40-story high-rises: North Hills skyline could see dramatic changes

Already, construction cranes are changing the skyline, where several new skyscrapers could tower as high as 40 stories over what was Raleigh's first indoor mall.

Right now, 30 to 40 story buildings go against the city's plan for this area of Raleigh -- but Kane Realty, which owns the shopping center, wants approval for those heights. In return, they're making some concessions for public safety and transit.

Crews are already building 10 and 12 story buildings across the street where the old JC Penney stood.

"With that increased height, we have better design flexibility, can create a better place and can ultimately serve a growing community," said Bonner Gaylord, Kane Realty's chief operating officer and former Raleigh city councilor.

Kane Realty is asking the city to rezone three parts of the North Hills shopping area, allowing 40-story buildings on the parking lots along Six Forks Road. The corner facing the Interstate 440 at Lassiter Mill could go up to 30 stories.

"I recognize the need for density, but when you get into the clouds you’ve gone too far," said Larry Helfant, Midtown Citizen's Advisory Council vice-chair.

Buildings up to 12 stories would be allowed where the Walgreens now stands.

One major concern is preparation for potential fires. The nearby Raleigh Fire Station 9 does not have ladder trucks high enough to reach those high rises.

"That is the primary issue we have, because the closest ladder truck to North Hills area is 2.7 miles. That equates to a 6 to 8 minute response time," said a concerned citizen.

Heavy traffic is another major concern.

In response to these concerns, Kane Realty is working with the city to give up some land to build a bigger fire station -- as well as offering space for a transit station.

Raleigh's planning commission approved another development in Midtown at Tuesday's meeting.

The rezoning of 32 acres on the north side of the Beltline along Navaho Drive will allow 20 story buildings where these two-story apartments are now.

Affordable housing is required as part of the project.

The redevelopment will also provide a connection for a new bridge across the Beltline -- part of a bigger plan to make Midtown a more walkable and bike-friendly area.

That plan includes a waterside park along Crabtree Creek between Wake Forest Road and Industrial Drive.

The rapid growth of North Hills attracted Crystal Hamm to the ranch home she bought last year on Lassiter Mill Road.

"I relocated from Morrisville, where I had three and a half acres, very quiet," she says.

Now, her front porch rocking chairs give her front row seats to a concert of construction.

"It’s very loud. The house shakes throughout the day. There’s always digging and construction going on," she says.

Construction cranes swing above her tall treetops.

Hamm hopes her future neighbors in the towers won't add to North Hills traffic.

"I’m all for growth. I think it’s a great thing. I just want it to be managed properly," she says.

The city's planning commission had some questions Tuesday about the 40 story request and the land for the fire station.

Members asked Kane Realty to come back to their meeting May 10 with some revised conditions for the rezoning.