Raleigh Downtown Living Advocates

Category: Glenwood South (Page 10 of 14)

New study provides evidence of Downtown Raleigh’s booming pedestrian traffic

August 1, 2011 /

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) and the City of Raleigh Planning Department recently examined pedestrian traffic in key downtown areas.  The pedestrian study was conducted to support economic development programs and infrastructure planning initiatives in strategic areas.  The objective of the study was to develop a tool that downtown stakeholders and City officials could use to more accurately target growth areas and help resolve design issues with sidewalks, streetscapes, and pedestrian connectivity to on- and off-street parking locations.  It will also serve as a baseline pedestrian count data for future trend analyses. 

Fayetteville Street District

According to the report, a large pedestrian population uses and navigates the Downtown area.  The lunch period attracts the largest amount of pedestrian activity, as employees, visitors, and residents dine out in Downtown restaurants and cafes.  Fayetteville Street between Hargett and Davie streets is among the busiest areas, with the block between Hargett and Martin having the highest average of pedestrians per hour over the 11-hour count period.  The same block has the highest counts for the morning and lunch periods.

Nearly 18,000 pedestrians during weekday lunch hours

An overall comparison of all 11-hour count locations illustrates a clear increase in pedestrian traffic during the typical lunch hours of 11:30 am to 2 pm with a total of 17,912 pedestrians recorded in this time period, accounting for 41 percent of the total 11-hour count volume.  During the busiest stretch, more than 2,000 pedestrians traverse the area in just fifteen minutes, from 12:45 pm. to 1 pm.

Glenwood South

The pedestrian study also looked at the Glenwood South District and Warehouse District.  The two areas offer significant entertainment and nightlife options and cater to a late-night crowd with a mix of restaurants, bars, clubs, and other activities.  Both areas were examined over a period of six hours on the weekend from 8 pm to 2 am.

Over 17,000 pedestrians twelve hours later on weekends

Glenwood South recorded a total weekend evening and late night traffic of 17,400 pedestrians, with a spike in pedestrians from 11:30 pm to 2:00 am.  The block of Glenwood Avenue between Tucker and North streets had the highest level of pedestrian activity.

Warehouse District

The Warehouse District was also examined over a period of six hours during the evening, and recorded a total count of 2,654 pedestrians over the six hour period.  However, unlike Glenwood South, the Warehouse District experienced an overall decline in traffic from 11:30 pm to 2:00 am.

Analysis of the total volume of pedestrians in the Capital City’s center parallel to other cities evidenced the strength of activity on downtown Raleigh’s sidewalks.  The volume of traffic in the Raleigh study area tends to exceed the volume of small and even larger cities, including San Diego.  The findings and conclusion of the study illustrates a clear link between Downtown’s booming pedestrian environment and opportunities for commerce in the area. This supports efforts by the DRA and the City of Raleigh to encourage future public and private investments in the walkability, livability, and economic development of Downtown Raleigh.

The counts are part of a city-wide Pedestrian Plan that is expected to be competed in early 2012.

 

Information taken from Raleigh’s Weekly Newsgram, published July 29th.

The Carter Building: Creating Community through Art  Impressions of an Artist New to TCB

June 2, 2011 /

Last fall, I found myself in a position of growing my art studio from the lone space I had enjoyed in an apartment building on Glenwood Ave to establishing a presence in a creative community.  It was important to me to feel at home in an environment that would appreciate the knowing I had that art was a language of the spirit.  It was not just about outcome, but process, as well. Awake at 3:00 in the morning, I got out of bed to look up the link for The Carter Building.  What I read there about the creative community inhabiting a building that dated back in the Carter family to the 1920s, lured me to bring my husband with me to tour the space the following day.  The impression I had there was like walking into a Hobbit warren.  Stairways leaned and floors tilted, and everywhere art and artists’ tools competed for space.  It was that day that I knocked on Mr. Carter’s door and announced that I was coming.  He had no space available, but I knew I was meant to be there. This was a place that felt like home.

