Downtown Raleigh News

On February 23 there was a buzz of excitement as the Alliance Staff welcomed members and key stakeholders to the open house intended to showcase the office redesign and marketing suite. The office transformation yields to the vision of progress and revitalization in the downtown area. Hoping to share that ideology, the Alliance was gladly surprised by the large turnout. More than 75 people attended the event, far exceeding the staff’s expectations, and the Alliance was encouraged by the positive feedback. The Alliance would like to extend our appreciation to the members and sponsors who enabled the renovation. Sponsors for the marketing suite and the event include Progress Energy, Edge Office, Teknion, Bellsouth, One Bank of America Plaza, First Citizens Bank, News and Observer, and Catering Works. Members are encouraged to use the suite as a tool to sell a newer, polished image of Downtown Raleigh.

Nancy Hormann, President and CEO, would like to introduce our Downtown Raleigh Alliance staff and corollary job responsibilities as we continue to grow and tackle accomplishments towards the revitalization of Downtown Raleigh.

Kristopher Larson, Deputy Director, heads a number of programs provided by the Alliance including retail recruitment efforts and contract management. Additionally, Kristopher leads current initiatives to introduce a downtown circulator service and recycling services for commercial establishments. An Alliance employee of two years, Kristopher also worked in areas of governmental relations, economic development, strategic planning, and public relations. As the ‘writer in residence’, Kristopher authors a majority of the written documents produced by the Alliance and will soon be a regular contributor to the Raleigh Downtowner.

Kimberley Jones, right hand of the President and CEO, orchestrates the behind-the-scenes scheduling, coordinating, and organizing. She is dedicated to providing assistance in a manner that allows the President to efficiently and effectively fulfill her responsibilities. Kimberley exercises flexibility and support in the fast-paced office environment.

Roxanne Coffey has been with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance since 1999 and has witnessed first hand the evolution of the organization. She has coordinated two office moves and an expansion for the Alliance. Currently, as Office Manager, she is in charge of day-to-day office operations, database management, and invoicing. Database management also includes updating the Guide to Downtown with downtown business information and website updates.

Ellen Fragola, the Alliance’s newest addition, was hired in February as the Marketing and Events Manager. Ellen, a graduate from NC State, received her degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. She recently transitioned from her position as Fan Experience Manager at Alltel Pavilion to join the Alliance in their efforts to showcase the momentum of urban development in Downtown Raleigh. Ellen’s focus will be geared towards a recent initiative to consolidate and simplify the approval process for downtown events, the maintenance of a master calendar of events, and assisting the President and CEO in the development and implementation of innovative marketing campaigns for both the Alliance and their partners.

Part-time employees include Marshall Munns and Jason Queen. Marshall, bookkeeper of three years, also manages company benefits. Jason serves as project assistant and functions in a research capacity to assist in the Alliance’s efforts.

Think for second about the simplicity and elegance involved in the design and theory of the modern wall outlet. It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of receiving unlimited energy from an austere outlet to heat homes, create light, and run machinery would have been labeled as far-fetched, futuristic, or perhaps even magical. Advances in science and technology have resulted in an expectation, arguably even an entitlement relationship

between man and electricity. Energy producers construct magnanimous icons to harvest the resource: hydroelectric dams, coal plants, even nuclear reactors – all to ensure that the world’s coffee makers are equipped to deliver the other critical component needed to fuel human productivity.

The first law of thermodynamics declares that energy cannot be destroyed, and that both heat and work are forms of energy transfer. Because the appliances used to control the environment inside our homes and offices are inefficient, a significant amount of energy is lost during the process of heating the water intended to ultimately drip through the finely-ground Guatemalan blend. Fortunately, Each of these three projects use elements of green design. (Top: Carlton Place; Middle: Boylan Flats; Bottom: Convention Center)

Each of these three projects use elements of green design. (Top: Carlton Place; Middle: Boylan Flats; Bottom: Convention Center)

professionals in the emerging field of sustainability have recognized the population’s keen ability to use, and unknowingly waste, energy. In fact, people have gotten so good at consuming energy that a new genre of architecture and engineering has emerged with the ambition of fostering in citizens the principle of sustainability.

