Last December, Western Lanes began a transformation. It was sold to a group of 20-something investors from the area. While promising to retain most of the features that give it charm, they wanted to give it a minor facelift and modernize it. The first change is the name–it is now known as “The Alley”. The fate of long time restaurant staff was less clear however, as it would have to temporarily close for restoration.

Late last year, we confirmed that Theresa Fenner, bartender at Western Lanes for 27 years, would in fact stay on staff and remain a part of the family throughout the transition process. When stopping by on a recent visit to check on her and the modernization effort, I learned of very sad news: She had contracted a very serious kidney infection, which for the past month has kept her out of work. On April 17th, she was airlifted to Winston-Salem to undergo treatment. According to her husband, her odds were at 50% for surviving. She fought through it, and 11 days later was discharged.
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I work downtown. I have a cell phone with a camera lens. My particular model of cell phone, I discovered some time ago, has a knack for creating some strange and interesting images. If you know how to talk to it just right, it can create some pretty cool distortions too. So, when I am out and about in downtown Raleigh and elsewhere, I often snap pictures with my phone.

The first person to answer correctly will win. . . um, we still have to figure that out. But for now, the winner will just have to be satisfied with the feeling of being a winner. So, what building is this?

Overwhelmed by a sense of community, or perhaps he really liked Tiff Merritt’s photography.  In any case, The Mahler Gallery experienced a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Fayetteville St. on May 1st.