My first few experiences with photography downtown involved the Clarion Building. In fact, the third post to this blog included a picture I took in 2004 from the top of the Clarion Hotel when the Tower Lounge and Restaurant was in the process of being built/formed. I also had another post where the top of the Clarion Tower looked like a UFO because the middle part was obscured by trees.
I’m not sure how some in the local architectural community in general feel about this building, but I view it as a landmark and am very proud to have it in my home town.

At 301 Hillsborough St. (across from the Clarion building), lies the shell of what used to house the RPD. According to the City of Raleigh web site,

Reynolds Company, LLC is planning a mixed-use development on the combined site of 301 and 309 Hillsborough Street. The project would include residential units, office and retail space, a hotel and a parking deck. The Raleigh City Council voted June 20 to approve an offer to sell the City-owned office building at 301 Hillsborough St. to Reynolds for $2.8 million. The sale of the land is contingent upon the completion of an updated appraisal within six months of closing. In 2001, the City sold the company the parking lot at 309 Hillsborough St. The building at 301 Hillsborough St. houses some City government offices. Under terms of the sales agreement, Reynolds Company must meet certain deadlines regarding development of the mixed-use project or the City could exercise its option to repurchase the property at 301 and 309 Hillsborough St.