If the developer cannot deliver something at least 30 stories tall, then we can easily say that this was a missed opportunity. Greg Sandreuter has not built skyscrapers yet, but every developer has to start somewhere. Even Ghazi Co (the Charlotte developer) had to find a partner for the skyscraper portion of the Epicenter, if my information is correct. Placing the tallest possible structure on the Wilmington Str side is not just a good idea, it is a necessity, as land will become more scarce in the future. Maybe some day we'll be able to lure larger corporations to our downtown, but more office space is needed for that.

By the way, Cooper's BBQ isn't going anywhere. Its current location is not part of the project, but rest assured some day they will have to move to a better, more up-to-date facility. That building is nice, but completely outdated. Maybe the developer can build something next dooor and offer Cooper's BBQ a new home. That restaurant MUST stay in that area, though.

I have always been a big supporter of Progress Energy, but I cannot believe they did not select the Charlotte or the Houston groups, what a huge mistake for this property. The Charlotte group would bring height and vision to this property (all I see in this area, from the group selected, is a grouping of ugly Dawson's and a 10-20 story building, what a waste of real estate, this area needs a 40-50 story signature building and pure entertainment, South Beach, LODO, Sixth Street style and this group does not have that type of vision). Outlook: small with a Dawson, site one, 222 Glenwood , west at north design (all looking identical with no creativity). Let's see if they do have the vision and build a 40-50 story signature office building in the heart of Raleigh (I don't believe this group understands the definition of skyscraper, just bland)!

Save Cooper's BBQ!