This Saturday The Carter Building artists will be hosting a gathering of school children, local celebrities, and neighbors to paint a mural [pictured here] entitled, “Raleigh, My Dream City” designed by Tunde Afolayan and Lee Ball, which will decorate the exterior of The Carter Building.  

This is exactly the vision I had when I got out of bed in that early morning last November.  I wanted to be in a place that acknowledged the creativity inside each person; a place where people experienced community, and one that allowed each to contribute according to his nature.

I invite you to be part of the dream.  

Feel a glimmer of ownership as you stroll down Glenwood South.  Bring your kids so they can share the experience of creating something that will touch others for years to come.


At Southland Ballroom, It’s All About the Music

January 4, 2011 /

“Raleigh has lots of bars with a band in the corner,” says Triangle music scene veteran Scotty Brownell, “but very few true music venues.”  That balance changed a little this fall when Scotty and his business partner, Howard Moye, opened Southland Ballroom (614 N. West St.), Raleigh’s newest (and Glenwood South’s only) venue focused exclusively on the music.  Sure, it has a well-stocked bar (beer, wine, mixed drinks), but you would not meet your friends there for a regular after-work drink or hang out there to watch a game together.  On the other hand, if there were a band you and your friends really liked, the Ballroom would be the ideal place to see them perform. 

Scotty Brownell, Co-owner Southland BallroomAnd that’s the way Scotty Brownell wants it.  He is very clear about his vision.  He is not interested in running a neighborhood bar or a dance club.  Nor does he want to target a particular age group or any single musical genre.  There will be shows for all tastes.  

The only demographic label he cares about are people who love live music and want to see it in a comfortable and relatively intimate environment.  With a capacity of 325, you won’t have to fight large crowds.  By comparison, the Lincoln Theater’s capacity is roughly 1,000 and Carrboro’s Cat’s Cradle is around 600.

Perhaps even more important to Scotty, he wants you to hear the music on one of the best sound systems in the Triangle.  And make no mistake, Scotty would know.  Since his start in the business roughly 20 years ago as a DJ for frat parties around the Triangle, Scotty has amassed an astounding collection of sound equipment, equipment he put to use in the 7 years he ran the sound at the Lake Boone Country Club, as well as during the Lincoln Theater’s first year and the last 8 years at the Berkeley Café.  As an added benefit for those of us who have started to worry about the damage to our hearing from the music we listen to, the quality of Scotty’s sound equipment means that he doesn’t have to blow you out the door to ensure you get the full range of the music.  As a result, at most shows, you should be able to talk to the person next to you without losing your voice in the process.  For those of us who live within a block of the Ballroom, this also means we don’t need to be concerned that it will bring more late night noise bleeding into our homes.

The vagaries of converting warehouse space to a concert venue made the Ballroom’s opening date a moving target right up till the last minute, keeping Scotty from initially bringing in national acts, which usually require at least 90 days advance booking.  That is changing.  Although he is not yet saying who they are, Scotty has plans in the works for several.  He says the Ballroom is the perfect venue for an act that wants a more intimate environment in which to connect with its audience.  And, promoters take note, the Ballroom is open to outside bookings.  When asked about whether the Ballroom would be a venue for future Hopscotch festivals, Scotty acknowledged that it would be an ideal location but tactfully says that the decision would be up to the festival organizers.

Because the Ballroom does not do double duty as an everyday bar, it is also open to bookings by private parties (weddings, corporate functions, etc.) for those events where a good stage and sound system are important.  Details are available on the Ballroom’s web site www.SouthlandBallroom.com.  

Getting to the Southland Ballroom is easy; it is directly across the street from an R-line stop.  For those who wish to drive, it also provides ample parking.

For more information, visit the Ballroom’s web site or Facebook page.

