Sure-Fit Upholstery Inc

This place exists in about 78 different online business directories, but none of which were local. Looks like it's been here for some time, but not sure for how long.

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The Archdale From A Distance

This is the profile view of the Archdale Building as seen from West Street.

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Trains In Motion

It's been a while since I've posted images of trains, so here are two. These photos were taken off of the bridge on Hillsborough Street where it intersects Glenwood Avenue.

The Corner Of East Martin and Wilmington

Nothing in particular, just another random photo.

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View From Glenwood Avenue

This shot was submitted by a reader. Thanks for the photo, Devin! If you have photos of Raleigh at night you'd like to contribute, please contact me.

Spring Buds Near The Legislative Building

While walking back from the Murphey School Auditorium I saw these spring time buds hanging from a tree near the Legislative Building. I am no expert on trees or plants, so I have no idea what type of tree this is.

A Night At Tir Na Nóg

Caroline and Katie, two lovely bartenders

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The first thing that comes to mind about this place is the pronunciation of the name. I've heard three variations since living in Raleigh, and I'm sure there may be more. The variations are:

• Teer-Nah-Noh (long "o", silent "g")
  
• Teer-Nah-Nahg (short "o")
  
• Teer-Nah-Nogue (long "o")
  

Even when a friend of mine tended bar here for a while and used the correct pronunciation in conversation, people still got it wrong. Even though there are ads on the radio, people still get it wrong. Now I must admit that I used the "Nahg" pronunciation for some time. Notice on the first picture how the o in "Nóg"has an accent over it. According to an Irish author enlightening readers, ó is pronounced ’o’ as in low.
So if you were using any of the other pronunciations, you now know the correct one.
And by the way, Tir Na Nóg is a great pub, definitely worth checking out any day of the week.

Raleigh Furniture Company

This is the familiar building on Hargett Street, mentioned in my last post and across the street from Two T's Rack and Tavern. The Empire web site says that

Constructed in 1914, this building was originally home to the Raleigh Furniture Store and later to Kimbrell’s Furniture. This stand-alone structure retains its original brick façade, featuring an original, painted advertisement on the external west-facing three-story wall. Exposed beams on the third floor, tin ceiling tiles on the second floor and hardwood floors throughout will be retained during the renovation, which will include additional windows for more natural light on the west side of the building. Renovations to this property will retain and revitalize its historic qualities, while adapting it for reuse by new, enterprising businesses that desire to operate in the heart of the city.

A news article on the Empire Web site says that

Instead of buying a building and focusing purely on financial return, he's willing to take the time to renovate the building to its historical glory, and then wait as long as it takes -- despite the cost -- until the right tenant comes along.

I've gushed about Empire Properties before, when talking about the Odd Fellows Building. Any developer who puts historical precedence above a quick profit earns a lot of respect from me. Does anyone have information on the past and/or future of this building?

A New Viewpoint And A New Milestone

The new set of stairs connected to the Raleigh Furniture Building (more photos on that to come later) on Hargett Street provides a new perspective on Hargett and the surrounding buildings, including RBC Plaza.

This post is the 250th one since I first started this blog in August. The average is around 1.1 posts per day. In addition to the post count, There are over 570 unique images in the upload directory (excluding thumbnails). This averages out to 2.5 images per day since the blog started.

Moon Over The Marbles

This is the Marbles Kids Museum on Blount Street. Back in August, I posted a photo of what was then called Exploris. I certainly am not fond of the new name. I can understand that the name appeals to kids more, though. I mean heck, when taste tested against the same food without it, kids prefer food that has the McDonald's logo. Brand perception starts at an early age, and Exploris could sound stuffy and boring to a young person.

Murphey School Auditorium

I got the idea to photograph the Murphey School Auditorium based on a tip (thanks Craig!) from someone at the N&O. About 6 weeks ago I drove by this place because they had spotlights shining at the sky. Me, being the moth that I am, followed the lights to this place. Unfortunately I rolled up at a time when no one was outside. It was a brisk night so I decided not to wait around and find out. Once I learned the history, I really regretted not getting pictures. It is a new home for the Burning Coal Theatre Company, and I believe I had been by their grand opening, but came at a bad time.
The Historic Oakwood web site says that

The historic Murphey School Auditorium is at the corner of Person and Polk Streets. The Murphey School, one of the oldest schools still in existence in Raleigh, was the first integrated school in our state's capital.

