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'Big Dream' forum: Future of downtown Raleigh in talks on Wednesday

People who live and work in downtown Raleigh will share their thoughts about the future of downtown.

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By
Lora Lavigne
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — People who live and work in downtown Raleigh will gather Wednesday to share their thoughts about the future of downtown.
The "Big Dream" forum at Marbles Kids Museum in Moore Square is a chance for business owners, residents and others invested in downtown Raleigh to get their ideas, big and small, on the table. Register online for the free event, which begins at 4:30 p.m.
New vision for Fayetteville Street to be presented to Raleigh City Council Tuesday
A major focus of Downtown Raleigh Alliance's economic development strategy is revitalizing Fayetteville Street.
Earlier this year, 10 "big ideas" were presented for Fayetteville Street after close collaboration with local residents, business owners, property owners and other stakeholders. The big ideas include:
  1. Develop a streetscape design for Fayetteville Street that offers variations on a theme
  2. Build a strong foundation to ensure downtown is clean, safe and vibrant
  3. Develop a family-friendly itinerary and route around Fayetteville Street attractions
  4. Design and market the downtown core as North Carolina’s Main Street
  5. Celebrate Raleigh’s Black Business District
  6. Add more housing on and around Fayetteville Street
  7. Use public space to support neighborhood livability
  8. Reposition City Plaza as downtown’s front porch
  9. Grow Raleigh’s arts and entertainment district
  10. Create a bold connection south of downtown

Bill King, president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, said the plan has been in the works for years, and community feedback is a major component to move forward.

Since COVID-19, the group has been working to address the downtown retail and office markets, advancing and supporting minority- and women-owned business enterprises, and identifying other projects.

The DRA hopes to accomplish the following:

  • Loosen up and encourage vibrant street activity on Fayetteville Street
  • Bring more housing to the core
  • Connect Fayetteville Street to nearby amenities
  • Bring more restaurant and retail but be strategic about location and type
  • Leverage Downtown’s role in entertainment to help bring more activity to Fayetteville Street
  • Encourage a culture of innovation and risk taking on Fayetteville Street

"We're seeing positive momentum, but we really want to set a vision for the future that sort of deals with the realities of, you know, post pandemic life, but also looks at our strengths and moves us forward," King said. "And so part of our study looks at what's the next big idea for downtown - what is that big thing or things that could really elevate downtown Raleigh."

More than 100 people have signed up to speak at Wednesday's event from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendance is free, and refreshments will be provided.
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance will compile the feedback to include in its study, which will be complete by mid-summer.
People can stay up to date on the project here.
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