So a 7 story hotel at the current Sunflowers Cafe site, will add some nice height there. Currently there’s not much taller than 4 stories north of Peace street in downtown. The photo here shows a view looking south with Sunflower’s near the lower center. Right across from the state government complex.
Although I note this plan impacts the plan for the downtown Soccer stadium which would have consumed the land currently wasted by those huge parking garages to the right.
I figure if this plan goes forward, it will probably nuke the Kane Downtown Stadium development.
But at least all this one story/two story stuff get’s replaced with some density.
Thanks for this great rundown! I think this is a good project that will really increase density and vibrancy in this part of downtown.
Like @KenAA said, the 7-story hotel (with rooftop bar! ) will add some nice height. Hopefully that and maybe some signage can also give a sense of entrance. Currently Seaboard has a nice collection of retail, but it feels a bit tucked away.
I like the idea of the townhouses along Halifax. Are the apts going to be standard Texas Doughnuts? I would think the O2/Ace block will also eventually go away if these phases are successful. Slightly bummed to see the 1950’s era Block B & C building get demolished, but that’s a tradeoff I will take.
I actually hope there’s not signage or a sense of entrance. That feels very suburban/North Hills/stripmall to me. The exciting part of this redevelopment is that it can really becomes ingrained into the wider city fabric as the surroundings build out. Hopefully in the future, it’ll just seem like any other cluster of development in downtown Raleigh.
Great point @elevatoroperator. I was thinking that signage/sense of arrival would be good for the retail, but after reading your comment I agree a best case scenario would be all of these developments just being part of a broader urban fabric.
I mean, it seems like a super solid plan on all fronts to me. I like the buildings being kept. I like the townhouses being put where they are. I am glad block A is starting first since it’ll help with the Peace St pedestrian situation. I do wonder where Sunflowers will go…they seem like a candidate for North Person St somewhere.
I’ve literally never been inside or seen it open. I thought it was a Hardee’s or something that closed in 1998 since I’ve lived here for over a decade. Gotta say I won’t miss it, but apparently it’s still open from what you’re saying. Interesting…
It was the corner portion of that building only. Hibernian added that as a smoking section I think. And, yeah, the current Sunflowers was a Hardees and it sat vacant for a while until Sunflowers ended up there.
Meh. Was hoping for a little more effort on the architectural side with the prime location, and Zimmer, AIA, Archdale (for now), Peace across the street. This could be the middle of anywhere RTP
