Former Downtown Raleigh Furniture Store Gets New Tenants

"It will, kind of, have that 24/7 feel to it," developer Greg Hatem said.

Over two years, Developer Greg Hatem will spend $8 million to restore 50,000 square feet at the corner of Hargett and Wilmington streets. Offices, apartments and two restaurants are planned for four buildings there. One of the restaurants involves a courtyard.

The project is seen as a key downtown connector. It will be right between businesses on the new Fayetteville Street and nightlife at Moore Square.

Built just after the Civil War, the store was once a hotel. There is history inside that Hatem is trying to keep. Painted letters from an old sign company and a Coca-Cola ad discovered under plaster add to the character.

"They saw that, and they were sold on the space immediately," Hatem said.

A marketing firm has plans for the space and the North Carolina State's College of Design has already set up shop.

Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said another advantage for the Heilig-Levine building has to do with Hargett Street. By next spring, Hargett will go from one-way to two-way, making the building easier to access.