The N&O says that

Compared to the Progress Energy Center's Kennedy Theatre, where Burning Coal performed most frequently, the renovated school auditorium is much more intimate, even though it can seat almost twice as many (up to 175). Seated on three sides of the rectangular playing space (an in-the-round arrangement is also possible), with only three to four rows of seats in each section, audiences are never far from the action.

From what I understand the remaining part of the school has been converted to housing for seniors. For more information on the history of the building and a detailed timedline of the renovation, please visit the official web site.

Lighting, Inc. on Peace Street

This place has no web presence, and I've never been to the store before. They certainly have an interesting array of lighting fixtures--notice the NASCAR themed lamps in the bottom photo. The location also has a nice view of the city at night.

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The Central Heating and Steam Plant

I can't say I understand the purpose of this particular facility. Obviously it makes steam--but for what purpose?

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The Progress Energy Parking Deck

This is part of Two Progress Plaza. You can see the original Progress Energy Building in the background.

Dueling Views Near The Courthouse

As seen from Fayetteville Street and Salisbury Street, respectively. The design of both the court house and the Federal Building looks the same on both sides. The courthouse was completed in 1970, and is 11 stories tall.

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Peering Out Across Edenton Street

Visible in the center of the photo are The North Carolina Legislative Building and The Archdale Building. If you're viewing this post on or before March 17th, be sure to click "view larger map" to see a St. Patrick's Day easter egg from Google.

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Architectural Styles of Raleigh and London

My last post entry about the Post Office reminded me of the slight similarity or architectural styles of Fayetteville Street and London's Piccadilly Circus. I first thought about it when noticing the light reflections on the Court House. It's interesting that both buildings pictured have blue reflections on the windows. To be sure, the Fayetteville Street Mall is quite a ways off from matching the beauty and environment of Piccadilly.

The official Raleigh City Government web site says that

The new federal courthouse and post office with its identical front and back, was opened at the corner of Fayetteville and Martin in 1878 at a whopping cost of $400,000.

Considering the time frame that this building was constructed, it isn't much of a surprise that it shares many architectural characteristics with a building in Piccadilly, shown below.

The Federal Building and Court House had many buildings constructed around the same time frame as those in Piccadilly. There was talk of closing down the Federal Building (which includes the Post Office and Bankruptcy Court), until the plans came to revitalize the Fayetteville Street Mall.
If you are interested in seeing photos of London at night, please check out my other site, Goodnight, London!.

Peeking In To The Post Office

A view inside of the post office on Fayetteville Street, as seen from the outside of it.

Vernacular Studio Architects

The people here at Vernacular Studio were mentioned in my post about the prettiest dumpster in Raleigh. I know nothing about them, but they have a fantastic location for operations.

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My Favorite Hanging Sculpture

If you continue down Tower Street past the water tower and dumpster, you'll see my favorite sculpture in all of Raleigh. Look at the solid colors and you'll notice the original life of the pieces of the whole--fiberglass chairs. Yes, you should be familiar with the design. I do not know for sure, but I'd say these are the same familiar fiberglass chairs that were introduced to us from Charles and Ray Eames, designers for Herman Miller.
The Library Of Congress has a most interesting article about Charles and Ray, as well as a photo to corroborate my suspicions as to the chairs' origin.

Recognizing the need, Charles Eames said, is the primary condition for design. Early in their careers together, Charles and Ray identified the need for affordable, yet high-quality furniture for the average consumer -- furniture that could serve a variety of uses. For forty years the Eameses experimented with ways to meet this challenge, designing flexibility into their compact storage units and collapsible sofas for the home; seating for stadiums, airports, and schools; and chairs for virtually anywhere. Their chairs were designed for Herman Miller in four materials -- molded plywood, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, bent and welded wire mesh, and cast aluminum. ... What works is better than what looks good," Ray said. "The looks good can change, but what works, works."

(Photo courtesy of the Library Of Congress)

Charles and Ray were truly ahead of their time. By simply looking at the first and last sentence of the quote, you take away the most important elements of industrial and product design: need and function. Everything else is just fluff.

The Tower of Tower Street

This is the namesake of the similarly named street. During the months in which more foliage is present, the tower is almost invisible. It's been painted green to blend in with trees around it.

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The Prettiest Dumpster In All Of Raleigh

I don't know the history of this particular dumpster. I know it's been here at least 2 years, but likely longer. It's located near the Vernacular Studio Architects building on Tower St., so it's a strong possibility they had something to do with it.

