Raleigh Renaissance

Raleigh’s Nash Square: Connecting the dots (Part 1)

As Raleigh’s downtown renaissance continues, two districts stand out above the rest. Glenwood South has truly become a destination: it has been successful in bringing people to the city’s core outside of the hours of 9-5. On the southern end of downtown, the city has invested hundreds of millions with a similar goal in mind: bringing conventions and conventioneers to Raleigh. While bringing people to downtown is essential, the ultimate goal is to have them stay downtown, as residents. Residents need amenities and entertainment; the closer they are the better. This is where Nash Square (the blocks adjacent, not the actual park) comes into play, easy accessibility to Glenwood South and the Convention District.

Weighing Nash Square’s location

Pros:
• Close to Glenwood South
• Close to Convention district
• Close to Fayetteville Street
• Close to Moore Square/ City Market

Cons:
• Proximity to the jail
• Pedestrian “unfriendliness” of McDowell/Dawson
• Development resistant blocks: Raleigh City Hall, Bellsouth switching building, County Jail/Court House.

The Current State of Nash Square

Block 1 is where the action is currently happening. The Dawson sits on the north side of the lot and there are plans for another residential project in the lot to the south.

Block 2 Park Devereaux one of the downtown pioneers sits here along with a fire station.

Block 3 Joe’s Place, which will be staying in business.

Block 4 Some restaurants and other businesses here. Probably minimal historic value in most of the buildings though.

Block 5 Parking deck/ Wake County courthouse’s future extension and the public safety center.

Block 6 News and Observer, which will be redeveloped to into an HQ tower plus additional future development.

Block 7 Bell south switching building (terrible pedestrian experience)

Block 8 Raleigh city hall and police facilities.

End of Part 1, coming up next a gallery and the Nash square of the future.