Downtown Redevelopment Project Moves Forward

RALEIGH, N.C. — Progress Energy has tapped a local developer to build a high-rise project on a downtown block owned by the utility.

Five developers submitted proposals for the block bounded by Wilmington, Blount, Martin and Davie streets. Progress Energy owns most of the buildings on the block and wanted to redevelop it.

Raleigh-based Hamilton Merritt was selected for the project because of its creative vision for the block, a Progress Energy spokeswoman said.

Gregg Sandreuter of Hamilton Merritt has done other projects downtown, including The Dawson on Morgan condominium project.

Sandreuter said envisions a bold mixed-use project that will include a high-rise. Condos, retail shops and an urban grocer could be part of the project, he said.

Demolition on the existing buildings is expected to start within months.