View from City Market

Looking down Blake St., in the City Market area.

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Raleigh Skyline from Wilmington St.

The city as seen from the Wilmington St. bridge over the railroad tracks.

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Glancing Down S. West Street

Looking down towards the West Martin Street area in the Warehouse District.

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View From E. Lenoir Street

Just another cityscape as seen from E. Lenoir St.

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The Clarion Building

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. It's something that is instantly recognizable, and not because it is ugly (like the Garland H. Jones building is). I have plans for future blog posts involving this particular building.

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Amtrak Taking a Break On The Tracks

Old Police Dept. Prepares To Get Smashed

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.

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Leonard Medical School

According to Shaw University,

Leonard opened in 1882 as the nation’s first 4-year medical school and was the first medical school devoted to training African Americans in the South. Approximately 400 doctors graduated from Leonard bringing medical care to areas across North Carolina and the world that had a desperate need for doctors. In addition to the medical school, Shaw opened a hospital in 1911 and gave the African American community in and around Raleigh access to precious medical care that was hard for poorer citizens to find otherwise.

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The Giant Moth Lights of The Office

As a disclaimer, I've never been to The Office on West Martin Street. Being a fan of electronic music, I have toyed with the idea a few times. Unfortunately, every time I approach I see parking lots full of Hummer SUV limousines and Lincoln limousines, with giant Valet parking signs and red carpet. As much as I idealize the thought of relaxing in a former blacksmith shop and Logans Coal Warehouse, I've yet to go into the place. Seems too out of place. Catering to an exclusive crowd, in a building with much history.

Three People Frozen In Movement

Random people crossing the tracks in front of the last building on West Martin St.

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Three Cars Frozen In Movement

Located on the corner of West Martin St. and South Harrington St. There will be a forthcoming blog post with a couple more pictures involving those giant moth lights.

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Microfest: Microbrews for Microloans

The entrance sign explaining what your hard-earned dollars are going towards.

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Karen collecting everyone's tickets for the microcredit applicants.

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The outside area with grilled items, snacks, and microbrews.

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Brian Bouterse (on the left), whose blog, The Web Organic is a daily read of this author.

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Lodge playing a great version of story-telling, comedy, and just generally awesome music. If you are a web/technology geek like I am, you'll enjoy his song "VMware Fusion".

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Brian takes the stage to tell a joke, which was deemed by the band to not be that funny. The joke when something like this:
"Two antennas got married. The party wasn't much fun but the reception was GREAT."

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Last Saturday was the Microbrews for Microloans concert featuring several local performing artists and DJs to benefit KIVA, an organization that provides microcredit to folks in other countries to start their own business that otherwise would have no chance of securing a loan. Kids young and old came out for the great sounds, over 12 different local microbrews, grilled brats or veggie burgers, and friendly people and games. The really neat idea behind the event is that each entrant was provided with two tickets. You then use them to vote on which person in another country gets the part of the loan you paid for with the entry fee. Each jar had the story of the person in need.
I had a great time and really enjoyed myself. I didn't end up taking that many photos because I wanted to just kick back and have a great time. I hope parties of this nature become more viral. The city could use backyard parties with a specific purpose that benefits the less fortunate in a very direct and effective way.
More information can be found at The Web Organic. Walden provided the venue for the event.

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Flanders Art Gallery at 311 West Martin St.

Flanders Art Gallery was opened with the past First Friday (November 2) and according to their website,

This new exhibit space differs from Flanders Art Gallery, located at 18 Seaboard; on the whole the work may be edgier, more contemporary and experimental with drawings, photography, and other works on paper in a range of styles by innovative emerging artists.

Opening the gallery for the month of November is “Works by Diane Feissel and Sharon Lee Hart.” ... Flanders 311 is open Tuesdays through Saturday, 10am-6pm and on First Friday from 10am-9pm. For more information, contact Kelly Flanders McChesney at 919-834-5044 or www.flandersartgallery.com.

The piece seen in the window is Tabula Rasa 2, and is a 30" x 40" oil on canvas. You can get a better view on the item's page at the Flander's Art Gallery website.

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The Last Building on West Martin Street

This is the very last building on West Martin St. I'm sad to say I know nothing of it's history, former purpose, etc. Its close proximity to the railroad tracks would lead me to believe that it was either a base of manufacturing of some sort or a support building for the rail company.

Anyone know?

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On the Way to Five Star

Clubbers on the way to Five Star for Vegas Night after leaving a Vietnamese concert. From left to right: Nic, Jennifer, Thuy An, Jolin, Tinh(In the back), Nancy, and Ricky.