Behind the operation and construction of buildings exists the inevitable consumption of energy, materials, water, and land. The idea of ‘green’ design elements in architecture and development began by seeking to address issues of resource consumption. Construction materials and building components were designed with energy conservation in mind.

The field has since grown considerably to address other issues of sustainability, including social equality and economic sustainability. The crux of the field however, remains centered on five core concepts: creating sustainable development sites, ensuring water efficiency, minimizing energy consumption and emissions, developing and utilizing more energy efficient materials and resources, and preserving indoor environmental quality.

The 700 block of Person Street in Downtown Raleigh’s Capitol District is the address of an unpretentious, subtle office building that to the layperson’s eye may resemble a southwestern adobe structure crossed with a golden era service station. The building is home to Brown and Jones Architects, Inc., a Raleigh-based firm founded in 1996 with the goal of designing energy efficient buildings. The firm is a local leader in green building design and in 2002 was recognized by North Carolina Save Our State with a Sustainability Award for integrating green design principles and for its continuing contributions to sustainable design. Charles Brown, one of the firm’s founding principals, recently discussed the impacts of energy use and dependency to the environment and community. “We don’t realize how much energy impacts our economy until a disaster occurs and people are cut off from their lives – ultimately, it affects more than just the buildings…we don’t factor in the true societal costs in what we pay in our energy bills,” said Brown from the firm’s building on Person Street. Like the President’s oil addicts, the nation’s true dependency on energy – whether in the form of electricity, natural gas, or petroleum products – isn’t illuminated until increased prices, weather emergencies, or natural disasters cause energy sources to become scarce or all together inoperable. It is during those times that Raleigh residents can truly appreciate the magic housed inside those inconspicuous switch plates.

Sitting in the lobby of Brown & Jones’ building on Person St, one gets the impression that the firm could still function without electricity. Natural light floods the workspace from large windows and skylights that track the angle of the sun to capture light from the brightest part of the sky and reflect it into the building’s interior spaces. Because artificial lighting emits heat, the utilization of natural lighting also helps to regulate building temperature during the warmer months and of course, reduce energy consumption.The Brown and Jones building was originally built as a service station around 1920. The building’s site utilizes a porous surface parking area, rain gardens, and vegetated roof divert storm water run-off. No rainwater that falls on the site will leave the site without being diverted or slowed by one of these systems. In addition to ensuring water efficiency, the vegetation on top of the roof keeps the roof and interior spaces cooler during warm times of year when traditional building materials would absorb heat and ultimately lead to higher cooling bills.

According to Brown, his firm has witnessed a tremendous growth in inquires from developers and contractors interested it utilizing elements of green building design. Offered Brown, “We’re not begging to do green anymore – people are asking us for it.” That growing interest is evidenced here in Downtown Raleigh, which will soon be home to three new buildings that incorporate elements of green building design. These three projects: DHIC’s mixed-use project Carlton Place, the new Convention Center, and Centrepoint’s Boylan Flats residential building will all be under construction during 2006.When asked about the momentous increase in green building design across Downtown Raleigh, Brown responded, “Green design offers a building’s residents and tenants a very attractive amenity: significantly lower utility costs. Additionally, the use of natural light in office workspaces has shown considerable impact in improving employee morale, productivity, and overall happiness.” Brown added that not all motivations to integrate green building design are rooted in economic efficiency: “there is a growing population who want their impact on the earth to be positive.”

For Downtown Raleigh, architects like Brown are leading the charge to foster a built environment that minimizes its impact on its neighbors, the community, and the world. Fortunately, using green design materials and technology to decrease energy consumption is much easier than tinkering with the governing laws of thermodynamics. While they cannot be changed, a community’s paradigm surrounding energy consumption can. Each green building is a step toward fulfilling the emerging principle of sustainability, and a method to ensure that the magic housed inside those switch plates will be available to fuel those coffee makers for some time.

