Downtown Raleigh is poised for an exciting transformation, and at the heart of it lies Fayetteville Street. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) and the City of Raleigh have unveiled the initial recommendations from the Downtown Raleigh Economic Development Strategy, spearheaded by Interface Studio. These recommendations are laser-focused on enhancing Fayetteville Street, recognizing its pivotal role as the city’s central thoroughfare and a key driver for downtown’s continued growth and evolution.
Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh
This first set of ten recommendations is specifically designed to activate Fayetteville Street, aiming to solidify its position as a vibrant destination in the face of changing urban dynamics. A thriving Fayetteville Street is not just beneficial for downtown; it serves as a catalyst for the entire region’s prosperity.
For a comprehensive understanding of the overarching Economic Development Strategy project, you can explore the project webpage here.
The Economic Development Strategy is currently at its midpoint, with ongoing efforts dedicated to refining these initial recommendations for Fayetteville Street. Furthermore, a broader downtown-wide strategy is in development to tackle crucial areas such as:
- Crafting a dynamic retail strategy for downtown Raleigh.
- Analyzing and strategically positioning the downtown office market.
- Expanding opportunities for Women- and Minority-owned businesses to flourish.
- Brainstorming and developing innovative concepts for the future of Downtown Raleigh.
Stay informed about upcoming public engagement opportunities related to these initiatives in the coming months by signing up for project updates here.
Deep Dive into Community Engagement
The foundation of these recommendations is built upon extensive community engagement. Interface Studio, in collaboration with DRA, prioritized gathering diverse perspectives to ensure the Economic Development Strategy truly reflects community aspirations and opportunities.
This inclusive process involved in-depth interviews with key stakeholders across Downtown Raleigh, complemented by focus groups, community meetings, and interactive pop-up sessions. Over 65 interviews and focus group sessions were conducted, engaging a wide spectrum of community members. This crucial feedback loop has been instrumental in shaping robust and sustainable recommendations aimed at fostering a thriving and inclusive Downtown Raleigh for everyone.
Ten Big Ideas for Fayetteville Street Raleigh
Ten Recommendations to Activate Fayetteville Street in Raleigh
The “Activating Fayetteville Street” report outlines ten key recommendations, presenting bold ideas to revitalize Fayetteville Street and strengthen its connections with surrounding neighborhoods. These recommendations are designed to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike in the heart of Raleigh.
Idea #1: Reimagine Fayetteville Street’s Streetscape Design
Envision Fayetteville Street as the verdant heart of Downtown Raleigh, a welcoming gateway to North Carolina, and a vibrant hub connecting surrounding communities. The proposed streetscape redesign focuses on creating a flexible and appealing environment. This includes upgrading street furniture with modern seating options, designing adaptable spaces for events and recreational activities, and clearly defining zones for commercial use. The aim is to enhance the pedestrian experience and create a visually appealing and functional space along Fayetteville Street Raleigh.
Sidewalk Module Design for Fayetteville Street Raleigh
Idea #2: Strengthen the Foundation: Cleanliness, Safety, and Vibrancy
A safe and well-maintained environment is paramount for a thriving downtown. Public safety perceptions are significantly influenced by the upkeep of public spaces, including street maintenance, sidewalks, and landscaping. By prioritizing cleanliness and safety along Fayetteville Street Raleigh, the city can create a more positive visitor experience. This focus will generate positive impressions, encourage word-of-mouth recommendations, and foster repeat visits, contributing to the long-term vitality of downtown.
Idea #3: Develop a Family-Friendly Fayetteville Street Itinerary
Downtown Raleigh boasts impressive attractions, but currently, these points of interest feel somewhat disconnected. By strategically linking these assets and surrounding business districts, and by curating family-oriented activities, Fayetteville Street Raleigh can become a more appealing destination for families. Creating fun, safe, and educational experiences will encourage families to spend more time downtown, creating lasting memories and benefiting local businesses.
Idea #4: Market Fayetteville Street as North Carolina’s Main Street
Positioning the downtown core as “North Carolina’s Main Street” can attract more visitors and businesses. Concentrating retail and restaurant offerings around a “Best in North Carolina” theme, coupled with strategic public space design, will create a unique draw. Reinvesting in and supporting existing and future businesses through a distinct district identity will enhance the appeal of Fayetteville Street Raleigh for both residents and tourists.
