It looks like Raleigh, North Carolina is on deck to see another downtown tower, the tallest yet.  Today's Raleigh News and Observer reports the initial plans for the Edison will be filed today.   The Edison is being planned and promoted as two eco-friendly mixed use towers across Davie Street from the Progress Energy headquarters building.

Offering a 500,000 square foot block of office space suitable for a corporate headquarters will put the Edison in a unique position.  But also it appears that  a commitment from a corporate tenant will be necessary to bring the plan to fruition.

The developer, Gregg Sandreuter, has succeeded with downtown condo projects, and that gives him a track record and credibility.   But this is a big step and at this time, the time line stretches to 2012 for projected completion.  A long term bet on the future of Raleigh's core area!

The N&O article also offers a recap of other tower projects currently underway.  The additions to the Raleigh skyline will be dramatic, if all are completed, along with the new Convention Center.  Of course the Soleil Center, at 43 floors, will be the tallest, but is located a few miles from Downtown in the Crabtree Mall area. 

The RBC Plaza is scheduled for completion in 2008, between Fayetteville Street and Wilmington Street, on the south side of Martin Street.  "Close to Everything" downtown.

RBC Plaza in rear, under the crane.   Location of The Edison, foreground.

The influx with more residents to condominiums into downtown Raleigh will require services to support them.  More than any other issue, I hear that the lack of grocery options downtown is a major drawback to downtown living.  The Capital City Grocery is taking another crack at it, under new ownership.   Perhaps a grocery in one of the new towers would be the amenity that makes downtown Raleigh, NC, even more attractive as a place to settle into.

Added residents to fill the burgeoning condos may be enticed by the development of the Dorothea Dix property as envisioned by those who support the DIX306 proposal, to convert the Dorothea Dix mental hospital grounds into a world-class destination park.  Located within walking distance of downtown, the proposed park would offer respite from the downtown, with room to roam and play.

An exciting time indeed in Raleigh, and in Wake County, NC!