Raleigh DLAhttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/en-US2012-02-15T05:42:28ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)From North Raleigh to Downtown Condo Living: a look back with Kriselie and Manuel Monserratehttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/2/13/from-north-raleigh-to-downtown-condo-living-a-look-back-with.htmlDonna Belt2012-02-13T13:02:46ZThe first time my husband, Jim and I sat over lunch with Kriselie and Manuel was a few years ago at Macaroni Grill at Triangle Town Center, not far from our church located north of I-540.  They were considering downsizing from their house in the suburbs, and wondered about the appeals of living downtown Raleigh.  Flash ahead to now.  With a day’s notice, both couples walked a few blocks from the condo buildings we call home, meeting at Natty Greene’s on Jones Street.  Now it was our turn to wonder.  What would they say, looking back at how their lives have changed?  This is our interview with them.]]>County Transit Plan Moving Forward - Vote YES this fallhttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/2/8/county-transit-plan-moving-forward-vote-yes-this-fall-1.htmlJim Belt2012-02-08T15:04:45ZCity Government Transportation / ParkingThe Wake County Transit Plan is moving through the review process among the county municipalities, including a review with the Raleigh City Council yesterday.

Details of the plan are taking shape since our last update on this blog, so here’s what we know now.

The Wake County Transit Plan has been divided into two parts, with the Core Plan supported by local funding, and the enhanced plan requiring State and Federal funding.

This table shows you the What, When, and Where...

]]>Triangle Wiki: For those who don’t have time to start a blog, but have something to sayhttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/2/5/triangle-wiki-for-those-who-dont-have-time-to-start-a-blog-b.htmlJim Belt2012-02-05T19:36:27ZMaybe you’re tempted sometimes to blog about a favorite topic like politics, yoga classes, local artists or cycling routes, but don't want to commit to writing on a frequent basis.  Or perhaps you know a little about local history that’s in danger of being forgotten.  The Triangle Wiki is the place where you can share your knowledge.

A resource for "inside knowledge" on the Triangle area. 

A “wiki” is just an online, editable web site, developed collaboratively by a community of users, and this wiki focuses on the Triangle area.  The goal is to become a resource for "inside knowledge" on the Triangle area.  The Triangle has its fair share of successful websites with restaurant reviews, entertainment calendars, etc., but the information isn’t available in one place - and organizers believe there is a lot more to share.

Anyone can become a contributor of trianglewiki.org to add their knowledge of the Triangle. Contributors can provide written information, maps and photos on any topic that pertains to Raleigh, Durham and surrounding areas. 

And you don’t have to be polished writer.  Just create a “seed” page with some photos or a few short sentences, or expand upon the pages started by others.  This article explains How Triangle Wiki works.

Are you ready to participate?  

The Triangle Wiki organizers have set up a Call for Contributors event.

Date: Saturday, February 25, 2012

Time: 9am to Afternoon

Location: Red Hat HQ 1801 Varsity Drive, Raleigh

RSVP

This is yet another example of how community residents are finding ways to get involved and working together to make a real difference in our city.

]]>February Mixer at Spy Raleighhttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/2/2/february-mixer-at-spy-raleigh.htmlLeo Suarez2012-02-03T03:16:58Z

DLA members came out to Spy Raleigh on February 1st to mingle with neigbors and participate in a raffle for discounts at nearby businesses. This mixer was special this time because it marked the three year anniversary of the Downtown Living Advocates.

At the mixer, participants also had the oppurtunity to pre-order the first DLA t-shirt designed by CityFabric. 

Make sure to keep an eye on the event calendar for future mixers and other meetups in downtown Raleigh.

CityFabric was set up to take pre-orders for the upcoming DLA t-shirt.

]]>Only Three More Days to Order Your DLA T-Shirt!http://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/2/2/only-three-more-days-to-order-your-dla-t-shirt.htmlJim Belt2012-02-02T14:45:23ZShopping / Retail ServicesIf you missed the DLA mixer last night, you missed the buzz over Matt Tomasulo’s T-Shirts, created especially for us by City Fabric.  Having created a signature design based on maps of cities across the US, it’s now our turn to wear our city pride.

It’s not too late! 

DLA T-shirts can be ordered through Sunday.  The cost is $20 for DLA members, and $25 for all others.   (Not a member? Sign up today and get your $5 discount!)  

There are two options for ordering:

1. Stop by the SpiritWorks Studio tomorrow (First Friday) from 6-9pm. 

  • Shirts will be on hand to try on.  (FYI my wife found that the women’s ran small, while I thought the men’s were pretty true to size.)
  • SpiritWorks is located in the Carter Building in Glenwood South - map it.

2. Or order online here. It’s quick and easy!  

  • Go to this link http://bit.ly/DLAteeshirt and select your style and size.
  • You’ll receive an invoice via email.
  • Click the Pay Button and pay through your PayPal account or by credit card.

 That’s it!  

  • In about 2-3 weeks you’ll receive an email notice when your shirt is ready.
  • Pick up you shirt at a (to be designated) Downtown Raleigh location, at our next DLA General Meeting or DLA Mixer.

 

 

]]>Celebrate DLA’s 3-Year Anniversary Feb 1st at Spy: Order Your Custom Designed T-Shirtshttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/1/29/celebrate-dlas-3-year-anniversary-feb-1st-at-spy-order-your.htmlJim Belt2012-01-29T10:41:52ZFood & Drink Warehouse DistrictCan you believe it has been three years since the DLA formed?  We can't either!  We couldn't have done it without such an active community of residents who care so much about Downtown Raleigh.

