Raleigh plans park for Capital Boulevard corridor near downtown

The city purchased the AMF Bowling building last year for about $1 million and hope to buy more properties around it.

They also hope to improve the roadway and clean up the nearby Pigeon House Creek.

Once the flood-prone area is transformed into a park, city leaders say they anticipate plenty of commercial interest in the stretch, just inside the Beltline, which is now dotted with old and empty buildings.   

"That then sets the stage for new development to front on this new park," said Ken Bowers, Raleigh's deputy planning director.

Bowers even anticipates residential development.

"The location is great if you can remove the obstacles to investment," he said.

Roger White, who owns a barbershop across the street from the former bowling alley, said he supports the city's plans for the future.

"People want to be part of something new," White said.

Moving his business to Capital Boulevard three years ago "ended up being a blessing," he added.

Raleigh resident Raymond Johnson, however, said the changes are bittersweet.

"I've seen a lot of people go there (to the bowling alley) on a Saturday," he said.