Project to fix flood-prone areas of Capital Boulevard

To help with flooding and improve water quality, the City of Raleigh plans to take down the site of a former bowling alley on Capital Boulevard.

Over the next two months, the city will level the building that housed AMF Bowling at 1827 Capital Blvd. An access bridge across nearby Pigeon House Creek also will be removed. Officials say the work will be completed by summer.

The design plans aim to restore Pigeon House Creek to a more natural state. The former bowling alley site, along with surrounding properties, has been identified by the city as a priority area for flood mitigation.

Officials said the project will reduce flood insurance payments for property owners in the area.

The city joined with The Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit conservancy, to purchase the 2.67-acre site for about $1.1 million. The land was paid for with stormwater utility fees.

Officials said the stream restoration for Pigeon House Creek will be done in five to 10 years as the city acquires more surrounding property.