Goodnight Raleigh - a look at the art, architecture, history, and people of the city at night

2009: Raleigh In Review

It’s that time of year in which we reflect on the past year. Blogs and news sites all broadcast ‘best of’ and other memorable moments, in what is the web equivalent of the clip show. In this post we’ll do the same and look back on some of the articles that drew the most commentary, were popular, or otherwise deserve a mention as 2009 draws to a close.

January saw the installation of new LEDs on the Reedy Creek Pedestrian Bridge. I vented some frustration at the lack of access after daylight.

In a city known for destroying historic structures with abandon, the old Meredith College building is the grandest example of treasure lost. Raleigh Boy reflects on the building and gives us a look inside shortly before it came down.

The ‘three sisters’ of Oakwood were a set of speculation houses built by Colonel Heck a few years after the Civil War. Here, you get a bit of history and a peek inside one of them.

Laziz Biryani Corner is one of the greatest hidden treasures of Raleigh cuisine. Take a tour of the menu and the family that brings great Indian food to Hillsborough Street.

Learn about one of Raleigh’s most popular bars, The Landmark Tavern, and the history of the building it resides in.

In one of the most creative applications of cut and paste that I’ve ever seen, Paul Friedrich shows us a postcard of Raleigh’s statues and offers a trivia quiz to find the missing three.

Russell Lee, aka Sho Nuff, is easily one of the most memorable people downtown. He has a positive attitude and is more than just a guy with an awesome outfit and bike. He’s also a soul singer. Learn why I think he’s one of the greatest people in Raleigh.

The Montague Building is one of Hargett Street’s most prominent buildings. Learn about the person for whom the building was named after and its long vacancy.

Ever wanted to learn how to juggle? Want to practice with other folks, from beginning to expert? Learn about the NC State Juggling Club.

The current home of Rebus Works in Boylan Heights was once home to a mom and pop grocery store. Raleigh Boy shares his memories of the store and family.

Raves still exist? Apparently so. In this article, Sid gives us a tour of one.

I think that Enterprise Street is one of the greatest streets in Raleigh. Find out why I love this short and quirky area.

Have you heard about the mystery of Oakwood Cemetery? Every year the grave of a Confederate Soldier is decorated by an admirer(s).

One of the grandest local examples of modernist architecture was torn down by Wake County. Take a tour of the inside shortly before demolition.

One of the hidden gems of City Market is Dechen Collections, a store offering handmade goods from Tibet and surrounding areas.

Ever wonder what lies inside some of the abandoned buildings in the Warehouse District?

Learn the sad story of one of Raleigh’s most beloved bartenders, Theresa Fenner at The Alley (formerly Western Lanes).

Raleigh’s quirkiest street festival is the annual Kirby Derby.

Learn the history of a cornerstone of Hillsborough Street, Reader’s Corner.

Ever wondered about that monolithic AT&T building? You can see a view of the city from the top of the radio tower attached to it.

Take a tour of one of Raleigh’s most beloved coffee shops, Cafe Helios.

The article that kicked off our efforts to restore Raleigh’s first piece of public art: Let’s turn the switch back on the Color Wall.

Halloween in 1987 saw the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train at the Boylan Junction.

In one particular installment of Ben Spiker’s ‘Raleigh Calling’ series, learn a bit of trivia about one of Raleigh’s historic buildings that now houses popular restaurants.

Love playing pinball? Find out where you can locally.

Take a tour of another abandoned building, the former Staudt Bakery.

A grand and sad example of Victorian architecture, the Fabius Briggs house.

One of the very few examples of beautiful state architecture, the North Carolina Legislative Building.

During the Hillsborough Street renovation project, remains of Raleigh’s streetcar system were unearthed. In this article, Peter Eichenberger gives us a bit of history and expresses hope for a resurrection of this once ubiquitous transportation system.

2009 saw the moving of the giant Merrimon-Wynne house, as well as being put up for sale as part of the Blount Street commons project. Learn about the history of the house and take a tour of the inside.

What will 2010 hold in store for Goodnight Raleigh? We have lots of plans on new directions for the site, but won’t stray from our mission of the past two and a half years: to bring you the untold and hidden stories of the Capital City, as well as photography showcasing the beauty that exists here, in all forms.

From all of us here, we want to thank you for reading and being a part of our community. Best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2010.