Exploring Raleigh’s Historic Business District

Storytelling is vital to historic preservation in our community. We can put forth all of the money and effort to keep a structure sound, but without the avid storytellers, these structures would not hold the time-tested significance that they deserve. That’s one of the reasons that I, like so many of my Raleigh neighbors, am so fond of Goodnight Raleigh. The Goodnight Raleigh community brings awareness to our city’s fascinating past, which makes us more thoughtful when planning for the future.

Read more »

A sparkle of elegance returns to Blount Street

Goodnight Raleigh staff were invited to the grand opening of the renovated historic Merrimon-Wynne House last Friday night; and it was a grand celebration indeed. The event was attended by 400 guests who enjoyed delectable hors d’oeuvre, tasty cocktails and a lively jazz band. Attendees were invited to explore the mansion from the formal public rooms on the first floor, private chambers on the second, and, ascending the monumental staircase, all the way to the utilitarian attic above.

Read more »

photo by Ian F.G. Dunn

“The Raleigh Building, the Raleigh Building, that’s all he talks about.” My mother rolled her eyes as she lamented my father’s closing moments. She was right: until he bid his final good night to Raleigh, Bob Wollman was synonymous with the Raleigh Building. It was his dominion, just as it had been his father’s. From leaseholder to secretary, everyone in that building could count on him to cater to their needs and provide for their comfort in every season.

Read more »