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West Side Stories, Part II

Shaughn and Michelle

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Supreme (left) and Shrek (right)

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DJ Shake spinning the beats

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Bored on a Saturday night? Tired of the same boring places packed with polos and attitudes? If so, you should visit West Side Stories. I had a load of fun and I plan on going back with the girlfriend sometime in the not too distant future.

West Side Stories
200 S West St.
(919) 834-1300

West Side Stories, Part I

Sarah, Michelle, and Diana

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Stubbs, the official club photographer, and Drew

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The lovely bartender Sarah

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Drew and Michelle

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About a month ago, I made a post about a place called West Side Stories. It was just a picture of the outside, nothing more. Shortly after that post I came to realize that a good friend of mine, Drew [pictured above], worked as a bartender there. One of the first few posts to this blog was about people working the late shift, and Drew was one of those folks.
As odd as it seems due to the nature of this site, I am a morning person and I arrived at West Side Stories well before it gets packed and full of people.
It is certainly worth visiting. You have:

• Great beats
• friendly people
• lots of pretty ladies
• awesome bartenders

(919) 834-1300

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Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex Stairwell

This is the stairwell in the Avery C. Upchurch government building parking deck. According to wikipedia.org,

Avery C. Upchurch (December 22, 1928 – June 30, 1994) was Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina from 1983 to 1993. His term in office was the longest of any mayor of Raleigh in the 20th century and corresponded to a period of rapid growth of the city.

Upchurch was born in Wake County, North Carolina and moved to Raleigh as a teenager. He operated two filling stations in the city before entering politics. Having served on the Planning Commission and on City Council prior to election as Mayor, his administration focused on expansion of infrastructure such as:

• streets
• water supply and sewage treatment
• curbside recycling
• downtown parking
• the Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek
• renovation of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium (now incorporated in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts)

He was noted for his unpretentious style and his consensus approach to problem solving.

Upchurch elected not to run for a sixth term. Within months of retiring from office, he contracted cancer and died. The headquarters of Raleigh city government was subsequently renamed the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex in his honor.

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The West Morgan St. Bridge

Located very near West Morgan St. and S. Glenwood Ave.

Garland H. Jones Building

My only experience with this building is paying my vehicle taxes. If only I had to pay what my vehicle was actually worth rather than the inaccurate blue book value, I would be a happy man. Instead, I pay a percentage of a value that I could never see for the car I drive.
Regardless, I do sleep better knowing that the taxes I pay locally have a much better chance of actually doing something meaningful as opposed to the taxes I pay to a bloated, grossly mismanaged, and criminally incompetent federal government.
According to the Wake County official web site, this building houses certain Human Services department programs, the Register of Deeds and the Revenue Department. The Garland H. Jones building is located at 300 S. Salisbury St.

Men At Work Car Care Center

One man at work, offering clubbers and revelers a place to park for a low fee. I can say that unlike the nice town to west of Chapel Hill, parking in the downtown area is extremely easy to find without having to pay. There is a peace of mind, however, in knowing that your car will be almost 100% safe because someone is watching over it.

During normal working hours they offer such services as car washing, wash & wax, full detailing, dent removal, oil changes and inspections.

Men At Work Car Care Center
501 West Morgan St.
919-832-2425

Raleigh Police Department

More Photos from the Fish Market

Out of view is a fan which would blow the fish's fins to and fro as well as provide a comfortable breeze.

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There were a few more photos I wanted to post from The Fish Market last Friday.

Fish Market Gallery
133 Fayetteville St
http://www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/fishmarket/events-show.html

First Friday at the Fish Market

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Mike and Annie

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Miles, Sonny, and Enrique

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Maxine dishing out the sweets

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Last Friday Nureena and I visited the Fish Market Gallery which was kicking off the Ghana Study Abroad 2007 exhibit.

According to the flyer,

Students taking an interdisciplinary design studio and seminar investigated traditional forms of art, design, and culture in Ghana, West Africa. Because these art forms are still regionally specific, the students were able to link the artifact to the place, including all of its natural and culture heritage. Additionally, both Place and Artifact informed the creation of new works; ranging from all forms of artistic expression, to site design and planning, to tourism planning and curriculum development.

Exhibition Dates: Friday Nov 2 - Saturday Dec 1, 2007
Opening Reception: Friday Nov 2, 6-11PM
Closing Reception: Saturday, Dec 1, 1-4PM

Fish Market Gallery
133 Fayetteville St
http://www.ncsu.edu/www/ncsu/design/sod5/fishmarket/events-show.html

Haunted Hillsborough Hike, Part IV

I had initially planned on making this the last post on the haunted hike, but I think I'm going to do at least one more sometime this week.