City Plaza Gateway on Fayetteville Street Raleigh
Idea #5: Celebrate Raleigh’s Historic Black Business District on Fayetteville Street
Elevating the historic Black Business District is crucial to Downtown Raleigh’s identity. Integrating this district more prominently into the broader downtown area involves increasing the visibility of Black-owned businesses. Utilizing public art and placemaking events to tell the story of this district will honor its rich legacy and create an environment where these businesses can prosper and contribute to the vibrancy of Fayetteville Street Raleigh.
Idea #6: Increase Housing Density On and Around Fayetteville Street
Despite significant residential development in Raleigh since 2020, most new housing is not located directly on or near Fayetteville Street. Strategic redevelopment along Fayetteville Street Raleigh, promoting mixed-use developments, and attracting businesses like coffee shops that complement residential density are essential. Addressing parking considerations will support a healthy mix of residents, workers, and visitors, creating a more sustainable ecosystem for area businesses to thrive.
Screenshot of Housing Development Context around Fayetteville Street Raleigh
Idea #7: Utilize Public Space to Enhance Neighborhood Livability
Attractive and dynamic public spaces that cater to community needs are vital for a great downtown. Exploring innovative uses of lighting, public art installations, and creative wayfinding can strengthen the connection between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Furthermore, designing flexible public spaces capable of hosting both large-scale and smaller community events will enhance the livability and appeal of Fayetteville Street Raleigh and the wider downtown area.
Idea #8: Reposition City Plaza as Downtown’s Welcoming Front Porch
City Plaza has the potential to become the true heart of Raleigh. From culinary experiences and artisanal markets to art exhibitions and live entertainment, City Plaza can offer a diverse range of attractions. While currently designed for large events, strategic investments are needed to transform City Plaza into a more inviting and engaging space for everyday use. Repositioning City Plaza as downtown’s “front porch” will welcome residents and visitors and serve as an introduction to all that Fayetteville Street Raleigh and the city have to offer.
Aerial View of City Plaza in Downtown Raleigh
Idea #9: Expand Raleigh’s Arts and Entertainment District around Fayetteville Street
Leveraging larger development opportunities to create specialized venues for destination entertainment and unique restaurant concepts will significantly enhance the arts and entertainment offerings around Fayetteville Street Raleigh. This strategic development will strengthen the area’s reputation as a cultural hub, attracting visitors and workers seeking diverse leisure and entertainment options.
Idea #10: Create Stronger Connections South of Downtown Fayetteville Street
Significant investments are underway south of downtown, including Dix Park, Heritage Park, and numerous mixed-use developments. Establishing robust connections between Dix Park and the downtown core is crucial, as is linking Fayetteville Street Raleigh to neighborhoods and destinations along this corridor. These connections will ensure that the revitalization of Fayetteville Street benefits from and contributes to the broader growth and development occurring in the southern part of the city.
Screenshot of Southern Downtown Raleigh Development Context
These ten interconnected ideas are rooted in fostering a culture of innovation and embracing adaptable strategies to cultivate vibrancy and activity along Fayetteville Street. They are also designed to seamlessly integrate Fayetteville Street Raleigh with the wider downtown amenities, residential neighborhoods, and cultural institutions that define Raleigh.
This project is currently at its midpoint, with ongoing work dedicated to refining these recommendations and generating momentum for their implementation. Throughout the spring, the project team will collaborate with stakeholder groups to further develop next steps in key areas such as Office spaces, Retail strategies, support for MWBE businesses, and Catalytic Projects.
Full Report: Activating Fayetteville Street – Part 1
Published February 8th, 2024
For a deeper dive into these recommendations, download the full report Download Compressed Report.
Share your valuable feedback on these draft recommendations with the project team via this form: Provide Feedback on the Report.
The comprehensive strategy and toolkit, anticipated in mid-2024, will equip our community to cultivate a dynamic and thriving Downtown Raleigh that continues to grow and exceed expectations. We are enthusiastic about guiding this process, and we believe that through collaborative community efforts, we can build a future for Downtown Raleigh that surpasses our most ambitious visions.
View Overall Strategy Webpage