To establish market presence and a growing customer base, large bank mergers and acquisitions occur regularly. However, one bank, considered small in banking circles, has staying power. Mechanics and Farmers (M&F) Bank was organized almost 100 years ago in 1907 and began operating in 1908. The bank, headquartered in Durham, opened its second location in Downtown Raleigh. Positioned on the corner of Hargett and Wilmington Streets, this branch opened on January 6, 1923 and has been a cornerstone, literally, to the community for over 80 years.

From the beginning, M&F Bank has been recognized for its community involvement. The bank regularly conducts credit and finance workshops for local elementary school students and sponsors a literacy program. The bank has less than 100 employees, yet they volunteer over 5,000 hours of their time per year to a variety of causes and organizations. M&F Bank has also been a pioneer in financing the construction of low income housing in North Carolina. They hold the distinction of being the first lending institution in North Carolina to receive a Certificate of Authority from the Federal Housing Administration in 1935. Most recently, M&F has provided funding for the Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation's Carlton Place project.

Despite the bank's contributions and accomplishments in the community, the decision to stay in Downtown Raleigh wasn't always easy. Over the years, Downtown became desolate and barren, with empty buildings lining the streets. As a result, M&F Bank executives considered moving this branch to a parcel of land they owned on New Bern Avenue. Fortunately in 2000, a glimmer of hope for the revitalization of Downtown prompted them to reconsider the move. The decision paid off. One block over, Fayetteville Street is currently undergoing transformation. A new convention center and hotel are being erected, and a plethora of additional developments surround the Hargett Street location. Now, bank officials are contemplating plans to either renovate the existing building for the second time, or raze it to make way for a new structure that may include retail and housing.

Stanley Green, Jr., Sr. Vice President and City Executive, is excited about the redevelopment of Downtown and is not concerned about larger banks positioning their headquarters in Downtown Raleigh. "Banks bring people to Downtown and it's a good move. M&F is a community bank and over the years has found its niche in Downtown. Our motto is 'If it is important to you, it is important to us.’" Lucera Parker, M&F's marketing director, says that a community bank can be and should be more nimble and responsive to their customers needs. To commemorate 100 years staying power, M&F Bank has plans for some special events in 2007 and 2008.

20,000 sq. ft. warehouse redevelopment expected to include mix of residential, retail, office space

Charlotte, NC – January 30, 2006 – Grubb Properties, the North Carolina real estate firm known for its expertise in high-profile urban mixed-use environments, today announced its selection by the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh (CAM) to redevelop a 0.57 acre site and 20,000 square foot warehouse owned by CAM into a permanent home for the museum. The site, in Raleigh’s emerging warehouse district, will likely include residential, retail and/or office space components integrated into the museum setting. Final designs will be prepared following a three-day planning charrette in February to solicit early-stage community input into the vision for the project. The charrette will be conducted by Urban Design Associates of Pittsburgh, PA, a nationally recognized design firm specializing in urban and mixed-use projects.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this project,” Clay Grubb, president of Grubb Properties, said. “The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) has a distinguished history and an important role in Raleigh and in the state of North Carolina. They help ensure an ongoing appreciation for contemporary art, and they provide much-needed access to modern artistic expression alongside the spectrum of cultural and creative offerings available to the community. Both of those contributions are essential components of social and economic well-being.”

“This is also the perfect opportunity to bring our urban mixed-use experience into the market. We’ve developed and managed office, retail and residential properties in the Triangle for some time now and are committed to the community – but frankly, we’re not all that well-known here. CAM has been wonderful to work with, and we’re looking forward to upcoming stakeholder input sessions to gain even more insight into making this a dynamic, visible anchor in Raleigh’s vibrant urban lifestyle.”

The CAM property, at 409 West Martin Street, is one block from the proposed Triangle Transit Center. Preliminary design discussions include two full levels, soaring interior space and two adjacent parking lots - as well as a short list of key functional components such as: both large and intimate gallery spaces; classrooms to serve teachers, students and school partnerships; and new technology as both an art form and educational tool.

“This museum will be a dynamic environment for encouraging and inspiring creativity,” Rhonda Peters, executive director of the Contemporary Art Museum, said. “We chose Grubb not only for their development expertise in these types of projects, but also for their demonstrated sensitivity to the importance of public art in a community’s intellectual, cultural and economic life.”