And Now for Something Slightly Different

Normally photos are at the top of each entry, but this time it's a bit different. Additionally, I have been almost completely predictable in that there was at least one post per day on this blog. Photo blogging is easier in terms of frequency than traditional blogs.
This past weekend was quite an experience and also the reason I haven't posted in a couple of days. I've been using those days to catch up on missed sleep and recover.
On Saturday my girlfriend and I drove 2 hours away to pick up a new dog, from an animal rescue center in a rural piedmont county. Casi is a husky/shephard mix that was dumped in the woods as a baby and had lived there several months before being picked up and then rescued by the lady I adopted from. That same night I took her on a walk around the neighborhood, and she became spooked during our walk and she slipped free from her new harness that could have been adjusted/fitted better. This was Saturday evening, and since she slipped free I continued to look for her where I last saw her. She was scared and alone, and upon seeing me ran away. I was continuing to look for her on foot and by car until 6AM, at which point I had to take a nap because I was falling asleep at the wheel. I slept for about 2 hours, managed to get my car across the road where the marathon was taking place and continued my search. Over the course of the night I crossed several people's back yards, front yards, alleyways and side streets trying to catch her. I saw her about 5 times, but she was scared and ran away from me as I ran towards her. For most of the day I hadn't seen her, but a neighbor had moments before I went to FexEx Kinkos to get some fliers made. They barely charged me for them too, which was really nice. She was eventually found only a few feet from where the lady had spotted her earlier in the day.
The entire neighbor around the Raleigh Little Theatre and Rose Garden really came out to help me find my missing little girl. I can't say enough good things about the folks there. There were a couple folks out actively looking for her. One nice gentleman driving a yellow Nissan SUV circled the blocks for more than an hour trying to find her. There were plenty of dog owners in the area that were very concerned and offered much help in coming the neighborhood in search of her.
The entire ordeal lasted about 17 hours, from the time she went missing until she was found. In the end, I got a phone call from a gentleman that I had handed a flier to earlier in the day. I am almost completely certain the man was homeless, and borrowing a resident's cell phone to call me. The resident's cell phone he borrowing was someone else whom I had handed a flyer to and had offered to be on the lookout. My other dog Elsi, the yellow-colored one pictured below, was able to coax the lost dog out of the bushes and into my arms. Initially Casi (the lost dog) had run away from me and wouldn't let me approach her. The homeless man suggested I push Elsi, my other dog, up the hill to lure her down. Elsi began to lick Casi's face and afterward Casi relaxed and allowed me to snap a leash onto her collar. With the snap of the link a full working day of stress and exhaustion was over with.
I had probably slept about 2 hours total, including naps in my car on one of the streets. I had run the car battery dead when napping with the lights on and the engine off, and a resident was able to help get my battery jump-started.
I can't say enough thanks to everyone who helped me get my dog back. Below are some pictures from the neighborhood (about 2 or 3 blocks from where I live) that helped me find my lost dog. One such gentleman, Elliott, was a professional photographer walking with his family whom had also offered to help me find her earlier in the day. He took a few photos of my moments after I located her which I may append to this blog post later.
Otherwise, I still have plans for one more Haunted Hillsborough Hike photos post, as well as a few from First Friday.

Haunted Hillsborough Hike, Part III

Haunted Hillsborough Hike, Part II

Lego man was definitely deserving of first place.

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Wayne's World! Party time! Excellent! Wooooowooowoooo.....

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Real meets imaginary....

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Poking fun of our neighbor to the west in a light-hearted way.

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Haunted Hillsborough Hike, Part I

This costume was topped only by lego dude

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The Girls Gone Wild Crew

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The owner of Melvin's, one of the organizers of last night's event.

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I'll leave it to my friends over at New Raleigh to summarize the event, but I'll say that for a first-ever event, it was an overwhelming success. The police officers I spoke with said there were no arrests (at least until I retired home @ 1am) and that there were no disturbances. There were many creative outfits that were well put together and the lego man was well deserving of the best costume award.
I hope to have a link to a gallery of all images taken, but in the meantime I'll exceed my normal 3 images per post rule and put up some of my favorites.

The Haunted Hillsborough St. Hike

A full article and photos will be on the way later today! There are so many to go through.

The first hike was a great success and great fun. Check back after 5PM for the full series and a link to all the photos...