 

Article provided to the DLA by Rick Richardson

Faces of Downtown Raleigh: Owner of “Sushi O” Bistro and Sushi Bar, John Tang

November 22, 2010 /

John Tang, Owner of Sushi OIt’s often said that Durham and Raleigh don’t mix.  And for that matter, you don’t often see Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese on the same menu. But John Tang, who recently opened Sushi O in Glenwood South is a bridge builder.  Having started with Mt. Fuji restaurant in Downtown Durham, Mr. Tang has now set his sights on the daytime, evening and late night crowds of Glenwood South in Downtown Raleigh.

 

 

 

Having walked by his store front on the street level of 222 Glenwood, my wife and I expected to find an informal lunch spot, where we might be tempted by the Take-Out menu.  We were wrong.  The restaurant is inviting, with an urban chic flare that makes you want to linger.  The menu with suggested wine selections would certainly encourage this in the evening.

 

Sushi O just opened last month at 222 Glenwood next to Tobacco Road, in the spot vacated early this year by Dunkin’ Donuts.  They offer a full bar, and outside seating is available.

 

Tracy Barnes interviewed owner John Tang, and asked him a few questions.

Tracy: “What makes your restaurant stand out from others in Glenwood South? 

John: “We have an amazing selection of Specialty Sushi rolls, and greater and fresher selection of sashimi.  “We also offer a Blend or Collection of Asia Food, the best flavors of Asian cuisine, including Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese.”

Tracy: How did you come up with the name Sushi O come from?

John:  “I wanted the name to be sushi something, so people could remember it easily and also for people to know that we are serious about sushi.  So when I got the letter “O”, I thought it sounded very catchy and trendy, and “O” can stand for original.”

 

Downtown residents will love the daily food and wine specials.  Sushi rolls are offered at half price from 5:00-6:30pm daily, and it applies to their entire sushi menu!   The special half price is offered again for the late night. crowd, from 11:00pm till… Thursday-Saturdays.  They also have half price bottles of wine Tuesday through Sunday, 1/2 off hot sake on Wednesdays and $3.00 pints on Mondays.

Tracy says. “the portions and presentation of dishes are amazing, the staff is super friendly”, and goes on to say that “many other 222 condo residents visit several times a week if not daily”.  

Downtown residents are drawn to bridge builders. We are often crossing from life in the suburbs to Downtown, or maybe like my wife and me, crossing from work life to retirement.  We appreciate variety and surprise. Whether youʼre walking or taking the R Line, with a stop across the street from Sushi O, this is a destination youʼll appreciate.


Getting Around Downtown: This holiday season, enjoy the many different rides offered in Downtown Raleigh.

November 9, 2010 /

If you live in downtown Raleigh, you’re already sold on the ease and excitement of urban dwelling.  If you’re living in the ‘burbs, chances are you venture in to take advantage of the delicious dining, entertainment, shopping and family activities that fill the downtown scene.  

This article featured in Midtown MagazineAnd if you’re a daily commuter, you’ve probably figured out your favorite place to get coffee or pick up flowers for your lovely wife before you head for home. 

Regardless of where you rest your head, this holiday season you’ll find it easier than ever to get around downtown.  The old reliables continue to make navigating the city a breeze and a new addition makes heading out of town as simple as swiping a card.  And an added benefit?  All the transportation options we’ve highlighted are green, helping to make downtown Raleigh a more environmentally friendly city.

Here’s what you need to know:

 

 

 

WeCar

WeCar, a division of Enterprise, is the newest method of transportation to hit downtown. This not-your-traditional-rental-car service provides downtown Raleigh residents with access to fuel-efficient rental cars that are available for a minimum of one hour or a maximum of 24 hours for a low hourly rate.  This car-sharing community is especially enticing to those who need a car to scoot around town for some holiday errands or take an afternoon outing to visit friends.

