URBAN CENTERS AND CITY NODES & TO SEE AND BE SEEN – THE SOCIAL CONNECTION
The urban center. The settlement of Raleigh was originally a center location for North Carolina’s government. Over time the city grew in this same pattern, focused around the center point being the capital. The growth of business, primarily that of the social aspect grew and flourished around the main road Fayetteville Street. Here prominent hotels, restaurants and bars were established which tailored toward the people of the city but ultimately served the government officials and those passing by with intended government business.
As the city grew, other active areas began to emerge such as the African American business district off of East Hargett street in the 1920’s. More areas like this were established which created a city structure not focused on the center but rather nodes. Today Raleigh is now a large city within a growing triangle district. Many urban centers have emerged over time, spreading the active locations throughout the city and region. With the new focus on connecting transit, the ideal location for activity and business will not be the center, but rather the nodes overall.