Raleigh’s Next Big Idea
Raleigh wasn’t built in a day. Here, local big thinkers share their big ideas to extend Raleigh’s run as No. 1 and propel our city into her next era.
Raise your hand if you remember—or have heard of—a Raleigh where the most exciting thing to do on a Friday night was belly up at TGI Fridays or some other chain. When Glenwood South was a desert of dilapidated warehouses. Or when Fayetteville Street was a pedestrian mall, and DTR a relative ghost town.
Having charted record growth as one of the fastest-growing U.S. markets, today’s Raleigh is a vibrant hub for hospitality, entertainment, art, culture, tech, research, medicine—and a top draw for booming brands like Apple, Google and beyond. And that old Raleigh, but a distant—even surreal—memory. Consistently ranking best place to live across any number of categories, today’s burgeoning metropolis is the brainchild of yesterday’s big thinkers. But our cap city is at a critical junction.
It’s one thing to be best—how do you stay best? Of note, nearby capitals with decades-old potential and long stuck in neutral like Columbia have been blown away in population and economic growth by visionary darlings like Charleston and Greenville. While cities like Austin toppled from their status as top destinations—now fallen to No. 40 (!) in 2023 from its 2017–19 stay at No. 1—far out-bested by the likes of sister cities like our very own.
Raleigh is one of only three state capitals not built on water.
Right now, as we commonly face deadlock debating Raleigh’s identity and every square inch from ground to sky—horizontal and vertical—our big thinkers remain at the ready to ensure Raleigh continues her run as lady of the land. … To allow her to grow in viable ways that will retain her rank as one of the best places to live and continue to maximize her appeal for residents, relocators, businesses and tourists alike. For instance, the kind of thinking we see in Downtown Cary and Durham—and across all categories: sports, art, infrastructure, transportation, water and so on.
“We need to do all the things to ensure Raleigh/Wake County continues to be an ascending market,” maintains The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Adrienne Cole. Of course, in order to really bring these ideas home, Raleighites have to be open to change. And we have to lean into our best ideas to position us for what could be our greatest chapter yet. Progress is unavoidable and change can be uncomfortable, but if we don’t acknowledge that progress is inevitable, we will miss our chance to shape the narrative and continue to define our identity as the Raleigh we have been, are and want to be as we herald our great city into the future. Thus, we could end up the next “we were No. 1 once.”
Tapping into the promise of a long run at the top, we queried some of our city’s greatest achievers and philosophers for what they see as the big ideas that could extend Raleigh’s run as No. 1. These concepts aren’t so much fully fleshed-out plans—but conversation-starters… the exact kinds of conversation-starters that places like Midtown, the Warehouse District and Downtown South were born out of. Essentially, this is our moment—a pivotal moment between the big ideas that made us the dynamic hub we are vs. the ideas that will continue to propel us as a destination for living, vacationing and dreaming.
BIG IDEA #1
Downtown to Dix
There’s currently no easy way to get from Downtown to Dix—period. Sure, the potential for Raleigh’s “field of dreams,” if you will, is infinite. But the incredibly influential piece of land lacks one significant
detail: connectivity.
“Getting to the park by foot or bike from Downtown has been on everyone’s must-do list,” says former Raleigh city planner and McAdams Principal Mitchell Silver, whose team envisioned the rendering seen here as one literal fix. The “dream” project would require the total transformation of the current uncomfortable—if not impossible—junction to allow pedestrians to maneuver by foot at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South McDowell and South Dawson streets—swapping the interchange vibe for a traditional pedestrian-friendly T intersection.
The vision reimagines and rationalizes the intersection by bringing in dirt to make it at-grade (read: not dug in or elevated) and adding a new pedestrian experience—an attraction in its own right. In essence, it’s not just a concrete connector. “We have to create an experience people want to walk,” says Silver. “It needs to be engaging… with new development and placemaking opportunities to create a ‘sense of place.’”
