opinion, several establishments capitalized on the vacant and cheap rent and created interesting spaces to visit. Paddy of Bears, Tasty 8s. Bennys. Coglins etc.
Why did it work then and what mistakes do we keep making now? Hiring some firm from Philladelphia who comes down here and says " Nashville is Music City; Vegas is Sin City. Who is Raleigh? And who is it for?"
-were doomed if we need to answer that question or come up with some identity out of thin air.
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Worked with ChatGPT to build a pitch for what I believe to be Raleigh’s strengths: Culture, Technology, Education, and Nature:
In a world that’s rapidly evolving, there emerges a city that stands as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and culture. A place where the past’s wisdom intertwines seamlessly with the future’s promise. Where oak-lined streets echo the whispers of scholars, and modern skyscrapers reach for the stars, much like the ancient observatories once did.
Imagine a city where every corner is a testament to human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of understanding. A place where technology isn’t just a tool, but a bridge to a brighter tomorrow. Here, universities don’t just educate; they illuminate, fostering a new generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
The arts and culture scene is as vibrant as the discussions that once took place in the world’s most famous library. Music, theater, and literature thrive, reminding us that while technology advances, the human spirit remains constant.
This city isn’t just a hub; it’s a lighthouse, guiding the way for others to follow. A modern metropolis that captures the essence of one of history’s greatest centers of learning and discovery.
Raleigh’s strengths and reputation align with the essence of ancient cities like Alexandria or Athens, and that’s the vision we should pursue (in my opinion). Take Fayetteville Street as an example: one end is dedicated to politics, while the other celebrates the arts. This street should prioritize our city’s identity over retail, at least in its early stages.
I am also of the opinion that “if you build it, they will come”. We need more people living in and around Fayetteville Street first.
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We need to ask ourselves why did Fayetteville St become packed on the weekends and weekday lunch hours from 2009-2012.
People were excited about the facelift to the street, and the Warehouse District had not yet found its stride as a nightlife area. DTR has gained a lot outside of Fayetteville St in the decade since and this part of Downtown no longer has that new car smell.
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Maybe the most pretentious thing I have ever read.
Read any development web pages lately? 
Preening and pretensions are what marketing is about, so you are correct, and I kinda liked it.
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Trees/nature is definitely the most standout thing about this area IMO, besides tech. My stupid/crazy idea is to plant a f*** load of native flowers in every nook & cranny of public space. Just make the whole darn place super colorful. The Instagram posts from college students will be advertisement enough.
There’s just not a whole lot of ways to hand-craft a place into being unique.
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A grocery store was mentioned a few times in the winning proposal (and was even included in the renderings), but only as something that could maybe happen on an adjoining lot unrelated to the RFP process. As far as I can tell, they are not obligated to include one in the development.
I would be elated if they actually follow through with it; we really need a grocery store on this side of town… but based on their proposal, it doesn’t sound like anything more than an idea they kicked around at some point.
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Not exactly unrelated. I think them getting this property is pretty integral to their development plan since they also show a parking deck there.
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I’d to like to see them explore at least closing off a portion of it and turfing like North Hills. Put bands there for first Friday like NH does with Mid Town Music
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Larimer Street, Denver, Colorado. 2014 vs 2020
Looking SE on Newark Ave from Erie St.
(2012 vs 2022)
Brussels, Belgium
Ithaca, NY. 1967 vs 2016
Fayetteville St. is not a lost cause as these outside consultants are trying to claim. The lack of political will to look at clear examples of successful pedestrian heavy streets from the city’s leaders is the problem.
These are a few examples, there are many more. These pedestrian street successes are not unknown to our leaders, the solution is just simply being ignored. Lastly, the crowds during the street festivals are enough evidence of the street’s potential. mic drop
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I agree that the actual places on Fytv. St. are lackluster compared to other areas of downtown, but I would also say that it is surrounded by a lot more dead spots such as the convention hotel parking lots, Shaw U. and generally everything east of it. The warehouse district and glenwood s are quickly being built up with new residents and retail spaces but many of these dead zones around Fytv. St. are very slow to see anything of the sort.
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I listed what Fayetteville St needs a few months ago on here, but apparently these consultants didn’t listen. I’ll dumb it down for them. Office workers and residents, and lots of them. Everything else will follow
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I liked your post. I agree the City needs an anchor to bring them in. I am so old I remember going to Belk’s for shopping or to eat. I have worked downtown since the late 80’s and the Police need a presence. Crime has doubled from last year and it influences people on where they go for dinner, groceries, or for entertainment. I agree that an anchor like a hotel, grocery store, or both to draw them in. We shall see.
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Larimer Square is dead in 2023 btw. This was on a Friday in July.
16th Street Mall is the Denver model to look at. The answer there is population and retail. There are multiple indoor malls adjoining the street with tons of retail options. Clothes, bookstores, crafts, and the electric tram-buses on the street are quite useful for hopping around.
Btw I don’t post this to be all “well askshually” but to show that cities that are thriving and doing many things better than Raleigh can have challenges with areas of downtown at any point in time. It’s the way the dice falls. Many cities have struggled since the pandemic and the associated financial crisis. Some neighborhoods haven’t yet rebounded.
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