DLA Mixer

Wednesday, Feb 1st

5:30-7:30 pm

Spy Raleigh

RSVP:  http://bit.ly/dlafeb1mixer

RSVP by noon on Wednesday and we’ll have your name tag and raffle ticket waiting for you.  

Cash bar & free appetizers
  
Dinner Plans?  First 50 guests receive a $5 gift certificate to Tuscan Blu 
  
   
DLA T-SHIRTS FOR SALE  
  
City Fabric has designed a one-of-a-kind T-shirt for the DLA to celebrate our 3-year milestone. 
  
COME PLACE YOUR ORDER AT THE MIXER THIS WEDNESDAY
  • $20 for a custom designed t-shirt 
  • Get the right fit - shirts on hand at our mixer to try on
  • Payment by cash or check preferred (credit cards also accepted)
  • Shirts should arrive 2-3 weeks later
]]>BEST (Beautifying Emerging Spaces Together): Look for our first storefront art at the Hue on February’s First Friday!http://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/1/23/best-beautifying-emerging-spaces-together-look-for-our-first.htmlDonna Belt2012-01-23T15:14:34ZArt/Music/EntertainmentIn October, I wrote a blog post for the Downtown Living Advocates asking:  

Are you an artist, teacher or volunteer, who shares a vision for residents creating community through creativity?  Do you own a vacant downtown property that is ripe for a face lift?  Together we can transform sidelined windows into magnets for inspiration and activity. 

Two months later, I’m ready to introduce BEST, a team of Downtown Raleigh residents, business leaders and artists who have come together with the mission of BEAUTIFYING EMERGING SPACES TOGETHER.  Our vision has morphed and grown according to the imagination and individual skills of each person who has joined our table, often over coffee at the Wilmoore Cafe.  This seems fitting, somehow.  It reminds me of my dad perched along the drug store counter drinking coffee with his friends.  I feel the same kind of community in this group, as each person holds up his corner of the conversation. 

Let me describe some of the people around the table. 

]]>First Meeting of 2012http://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/1/17/first-meeting-of-2012.htmlLeo Suarez2012-01-18T02:18:31Z

DLA members met for the first meeting of 2012 at the Urban Design Center this month. This January is special because it is the three year anniversary of the DLA. What started with just a few members has now grown to over 540 members. And the momentum continues.

At the meeting tonight, we went over a few topics:

  • A new draft of the Unified Development Ordinance is out for public review
  • Be on the lookout for new DLA shirts
  • In the near future, the DLA website will be redesigned with new features to keep you engaged with what is going on downtown as well as take your feedback on any issues you can think of

Two events for you to put down on your calendar are:

  • The next DLA mixer will be at Spy Raleigh on February 1st at 5:30pm
  • The next Moore Square cleanup will be on Saturday, February 4th at 11am.

]]>Downtown residents invited to the DRA Annual Meeting and Achievement Awards Ceremonyhttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2012/1/15/downtown-residents-invited-to-the-dra-annual-meeting-and-ach.htmlJim Belt2012-01-15T21:12:29ZShopping / Retail Services

As we move into the new year, the Downtown Living Advocates would like to build on the mutual goals and relationships that we share with other Downtown organizations.  

We've got the perfect evening for you

Curious to know what’s happening in your own backyard?  Want to get to know more of your neighbors?  How about the business owners that drive so many decisions in the downtown area?  

Come join other DLA members at the DRA (Downtown Raleigh Alliance) Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 23rd from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Raleigh Convention Center.

And don’t worry, just because it’s called an “annual meeting” doesn’t mean it’s going to be all business.  The DRA invites you to: 

  • Meet new people. 
  • Network at the pre-event reception from 5 pm to 6 pm (beer and wine included)! 
  • Enjoy a three-course dinner. 
  • Listen to a great presentation by marketing expert Roger Brooks.  His topic of conversation? Key ingredients for an outstanding destination. 
  • Celebrate the successes of downtown Raliegh with its biggest advocates. 
  • Meet all the members of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance staff. 
  • Get a great deal on tickets. 
  • Have fun. 
  • Support Downtown and the champions whose contributions are making a signifcant impact on downtown. 
  • We want to meet you!

DLA members get more than half off the ticket price!

The DRA really wants to get more residents engaged in its efforts.  After all, residents are the lifeblood of any strong Downtown.  That’s why they're offering tickets to DLA members for only $25 each.  That’s more than half off the normal non-member price of $60.  Just think—beer and wine, food, fellowship, and a fun presentation all for only $25.  So tell your friends, get a group together, and come out for a great evening. You’ll be glad you did.

Already a DLA member (or not sure)?  Look up your profile and receive instructions on how to get your ticket discount.  

Not yet a DLA member?  Join now.  Your welcome message will include instructions on how to get your ticket discount.

We hope to see you there!

]]>Peace Street Corridor: Picture a “complete street” with new park and greenway connectionshttp://www.raleighdla.com/home/2011/12/11/peace-street-corridor-picture-a-complete-street-with-new-par.htmlJim Belt2011-12-11T14:58:41ZCity Government Glenwood South Transportation / ParkingAnyone who has traveled by foot, car or bike along Peace Street near the interchange with Capital Boulevard knows the difficulty of navigating this congested area.  There’s no question that it’s badly in need of a make over.  Good news!  There are plans underway to not just fix problems, but to transform this northern end of Downtown Raleigh into an attractive, vibrant place to live, work and play.

What starts with required bridge replacements over Peace Street, ends up driving a huge redevelopment opportunity with a new city park.

Here’s what’s in store.

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