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A Starry Night At Lake Johnson

This is a view of the roadway over Lake Johnson on a very brisk night. I am anxiously awaiting warmer weather, as I'd love to go out fishing here again. It's a very short drive, which is the best part.

The official Raleigh government web site says that

Lake Johnson Park is composed of a 150+ acre lake and 300+ acres of land surrounding the lake. The lake/park offers boating (rentals and personal launches; non-motorized, non-trailored), picnic shelters , concessions, facility rentals, greenway trails, and a vast array of classes, special events and recreational opportunities for the entire family. Lake Johnson has 3.5 miles of paved greenway trails and 1.9 miles of unpaved trails. Biking is prohibited on the Unpaved Trail.

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Forgotten Neighborhood of Dorothea Dix

Pictured above is what remains of Dorsett Drive on the Dorothea Dix campus. I haven't been to this area in a few years now, and it's quite different than I remember it. The difference being piles of rubble where abandoned houses once stood. I've heard that these houses were home to staff of the hospital, but I do not know for sure.
Anyone have the story of this place? Did red street signs once designate roads in Raleigh, or was it limited to Dorothea Dix?
For more photos, check out the N&O gallery of Dorothea Dix Hospital.

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Community Grocery on Oberlin

I don't recall exactly, but I'm pretty sure the sign says something like "hot dogs since 1972". If you've ever driven on Oberlin, you've seen this place.

The Wilmont

I've never lived here nor have I known anyone who has. I have had friends that lived across the street at Fincastle, though. There is almost always something new to look at while driving by. The Christmas lights are usually on all year round. There are also frequently mannequins propped up on a few of the balconies.
The most interesting part? It's the first apartment or other living space that I am aware of that has its own myspace page. The complex is around 70 years old.
What are some of the more memorable items you've seen on the various balconies of the Wilmont?

Horse Track Alley

Horse Track Alley is a public road that you won't find on any map. In fact, I had no idea it even had a name, until about 2-3 months ago when this sign popped up out of no where. It's very near where I live, and I walk down it frequently when out with the dogs.
It's also the first sign I've ever seen that had the double zero designation. It begins on Clark Ave near Cameron Village, and dead ends behind some businesses on Hillsborough St. (El Rodeo being the only one I can recall at the moment).
Anyone have any info on the origin of the name? Are there any other designated "alleys" in Raleigh with their own street sign?

A Random Cityscape

Visible in the photo are The Church of the Good Shephard, The Wachovia Building, and RBC Plaza.

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A Night At The Riviera

Dan and Christiana celebrating their fifth anniversary at The Riviera.

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Back in August I posted about Mr. Dynamite Deluxe in front of the Riviera. It was also around this time that I first met David from New Raleigh, also in front of the Riviera.
It's a great environment, and they take great care to create the right mood. Upstairs there is a DJ playing dance music that gives a more urban night club feel, whereas the bar area was more of a relaxed wine bar. I think it is a nice blend of contrasts.

Riviera Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
135 South Wilmington Street
(919) 834-7480

West Street From Glenwood Avenue

This the parking deck across from the Blue Martini. You can see the sign from this deck in an older post where I gush about how neat it looks.

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Working Late on a Saturday Night

This is an attorney working late on a Saturday night in downtown Raleigh. It was 1:00 A.M. when this picture was taken.

Solitaire in the WTVD Van [UPDATED]

While walking down Glenwood Avenue, I spotted a WRAL WTVD van parked. I peeked in when noticing someone was in front of an LCD monitor. I was curious as to what software they were using for editing, and it turns out the guy was just playing a game of solitaire. Unfortunately brightly lit screens are near impossible to photograph with a dark environment, so you can't see it in the photo.

Update: The van in question does belong to WTVD, and not WRAL as earlier reported.

The North Carolina Legislative Building

The North Carolina state government web site says that

The North Carolina General Assembly met in the State Capitol from 1840 until the State Legislative Building was completed in January 1963. The home of the North Carolina General Assembly is unique in that it is devoted solely to the legislative branch of the state government. The Legislative Building contains facilities necessary for the efficient functioning of the General Assembly. The building includes not only Senate and House Chambers, but also committee rooms, offices for members, and space for clerical personnel. Throughout, provisions are made for easy access and observation of legislative procedures by the interested visitor.