I’m super down.
Making a connection to Dawson also, nice
11 Likes
Look at that. Below grade parking… nice.
Barely any retail component though. Are we okay with that in this location? Nice looking design tho.
4 Likes
I believe the squat 5 story apt building next door will feature a ton of retail, so the one extra space here is a welcome addition. If it were the only retail across both buildings, then I’d certainly have an issue with that.
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This location is kind of in the middle of nowhere for me in terms of downtown, but it’s pretty close to a lot of things that I do visit. I think this is a pretty decent looking building, and will be a great addition to the skyline from different angles.
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It definitely seems that way, but you’d be surprised how quickly you can get to Crank Arm from here. If you didn’t dilly-dally, it would be a 10 minute walk. 15 minute at the most. And if you can get to crank arm, you can get to Barcelona, Oak, O’Ku, Weaver Street, Junction West, Parkside 
2 Likes
No, absolutely agree. I just mean for me personally, I drive downtown and then walk to whatever I’m doing. So this location currently isn’t really a destination for me. I do go to the Farmers Market, Trophy on Morgan, Boulted Bread, etc. and this is right in the middle. I’m betting (and hoping) this will be a catalyst for development that connects this area to everything nearby.
5 Likes
blegh. I hope Merge adds a section on their website that shows their idealistic renderings compared to the generic AF realized designs. What a wasted opportunity.
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Possibly the worst bait-and-switch proposal I’ve ever seen in Raleigh. Kane isn’t the almighty local hero some people like to prop him up as… it’s about the bottom dollar. Boooooo
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I knew that when I realized that mural on the parking deck of SH phase 1 never materialized. He still gets a lot of stuff built tho, which is better than all the proposed projects that never happen.
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Parking breakdown: 370 required, 294 provided in this phase 2A. Balance is coming from the extra provided with phase 1. And still about 263 extra spaces left in the Phase 1 deck that might could be applied to future towers?
Also, interesting how big this site really is. Looks like room for 2 more towers.
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As at Main North Hills, the parking garage is tucked into the slope, so the roof of it feels like it’s at-grade. (Hence why those potted trees up there are noticeably puny on hot summer days - they’re urban bonsai.)
4 Likes
I don’t know Mr. Kane or anyone in his organization, but to be fair, they were not initially a partner in this project. I doubt they were involved with the two different designs that Merge Capital has published on their web page. Not so sure that Kane deserves a bait and switch badge on this one.
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Hey, fair enough! I guess I just mean to say that he doesn’t necessarily push for amazing, unique design or maximized use on everything he builds - often, it’s truly just about getting something built as quickly and likely cheaply as possible; hence the horrendous 5-story + inexplicably 6/7 story parking deck.
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Raleigh’s first mass timber construction will likely be due to Kane and his org. Might want to hold on that judgement. I’m not thrilled with all of their developments, but I also think they have some of the best. I really like how SmoHo turned out and am expecting similar attention to detail/finishings at The Platform. I also think they’re upping their game on each project based on lessons learned on priors.
13 Likes
Maybe they just Merged into the wrong partnership here…SWIDT ? 
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Fair enough!!!
1 Like
I hope somebody on city staff says something about that (passenger) door zone bike lane. 
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I totally agree with you on that point. A few years ago Kane commented that you could design an expensive building, but it would be for naught if no companies were willing to pay a premium to lease space in it.
2 Likes
Hammell Drive project on my design board now. (2) 20 story towers and a few smaller 5 story apartment buildings. Havent seen a model yet just preliminary items but looks like a nice development ahead. I’ll post renderings if any come with model releases
30 Likes
Movement on the Mack Real Estate Lake Wheeler/ Hammell Rd project: New road alignment and subdivide the first 3 lots… (all zoned CX-20-UL)
Kinda strange to me how the new Curfman St doesn’t align with the existing Curfman St.
21 Likes