Last update: December 12, 2007
Late again, but this time for a few good reasons
A few months ago I admitted to you that I have been doing a lousy job keeping RaleighMSA.com up to date, and that my effort to keep you informed as best as I can on the urban development in our area was not dead. Many of you were not only patient, but kind enough to send me emails, inquiring on my whereabouts and asking for the status of this web page.
Luckily, I am still here, alive and well, and very much involved in what is happening in our metropolitan area. For reasons I explain below, this web page moved to the back burner, but the things done behind the scenes were still taken place. For instance, construction update photos were taken during the previous months and will be included in the planned archive section. Here is what took place during the period when updates didn't appear:
- Work-related projects that required all of my attention.
- A merging with another web site, of similar content, which is still going to happen. Not to be worried though. The new effort will only improve on the current content in more than a few ways. The merging will be merely an announcement and very few things will change for the visitors of RaleighMSA.com, which will remain the name of the new web site. The merging was planned for last summer, but both I and the creator of the other web site were extremely busy.
- A major facelift was under way, when a major event took place (see last bullet). The new version of my website was almost ready for deployment, with new material and improved navigation, but fate decided to throw me a little [pleasant] surprise and "mess" my plans. I will soon resume work on the new version of RaleighMSA.com and hopefully reward your patience with something better and easier than what you have seen so far.
- Part of RaleighMSA.com's facelift is the ability to offer photographic material that will help you envision the progress in our area. Much of my leisure time has been dedicated to improving my photography skills. While quality photography is beyond the scope of this web site, I feel that some value may be added through the use of an attractive gallery.
- I left the best for the end. About 2.5 weeks ago, my first baby was born and both my wife and I have been completely focused on him. He was supposed to arrive on December 11, but he decided to show up a bit earlier. Our routine has changed and everything revolves around our son. Not to mention lack of sleep, which many of you might have experienced as parents. While the birth took place recently, I had to do a lot of work at home to prepare our place and simplify things a little. I am a pile person, and those of you who happened to be the same understand the challenges of organizing a place that is clattered with "useful" junk.
I expect no forgiveness for neglecting my web site, and consequently all of you who visit it often, but I am now back on the right track and I hope to deliver the new version of my web site soon.
What's new?
The level of activity in Raleigh, during the last few months, certainly exceeded my expectations. Wherever I go today there is activity in every level. Here is an overview of all major items RaleighMSA.com will present in this latest update. Keep in mind that the News section will be updated at a later time.
- 3rd Annual Downtown Raleigh Home Tour and Artsplosure 2007. Photos
- Raleigh Wide Open - Part II.
- Downtown Raleigh gets new HQ. Starting small, but shooting high.
- City Plaza gets approved.
- The two-tower Edison project (formerly known as Block "B" and Progress Plaza North) was presented to the city. It will certainly put smiles on most people's face.
- The momentum continues for Hillsborough Str and Glenwood South with some new proposals.
- Clarence Lightner Public Safety Center moves forward.
- Updates on site preparation for Soleil Center 1, North Hills East, The Lofts At Glenwood South (former 712 Tucker), Hue (former Nash), and the L Building.
- More information on Site One.
- Success story: RBC Plaza condos are sold out.
- Raleigh is growing fast. We will look at the latest population estimates and the new Comprehensive Plan.
- New HQ for Quintiles and a 2nd Westin Hotel. Proves that areas near RTP are still experiencing tremendous growth.
- Durham's version of "Wide Open". The streets of Downtown Durham are beginning to look better.