Getting your car couldn’t be simpler.  Just visit the WeCar website and request to join the downtown Raleigh car-sharing community. After your request is processed, stop by the local Enterprise office, where they’ll take a peek at your valid driver’s license and in exchange, give you your membership card.  You’re ready to rent. 

When the need for the car arises, log on and reserve your vehicle.  You’ll be directed to the location of your car, currently either West at North Condos on Harrington Street (conveniently, an R-Line stop) or at the Enterprise office on McDowell, where the swipe of your card will grant access to your vehicle.  Once your rental period is over, return the car to its original spot. 

“WeCar is ideally structured for city living, offering accessibility without commitment. This in turn helps the city, by reducing the amount of cars on the road, fuel consumption, air quality and the number of parking spaces required,” says Adam Schneider, Regional Vice President for Enterprise.

Triangle Segway

Experience Raleigh from a slightly different angle by taking advantage of a tour offered by Triangle Segway. Whether it’s your holiday houseguests, an event for your business, or you and your family wanting to get out and explore Raleigh, a Triangle Segway tour is the ideal way to spend a couple of hours.  After a brief training session, where you’ll be provided with helmets and a wireless audio pack so you can hear your guide’s narration, you’ll be ready to glide across the city.  Tour options include an Experience Tour, with sights such as the NC State Capital, Governor’s Mansion and City Market, a Raleigh’s Great Romance Tour, including Oakwood Cemetery, and NC State. 

Raleigh Rickshaw

Since 2007, Raleigh Rickshaw has provided a unique and eco friendly form of free transportation for diners, bar hoppers, newlyweds, families and tourists across downtown Raleigh through the use of pedal cabs.  “As a matter of fact, last year Raleigh Rickshaw had over 80,500 riders and drivers peddled over 15,000 hours,” says owner Donald Mertrud.  An amazing achievement, but one that will be bypassed by the time you’ve read this sentence. 

With over 20 Raleigh Rickshaws traveling between the five downtown districts, getting from point A to point B is both fast and smooth.  While you always have the option of flagging down an empty rickshaw to take you from the restaurant to the show or from the museum to the art gallery, Raleigh Rickshaw does have a dispatch service available by telephone or easily accessible on-line, so it’s easy to make a reservation.  And who doesn’t love the invigorating, fresh air of a cool night under city lights as you take in the downtown landscape?  It’s the ideal mode for getting around when it’s too close to hop in the car and just little too far for a walk. 

If Mertrud has his way, soon, Raleigh Rickshaw drivers won’t be the only ones pedaling around downtown Raleigh.  Raleigh Rickshaw is working in conjunction with the City of Raleigh to launch a public use bicycle program.  Stayed tune for more information.

R- Line

Yet another environmentally friendly approach to urban transportation, the R-Line is about to celebrate its second anniversary.  This free circulator service, which means that it “circulates” around a defined community instead of traveling far distances, features hybrid electric buses that will connect you to restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, museums, hotels and parking facilities in downtown Raleigh. 

Two green and blue buses run every 10-15 minutes, with a route that circles from the Convention Center to Seaboard Station and Glenwood South during the day, then expands to include the Warehouse District and City Market in the evening, making the R-Line an uncomplicated, convenient and enjoyable way to run errands during lunch, be transported to your favorite shop, connect with friends for drinks or just get a ride home.     You’ll know you’ve found an R-Line stop, for the signs sport the big “R” logo.

J&L Carriage

For over ten years, J&L Carriage has been offering rides to downtown residents and visitors.  You’ll find the carriages in the mall between the museums the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month, where you can just walk up and hop on, enjoying a family ride or a narrated tour of the city.  Rides are also available for your more romantic occasions, weddings, festivals, parties and even funerals by appointment.  And for those of you with younger children, be sure and ask about Marbles, J&L’s miniature horse, who pulls a miniature carriage.

 

This article was written by Ilyse Lane for the Midtown Magazine, and was featured in their November / December edition.  The Midtown Magazine is now online!  Visit them at www.midtownmag.com.


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