After months of community debate and discussion, the South Person/South Blount Street historic overlay district finally has a name.
The Prince Hall Historic District is named for the Prince Hall Temple Building that was constructed in 1907 for black residents. The building still stands at 427 S. Blount St.
A map of the Prince Hall Historic District.
Other potential names included Stronach’s Alley Historic District and Deluxe Historic District.
Residents were invited to vote on the name. Prince Hall was chosen with 55 percent of the vote, and councilors voted Tuesday to approve it.
The overlay district covers about 23 acres in the southern part of Downtown Raleigh between East Davie and East South streets.
The district wouldn’t prohibit redevelopment or tear-downs, but construction or renovation would require extra approval and design review. New development would have to have the same characteristic of the neighborhood.
Neighbors who were in favor of the overlay said it would bring predictable and responsible development to the area.
Those against it said it would hinder development and the Raleigh Historic Development Commission did not do sufficient community outreach.
City Councilors approved the district back in April after nearly five months of delays.
Hotel Planned for Hillsborough Street
Residents at an evening public hearing Tuesday showed great support for seven-story hotel on Hillsborough Street near the N.C. State bell tower.
The university bought the property a few years ago for future investment in the area. N.C. State officials have decided a hotel would be the best use for the property, on which stands the local landmark Sadlack’s Heroes.
[/media-credit]Photo by Raleigh Public Record.
The exterior of Sadlack's Heroes and other businesses across from the N.C. State bell tower.
Mack Paul, the attorney representing N.C. State, is requesting a rezoning for the property. He said rezoning is needed to get needed additional height and to allow a hotel. Today, the property is zoned Residential-20 and Neighborhood Business with a Pedestrian Business Overlay.
The rezoning would drop the Residential requirement and allow for the height needed to accommodate a hotel on the one-acre lot.
There are also plans to build a two-story parking deck behind the hotel.
Business owners, property owners and area residents spoke in favor of the rezoning. No one spoke opposition.
The rezoning will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, which will give its recommendation to the City Council.
Angus Barn Annexed into Raleigh
The Angus Barn may have always had a Raleigh address, but until this week it was located outside city limits.
[/media-credit]Photo by: Nathania Johnson
The Angus Barn restaurant near Interstate 540.
Property owners who petition the city for annexation often want city services such as water, sewer and solid waste collection. Wake County doesn’t provide such services.