Downtown stakeholder and Highwoods Senior VP Thomas “Skip” Hill also sees the appeal of connectivity from Downtown to Dix “in a really elevated way”—whether at ground level or via transportation overhead—especially considering the Convention Center expansion, hotel and relocated amphitheater.
Leaning into the idea of a raised connector, Economic Development Director Kyle Touchstone envisions what he calls an elevated pedestrian park like the High Line in NYC. “Two stories tall and thousands of stories deep,” the walkable oasis T Swift croons about (so you know it’s iconic) built on a historic freight rail above the streets of the West Side in NYC runs from Hudson Yards to the Meatpacking District and offers pedestrians a one-of-a-kind opp to see and maneuver through the city.
Downtown South developer—and Midtown mastermind—Mike Smith also envisions a “highline connecting the core of Downtown to Dix.” Raleigh’s version, says the Kane Realty Corp. CEO, “would run a mile and go directly ‘as the crow flies’ from the Convention Center to the park’s entry so walkers, joggers, families, pets and visitors could easily go back and forth to Dix Park’s 300 acres of play and beauty.” Covering that expanse along MLK Jr., McDowell and Dawson would additionally serve a greater connectivity to such burgeoning projects as The Weld, Rockway and the future Downtown South, adds Touchstone.
And bonus: With ample DTR decks, such a path would bridge the gap on parking for Dix, notes David Meeker, who’s long been committed to maintaining Raleigh’s identity in revitalization efforts as partner in Trophy Brewing, Elm Partners and Carpenter Development. “The experience would also be so much better if Plaza Play’s [projected] 10K weekend visitors could start and end with brunch or dinner.”
And, while dreaming, “let’s throw in a gondola system while we are at it!” fantasizes Touchstone. Of course, for now, the ease of getting from DTR to Dix for its ever-growing appeal—from sunflowers and dog parks to activations and globally recognized fests like Dreamville—would be a critical start.
BIG IDEA #2
PRO SPORTS + DTR STADIUM
What is Chicago without the Cubs and Wrigley Field? Or Boston without Fenway? New York without Yankee Stadium? Never mind the Bears, Blackhawks, etc. Those pro teams, venues and the boroughs that house them (e.g. Wrigleyville) are so intertwined in their cities’ identities that it’s almost impossible to imagine them without, or to deny their indelible impact—sports fan or not.
It’s that “it” factor that is precisely what pro sports, and specifically MLB Raleigh proponents, want to tap into. But it’s so much bigger than just sports. With baseball in particular—aka “America’s pastime”—it’s camaraderie and unity and hope and legacy (the Cubs and Red Sox lore, for example). There’s the hope of a World Series, and to that point, a mega attraction for tourism, local businesses, economic growth and beyond.
“One of the greatest assets we have from a destination and entertainment perspective is our embarrassment of riches with regard to the athletics/sports at all levels that our region excels at,” says Highwoods Properties EVP/COO Brian Leary. “Imagine if we were able to build a new soccer/multipurpose stadium in Downtown Raleigh—not Downtown South, but Downtown, Downtown.” Translation: Just blocks from Union Station, the Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater, and easily connected via I-40 and MLK Jr. Boulevard.
“Yes, great care would be needed to work with the neighborhood and neighbors nearby,” he continues, “but in the grand scheme of a city thinking about decades into the future, it is an opportunity to leverage stars aligning with the new Omni Convention Hotel, Convention Center/Red Hat expansion, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and Union Station—and create a much-needed regional catalyst and destination for Downtown and a new home for the NC Courage”—adding that having such a DTR-positioned stadium is also the greatest advantage and qualifier for a potential future MLS team as well.