Based upon patterns seen here and in other cities, Grubb and CAM envision this project as yet another cornerstone for a wave of additional economic development in Raleigh’s slowly emerging warehouse district.

In a related point, in February 2006 a new relationship begins between the Contemporary Art Museum and NC State University’s College of Design. The Contemporary Art Museum becomes an initiative of the College of Design under the College’s “Art + Design in the Community Initiative”. This affiliation combines the powerful exhibitions presented by CAM with the educational expertise of the University to create a transformational museum experience.

“The Contemporary Art Museum is a tangible expression of the importance of creativity in our society,” Marvin Malecha, dean of NCSU’s College of Design, said. “This is a meshing of sympathetic missions. Both entities encourage creativity and community engagement through art and design. It is a further expansion of our ability to get beyond the boundaries of the traditional university.”

About Grubb Properties
Grubb Properties was founded in 1963 in Lexington, NC. After an initial focus on building, financing and selling affordable homes to low-income families, the company has grown to become one of North Carolina’s premier real estate firms with integrated expertise in residential, commercial and mixed-use development, acquisition, financing, construction, property management, sales and leasing. Grubb Properties now has approximately 119 employees and oversees a portfolio of roughly 2,000 apartment homes and nearly one million square feet of office and retail space. The company is headquartered in Charlotte and maintains regional offices in Cary and Lexington, North Carolina. For additional information about Grubb Properties visit www.grubbproperties.com.

About The Contemporary Art Museum
The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) was established in 1983 as the City Gallery of Contemporary Art to address a gap, identified by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, in the area’s cultural community. CAM has a long and distinguished history of presenting important exhibitions representing both national and international artists. CAM’s mission is to present contemporary art and design in order to explore the role of creativity in everyday life and to inspire understanding and appreciation of our changing world. CAM’s facility will address its role as an urban cultural center, a downtown meeting place, a catalyst for change, and vital element in the region’s urban renaissance. Its exhibitions will explore the intersections of art with every aspect of life to motivate the creativity that gives each of us our competitive edge.For additional information about the Contemporary Arts Museum, visit www.camnc.org.

The department of landscape architecture and the
downtown design studio at the college of design, nc 
state university present:  Speaker Daniel Iacofano

In our on-going effort to bring you informative programs, the Alliance has agreed to co-sponsor an exciting presentation from a well renown Downtown professional, Daniel Iacofano.

The Department of Landscape Architecture and the Downtown Design Studio at the College of Design, NC State University proudly present Daniel Iacofano, PhD., FAICP, ASLA, MIG, Berkeley, California in his discussion highlighting urban design, community engagement, and Downtown revitalization through economic development. Featured case examples will unveil success stories in selected US cities.

The presentation will explore economic fundamentals for downtown planning and development, use of performance-oriented urban design principles, and methods for successfully engaging communities in plan development and implementation.

A bring-your-own brown bag lunch session will be held:
March 28, 2006
12:00 Noon at Wachovia Capitol Building 150 Fayetteville Street – 12th Floor
(The presentation will be 40 minutes with 20 minutes for discussion.)

Space is limited for this free presentation so advanced registration is required by either calling 919.832.1231 or email us at info@downtownraleigh.org.

Biography
Daniel is a founding principal of MIG with expertise in strategic planning, urban and transportation planning, watershed and river planning, public participation and outreach, and facilitation. He is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as an expert, innovator and published author in the fields of facilitation and community relations and outreach, specifically for urban and transportation planning and design projects. His projects have won many awards, including acknowledgement from the National League of Cities, the International Downtown Association, the American Planning Association, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

“Erin Go Bragh” or “Ireland forever” is a phrase you are likely to hear in the streets of Ireland on the holiday, no stranger to the U.S., St. Patrick’s Day. With 34 million American residents claiming Irish ancestry, it is no wonder the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day enjoys a rich tradition in the United States. Dedicated as a tribute to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, the holiday memorializes the missionary’s influence in the conversion of the Emerald Isle’s native Pagans to Christianity. According to folklore, St. Patrick is well known for banishing the snakes which, in actuality, are foreign to Ireland.

