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Now, One More Way to ‘Buy Local’ in Downtown Raleigh

Jim Belt — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:06:15 +0000

When St. Saviour’s Center, a community outreach ministry in Glenwood South, asked me (as a volunteer) to help them strengthen their connections with the surrounding community, I immediately thought of Britt Farms and their fresh produce delivery service. What better way to bring people together than through food, which nourishes bodies and relationships?

Faces of Downtown Raleigh: Meet Kalesia Kuenzel

Jim Belt — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:29:12 +0000

What’s situated between the Joel Lane House and Bloomsbury Estates, nearly a hundred years old, yet new this month? It’s ARTHOUSE, the first of many creative projects housed in architects, Chris and Nasim Kuenzel’s newly renovated 1920’s home, they call “Post Suburbia Project”. Curious? So were my wife and I as Kalesia Kuenzel, the daughter of Chris and Nasim and director of ARTHOUSE, greeted us this week.

Faces of Raleigh: Hector Ibarra, Owner of Jibarra Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Lounge in Raleigh’s Warehouse District

Julie Johnson Babb — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:57:45 +0000

The DLA is all about getting to know you: the residents, workers and business owners who are shaping the character of Downtown life. Watch for our Faces of Raleigh blog posts to share a glimpse of whom we’re meeting. We appreciate the following interview provided by our DLA members, Ryan Craig and Julie Johnson Babb. Ryan and Julie recently interviewed Hector Ibarra of Jibarra Modern Mexican and Tequila Lounge.

FACES OF DOWNTOWN RALEIGH - Megg Rader of the Mahler and Collectors Galleries

Jim Belt — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:53:38 +0000

When my wife and I dropped in to meet Megg this week, conversation sparked from her delight in discovering the UPS store behind the Hudson, to her pleasure in the well-attended reception the Mahler Gallery had hosted for the local lawyer, Wade Smith, whose artwork is currently displayed in the windows of the N.C. State Bar Building (228 Fayetteville St.). Through her eyes, we were quickly able to see the networking, support and vision that have made Megg and her business partner, Rory Parnell long time Downtown enthusiasts.

What do you get when you mix national and international talent with wine??? Mosaic’s Spring Music Fest

Jim Belt — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:23:20 +0000

Mosaic Wine Lounge offers a sexy, sophisticated and romantic atmosphere with their Moroccan inspired décor with numerous couches, hanging lamps and candles. The owner reports the clientele to be 75% professional women, with the crowd generally over 25 years of age.

Established in 2006 in Raleigh’s Glenwood South entertainment district (517 W. Jones Street), Mosaic attracts an array of national and international DJ talent, with live Salsa and Samba Bands after 10:00pm. You will not find any Televisions or Hip Hop music in this joint.

Downsizing: For Many, an Obstacle to Living Downtown

Jim Belt — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:30:06 +0000

I keep hearing that the demand for the lifestyle associated with Downtown living is high and growing. But when I talk with Boomers who live in big houses in the suburbs, there is a real reluctance to make the shift . . . and it’s mainly about the challenges of downsizing!

Cul de Sacs vs Street Corners: What Is Your Neighborhood’s “Walk Score”?

Jim Belt — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:54:57 +0000

Do you know there is a “walk score” that has been developed to find out if you live in a walkable neighborhood? It calculates the pedestrian friendliness of your address by locating nearby stores, restaurants and parks. A recent article in the New York Times cites that “walkability” is becoming an increasingly important factor in selecting a home. The ability to walk places without having to get into a car is listed as one of the most important reasons people choose to live Downtown.

Downtown Raleigh: Friendly for Kids AND Your Wallet!

Tracy Barnes — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:31:32 +0000

Having moved Downtown in August of 2008, my husband and I are still discovering new things to love. Most recently, though we have no children (being Double Income No Kids - D.I.N.Ks) we had the opportunity to find many amazing things to do with our 3 and 4 year old niece and nephew within Downtown Raleigh.

The Bus Stops Here! R-Line Answers Downtown Raleigh’s Transportation Needs

Jim Belt — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:04:03 +0000

The free Eco-friendly (hybrid electric) R-Line bus service started in February 2009, as a way to help to connect employees, residents and visitors to retail, restaurants and entertainment venues in different parts of the Downtown loop.

The DLA - A Look Back At Our First Year

Jim Belt — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:33:15 +0000

It was this past March that a handful of Raleigh residents got together, joining their ideas and dreams to create the Downtown Living Advocates. Their vision sparked a connection with an increasing number of residents willing to embark on numerous fronts with both city officials and surrounding neighborhoods to help shape the growth and character of Downtown Raleigh. Just nine months later, the DLA reflects the shared interests of diverse residents, and has grown well past the initial brainstorming. For that, we thank you!