The Tractor on the NC Equipment Building: Outlook Bright
If you’ve been down by the west end of Hillsborough Street recently, chances are you’ve noticed the rennovations taking place at the former North Carolina Equipment Building. Lulu will be occupying the building in the first part of 2009.
The fate of the bulldozer (or is it a tractor?) has been hazy for the past year or so. Between city ordinances, the somewhat poor structural condition of the tractor, and other reasons, the future looked bleak and removal via blowtorch seemed to be the final fate of this Raleigh landmark.
While it isn’t completely certain at this point in time, it now appears that the sign may get to stay on as a permanent fixture of Lulu’s main office in Raleigh.
Pictured above is the building before rennovation
And a more recent view, with rennovations near completion
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12/12/2008
This is great news! This familiar Raleigh icon has presided over that stretch of Hillsboro Street for more than 60 years. When I was a kid it was lit up with neon and the tractor treads looked like they were in perpetual motion. What a sight that was to behold. Thanks to Lulu for its effort to retain this irreplaceable piece of Raleigh’s history, and thanks to you John for the post– swell pics too!.
12/14/2008
Oh please keep the sign! It adds such a nice touch to HIllsborough.
12/15/2008
Oh I really hope they keep the sign!
12/16/2008
As a former neighbor of the great tractor, I would be so sad to see it go. Hope it gets to stay!!
12/17/2008
If you cut it down, you should auction off pieces for charity. I’d love to have a section with just one of the letters on it. I’d pay nicely for it, that is a piece or Raleigh and H-boro St. history!
Or use the proceeds to buy a fiberglass one to replace it. Don’t kill heritage!
01/10/2009
Admittedly I do not know much of the history of Raleigh (I’m a transplant)… but do believe in preservation of the past when possible. The tractor/dozer is an icon. It is a landmark. And yes, to some it is even an eye sore.
Regardless, it is a piece of Raleigh history — and I’m glad the city came to their senses.
The rest, last I heard, is up to Lulu.
Great pics John!
Yay!
04/02/2009
I noticed yesterday when I drove by that there is scaffolding around the sign. Anyone know what’s happening?
04/02/2009
NCSU – Yes, the bulldozer sign is being restored! The scaffolding went up about a week ago or so. No word on the neon, though.
Here’s some info on Lulu that appeared on the New Raleigh blog site just last week.
http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/lulu-rising/
04/03/2009
Thanks Raleigh Boy. And here’s some info from this morning’s N&O that addresses the lights.
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1469662.html
06/09/2009
Just a question … am I not remembering correctly, or was that building Greg Poole’s original (or early) heavy equipment sales building?
02/24/2012
Does anyone have any pictures of the restored sign?
01/23/2014
Is there any plans for restoring the sign back to its original condition . It should have International on the hood and TD24 on the fuel tank . I hope this sign isnt in disrepair .
06/01/2018
Nooooooooooooo! I can’t believe Carolina Equipment is no more! :( Drove by at work tonight and the place was nothing but a pile of rubble. :( :( :( Funny how there was NO mention that that was going to happen on any of the local news outlets that I saw. But then again y’all know the Hillsboro Street Battle Cry: “If it’s old, it’s bad!” Oh well, at least they had the decency to save the sign.
What’s next, Nehi Beverages? Wonder Bread?? I know, why not Char-Grill!!!
06/12/2021
I am restoring one side of the tractor sign. Does anyone have a picture of the sign with neon working. I plan to put the neon back on the sign.