Of course, you’re talking about an incredibly competitive process and multibillion-dollar price tag to acquire a team and build a stadium, “so it’s a heavy lift for sure,” acknowledges GRSA’s Scott Dupree, regarding his personal preference for MLB to join the market. But, adds Dennis Edwards, President & CEO of Visit Raleigh, “We are fortunate Tom Dundon has already expressed interest in owning a team in Raleigh, which is a significant step”—especially as MLB looks to expand. Preparation to submit an attractive plan to procure a team is paramount, he adds, not to mention stadium funding and location. “Whether it’s MLB or another professional team, we must continue to have conversations and a plan on how to bring another franchise to the area when the opportunity arises.” Echoes Dupree, “North Carolina would be prime territory for MLB, and Raleigh would be the right location. … Now let’s figure out the team nickname!”
BIG IDEA #3
Water, Water, Water
From New York to Paris, the world’s most alluring cities have risen up along rivers. In fact, Raleigh is one of only three U.S. capitals not built on water.
“Some cities were built along rivers, while other cities created human-made water features like the Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea, and the San Antonio River Walk in Texas,” says McAdams’ Principal Mitchell Silver, who, alongside his colleagues, has a vision for creating a similar riverwalk in DTR lined with people-centered experiences.
While clearly Raleigh doesn’t have a river right now, anything can be engineered. San Antonio, for example, feeds its river with pumped-in recycled water. So it’s not a question of if—but how do you start the conversation? Can you pencil it out? And, yes, it’s a huge cost, but what’s the return on investment?
Silver sees Capital Boulevard as the ideal location for the riverwalk—and all the activations that would serve to make it magical. One of our two gateways (the other being South Saunders—and serving far better skyline views), the stretch of “Downtown Boulevard” has long been lined with auto body and storage shops. But, Raleigh deserves a red carpet, not repair shops—trading auto for agua if you will. “This is our capital city,” says Silver. “There’s a sense of entry and pride.”
Imagine a “Grand Boulevard” you can stretch all the way to the Beltline—and beyond—swapping aged-out shopping centers and reimagining the corridor all the way to 540 with a greenway you can run, bike or scooter straight into Downtown.
Besides San Antonio, some of the States’ “best” riverwalks include the likes of Louisville’s Waterfront Park and the Chicago Riverwalk—even Greenville, SC, and our very own Wilmington landed Time Out’s 2023 “Best Scenic Strolls” at No. 5 and 4, respectively.
And, riverwalk or not, the appeal of some sort of water feature Downtown is fairly ubiquitous. “I’ve always believed Raleigh needs a major Downtown water feature,” imagines Scott Dupree, whose role as executive director of Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance has given him plenty of insight into successful cities across the country. “You don’t have to be on the ocean, a lake or a river to make it happen.” He cites other man-made waterways like the East Race Waterway urban thrill experience in South Bend, Indiana; the serene-meets-stimulating Canal Walk in Indianapolis; and such iconic awe-inspiring giant fountains as in Pittsburgh and Chicago—or even something creative like Fort Worth, Texas’ Water Gardens.
“There’s something romantic about water,” says Silver. “It’s relaxing. It’s magical. It’s an irresistible draw for people and businesses.” You don’t have to venture far off-path of these alfresco promenades for whatever it is you’re craving—shops, sights, bites, bevs, buskers and beyond. Or stay on-path for a scenic stroll or active amusement like running, rollerblading, biking—not to mention on-water potential for paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, etc.
“You create excitement—that’s the water element we don’t have,” Silver muses, adding: “It’s a big idea”—why not think 20 years down the line? “People are drawn to water,” adds Dupree. “They always have been and always will be. A major water feature would be a wonderful addition to Downtown.”
BIG IDEA #4
SCULPTED CITY
“Meet me in St. Louis,” Married With Children’s Buckingham Fountain entree, Rocky’s famous climb up the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art… Famous public art abounds in pop culture. More than just art, these world-class structures are icons in their own right—major attractors on the urban landscape that serve to thoughtfully connect us to ourselves, the city, culture, history, nature and beyond.