Locally, 2006 will mark Raleigh’s 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade, initiated in 1983 by a handful of Irish-American enthusiasts marching down Wilmington Street, is now regarded as the second largest St Patrick’s Day Parade in the Southeast. Beginning at the corner of Wilmington and Lenoir Street at noon on March 11, the parade will march North on Wilmington Street, turn East on Edenton, bend South onto Blount Street, and conclude at Downtown Raleigh’s Moore Square. Frank Mellage, parade chairman since 1993, describes the parade as “a family fun event for all cultures and all people to have a good time in downtown Raleigh.” He says, “It is a day where everyone is Irish regardless of their ancestry.”

After the parade, festivities will feature The Green Baret Parachute Team cascading from the sky, Danny Tighe Irish Dancers, Jo Moore Scottish Dancers, Inis Cairde Irish Dancers, the NC State Pipe Band, and additional Irish bands including Eire Lingus and Homeland. Also participating will be a myriad of Irish vendors and organization tables as well as non-cultural participants. Join in on the festivities as the heritage, culture, and legacy of St. Patrick is celebrated in Downtown Raleigh.

Across the street at Tir na nOg Irish Pub & Restaurant, the celebration continues with traditional Irish music and dancing throughout the day. Stay into the evening and enjoy the singing of Dublin’s own, Paddy Gibney. Peter Pagano, owner of Tir na nOg, says “It’s a great day for people of Irish ancestry to celebrate their heritage and, for those who are not, to experience a taste of the Irish culture.”

Don’t miss out on the continued celebration the following Friday, Friday, March 17. Tir na nOg will host an Irish breakfast buffet starting at 9:00am. The Irish music begins at 11:30am and lasts into the evening when

Dublin City Ramblers headline. Across Downtown in Glenwood South, the Hibernian Irish Pub also celebrates the occasion. Hibernian will host a block party featuring traditional Irish music all day with the Hibernian Session Musicians and Rich Emily debuting at 7:00 pm.

The self-guided tour will showcase the diverse residential properties (condos, apartments, single-family) located in downtown, including many newly developed projects.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Raleigh Urban Design Center at 133 Fayetteville Street Mall starting in April.

How Do Most People Learn About Night of Dreams Auditions: Word of Mouth... so help us spread the word!

The Night of Dreams organization welcomes exceptional local talent, ages 13 to 100, to participate in Night of Dreams Auditions. We are looking for dancers, singers, musicians, composers, chefs that create edible art displays (yes, this will be a fun and tasty addition to our show this year with a little luck and some hard work), choreographers and all forms of graphic arts/paintings/photography.

In years past we've incorporated hula hoop dancers in some pre-show fun. These were not your normal hula hoopers!!!

Please refer your favorite artists, musicians and dancers to us as we finalize the build of our future shows and to book for events in 2006 and 2007.

Date for Auditions:
Monday, March 13, 2006 6pm to 10pm
Monday March 27, 2006 6pm to 10pm
Monday April 17, 20006 6pm to 10pm

Have a minimum of 2 performances pieces ready. Dancers, Musicians, Singers, Bands, Artist of all types are welcome.

Night of Dreams official audition location for 2006/2007 is:
Tir Na Nog Downtown Raleigh
218 South Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27601

To Create Unique and Inspiring Performance Opportunities and Provide Artistic Growth for Region Based Original Artists, Aspiring Artists and Those With A Fire In Their Souls.

To Encourage Corporate and Community Participation In Regions Promoting Sustainable Growth Through Cultural Arts, Creativity and Innovation.

The NC Museum of History welcomes visitors to enjoy the unique opportunity to view one of the 13 original, handwritten copies of the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The exhibit titled “A Path Toward Freedom: The 13th Amendment to the Constitution” will be on display until Sunday, March 12th and admission is free.

Sidetrack Brewpub, a soon-to-be brewery located at the intersection of Hargett and Boylan, will present a kickoff celebration on Thursday, March 30. The pub will feature a relaxing environment where friends and family can enjoy dining and locally brewed beer.