REINVENTING A HISTORIC DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
“Time makes certain structures obsolete for some enterprises, and they become available to others. Time can make the space efficiencies of one generation the space luxuries of another generation. One century’s building commonplace is another century’s useful aberration.” – Jane Jacobs, The Life and Death of Great American Cities
Over the past 20 years, downtown Raleigh has witnessed a revitalization. There are many contributing factors, but one that is predominant is the transformation of the Depot District, a National Register Historic District, into a lively cultural center for the city. From art galleries and museums to restaurants, bars, and more, it’s truly a destination. Comprised of 35 buildings, this district is known for its unique “transportation character” associated with its position to the railroad and its importance as a former industrial center of Raleigh.
This map shows how buildings that were originally warehouses or served other industrial purposes are experiencing the highest building values today. Typically, these buildings were built of high-quality, durable materials meant to last — possibly one of the reasons for this trend. Aside from their economic viability, these buildings are full of history and charm — qualities that are difficult to recreate. On the map, there are a few outlying properties with very small values, which suggests the ripple effect of successful buildings fostering more successful buildings around them.