Sure, these don’t immediately scream the fanfare of riverwalks and high lines and stadiums, but they’re no less monumental—literally. Chicago’s Bean (aka “Cloud Gate”), for example, attracts upward of 20 million visitors annually to Millennium Park—now the No. 1 attraction in the Midwest. It’s such a draw, in fact, NYC now reps a smaller version The Chicago Tribune ribbed as “Bean envy.”
“As one of the nation’s most desirable cities, Raleigh is ready for iconic public art that creates a strong sense of place and is accessible to all,” says seasoned art advisor and North Carolina Arts Council board member Marjorie Hodges. NC State Gregg Museum of Art Design Marketing & Communications Coordinator Andie Freeman agrees: “A large sculptural piece is a great way to unify Raleigh and bring tourism to the city—think of the size of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis that reflects the influence of the arts, tech and culture.”
The North Carolina Museum of Art already ranks as Raleigh’s most photographed—and Insta-worthy—spot for both residents and tourists alike. See those fan-fave sci-fi rings, the mirror labyrinth, Hobbit house—or even the newly added musical swings or statues by the rings. Union Station’s “Love and Light” neon art installation or the unofficial Downtown welcome sign mural are also super-’Grammable destinations—and a reminder of Raleigh’s MO that “love rules” and “all are welcome.” It’s all a clear indicator that beyond their role as beacons of cultural significance that invite and captivate, public art installations are also major draws for tourism that add vibrancy while serving to make navigating the city more of the event itself—think the way 10 blocks in Manhattan, alive with eye candy, doesn’t feel like the mile it is.
To wit, “we could really benefit from a more intentional arts and cultural district Downtown,” adds Freeman. “Growing upon the trend the Warehouse District has already started, this investment would stimulate the economy and culture by creating a concentrated area for artists, galleries, theaters, music venues, etc.”
Visit Raleigh President Dennis Edwards agrees, citing an opportunity to work with the towns and county to create at least one major epic element that’s a “must-see” attraction when visiting the area: “Whether it’s one iconic feature or many blended throughout the county, this is definitely a necessity!”
Beyond the Big Four
Raleighites weigh in on what big lures would up our “it” factor.
Dubbed a perennial best place to live across countless categories, Raleigh’s kind of like the cool kid everyone wants to be right now. But if Raleigh is in her shiny teen era, how do we ensure she stays the course to blossom into the brilliant, edgy professional she’s primed to be? Beyond our big thinkers, who better knows, loves and cares for Raleigh more than its residents? So we asked a range of locals what one thing they thought Raleigh was missing—and while many cited/commented on the “big four,” with the two biggest being sports and water, many others provided smart responses showcasing what residents really want.
- “Elevated sky transportation (think Bangkok, Seattle, Hawaii, Vegas, Jacksonville—or even Disney World and airports like Tampa).”
- “More pedestrian-only pockets”
- “Places for sports and hobbies like drone-flying”
- “A bookstore row (like in Paris by the Seine) or artisans row selling their goods (like Asheville’s Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar)”
- “More parks like Dix with hammocks, picnics, events and forest walking trails”
- “A few places that serve good late-night food after all the bars close (less hungry people and less DUIs)”
- “Quality musical plays. Take a lesson from DPAC.”
- “Pickleball courts and an outdoor roller-skating rink (like Venice Beach). This rink could also host outdoor yoga and other outdoor music and fundraising activities.”
- “Small music venues and walkable areas with interesting shops/restaurants”
Thinking Bigger
Our city’s “big thinkers” muse big ideas beyond the big four.
- Reenvision Nash Square (aka the park fronting Whiskey Kitchen, the OG Berkeley Cafe, etc.) as a mini-district with activations and better surrounding parking ops, as opposed to just replacing the former N&O building with a tower.
- Raze some of the tree canopy to reveal more of the skyline so as to unearth some of the excitement you might feel on your way into Charlotte or Richmond
- Embed a massive multifunctional skate
park at Dix - Continue to evolve our state government campus to benefit both the state
and DTR - Relocate Central Prison to a rural area where jobs are needed to free up the land across from Dix Park and relocate the signs/picketing
