:) Here are some of the pictures of the construction of the new Convention Center that I promised. From a "Birds Eye". I will post periodically to update.

If you notice if the second picture you can see the tunnel that will lead from underneath the Marriott into the Convention Center underneath Salisbury Street. The put the roof on yesterday, before that you could clearly see the tunnel. They are making really good progress. I suspect they will start with the hotel in the spring on '07 at this rate, perhaps sooner.



Gotta love Fall in North Carolina ;)

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RALEIGH MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM- One of the nicest looking buildings in the city.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y188/TayfromCarolina/auditorium.jpg

What I noticed is how small the pickup trucks are to the rest of the building. Quite an upgrade in size for sure.

Excellent photos, tayfromnc :okay: It is definitely a treat considering that most of us do not have the opportunity to take photos from an elevated position. I think that the new convention center is coming along really nice!!! Once the major work is done, the rest will be a breeze. I am anxious to see the convention hotel, Lafayette and Site 1 moving along, but that is several months down the road. Please keep us posted on the progress.

One observation: I remember that during the meetings, the consultants recommended the redevelopment of the areas in front of the eastern and western edges of the memorial auditorium. Those of you who read my posts know that I am a big fan of skyscrapers and infills, but am I alone in thinking that the idea of redeveloping that section is a bit out of touch with reality? I do not mean the parking lots (Sites 2 and 3), but the actual plaza (it's called Lichtin Plaza, I believe). While I would like to see a couple of towers of at least the same height with Lafayette on Sites 2 and 3, I do not think that we need to block half of the auditorium with new developments, right between the auditorium and Sites 2/3.

I agree they should leave plenty of space in front of the Auditorium. The city should leave that "Oasis" As is.

I forgot to say, that first photo is AMAZING!!! The colors are just fantastic. Can you post a larger version of it?

Raleigh-NC/Tayfromnc - I agree with you. The consultant's recommendation to build on the lawn of the Raleigh auditorium hopefully will be ignored forever. It is amazing to me that such a suggestion was made in the first place; (I would like to see a building constructed on Wilmington Street where the McDonalds is located to house the NC Symphony & NC Ballet and related functions). To compromise the view and plaza of the auditorium with more buildings in a relative small space is not unlike the placing of the Plensa project in the middle of a street that was in the process of being reopened after 30 years.

Meanwhile, back to the Convention Center, good pictures of an impressive project - thanks.

Great thoughts, South Street :okay: The good news is that Empire Properties wants to build a tower adjacent to Lincoln Theater, on the West side. My guess is, nothing more than 15 stories, but it's all good. Hopefully, that McDonald's spot can be redeveloped into what you suggested, or something similar. That is a prime location and if they want to have McDonald's so desperately they can incorporate a more urban version into the new building.

Thanks for sharing the photos. Things seem to be moving along nicely!

Thanks for the shots Tayfromnc. I absolutely agree that putting buildings on the plaza of Memorial Auditorium would be a huge mistake. I even take it a step further. I've said in the past that with strong vision and leadership sites 2 and 3 could be turned into a magnificant urban park like Centennial Park in Atlanta. It's one of the last centrally located sites left for a true urban park surrounded by development. It's a perfect location for public gatherings, Alive After Five, concerts, Stanley Cup Championship or other sports celebrations. The site is surrounded by Mem. Aud., new convention center, Marriott, the Lafayette and at the end of Fayetteville St. Anyway, just a thought.

Per Request, Supersized Pic I call this one -"Autumn Cranes" :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y188/TayfromCarolina/bigdigbig.jpg

YES!!!! That's what I am talking about :banana: You have a great view, and I am glad to see that you are not afraid to use it :lol: