Plus, see inside a new yoga studio
6AM City In-house

Making Midtown more walkable 🚶

Walkable Midtown is moving forward
A conceptual image of the future multimodal I-440 bridge.
A conceptual image of the future multimodal I-440 bridge. | Photo via City of Raleigh
Last spring, we filled you in on the progress of Walkable Midtown — a project intended to improve the connectivity and walkability of Raleigh’s Midtown. Here are some updates:

A new greenway connection

The design of the Industrial Drive greenway connection has been completed and construction is underway. Plans include the addition of a 10-ft-wide asphalt trail to connect the southern end of Industrial Drive to the Crabtree Creek Trail at mile marker 7 3/4. The project’s budget is $400,000 and construction is planned for completion this April.

Two new bridges

The city is planning to construct a multimodal bridge over the I-440 beltline. The bridge will have two lanes for cars with dedicated space for biking and walking. View the alignment and cross section options, and take this survey by Feb. 28 to help the city decide on the exact location and design of the bridge. Bonus: The city is hosting an open house on Feb. 16.

Additionally, the city is still considering building a pedestrian bridge that would link the new greenway connection to the south side of Hodges Street, crossing over Crabtree Creek.

WD concept

A map of the Waterfront District concept.

Image via the City of Raleigh

The Midtown Waterfront District

Plans are still being evaluated for the development of a waterfront park along Crabtree Creek. A team at NC State presented case studies and a site analysis to help the city visualize what the project could look like. The study cites a variety of existing greenspaces that the new park could resemble, including Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte, NC and Falls Park in Greenville, SC.

The city is also considering undergoing a stormwater study to better understand how to make the park storm resistant, as the area frequently floods when it rains.

What would you like to see in the Midtown Waterfront Park design?
SHARE YOUR IDEAS
City Club Raleigh

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Jan. 30
  • We Built This | Monday, Jan. 30-Monday, March 27 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Dr., Raleigh | Free | Take a tour of this traveling exhibit highlighting stories of Black architects and builders in NC.
Tuesday, Jan. 31
  • Winter Beer Dinner | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 6 p.m. | Trophy Brewing & Pizza, 827 W. Morgan St., Raleigh | $100 | This seasonal dinner features exotic meats like ostrich, elk, and alligator alongside funky, sour beers from the foeder room.
  • Killjoy x Umbrella Dry Bar Pop-Up | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 6-9 p.m. | Killjoy, 116 N. West St., Raleigh | $15 | The theme of this zero-proof menu is self love and making clearer connections — tickets include two mocktails.
  • Carolina Hurricanes vs. Los Angeles Kings | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $25-$267 | Watch the Canes take on the Kings on home ice.
Wednesday, Feb. 1
  • S’more Square Social Hour | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Moore Square Park, 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Roast a s’more over a fire pit and enjoy winter activities.
  • Galentine’s Beginner Calligraphy | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Riparian Provision Co., 1408 S. Saunders St., Raleigh | $70 | Learn how to write in pretty lettering with this introduction to modern calligraphy.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
6AM City In-house

Take a Sculpt & Flow class at YogaSix

Try This: Take a Sculpt & Flow class at YogaSix
Presented by a RALtoday Partner
The exterior of YogaSix.
YogaSix is located in downtown’s new Bloc[83] development. | Photo by RALtoday
City Editor Anne here. 👋 I’m always looking for ways to move my body — so I was excited to try Raleigh’s newest yoga studio.

I had the pleasure of meeting studio owner Amanda Villari, a Raleighite who grew up in Wake Forest and graduated from NC State. In search of more fulfillment in her work-life, Amanda brainstormed ways to switch careers. On her wishlist: Improve the city she loves so much while helping the people in it.

“Coming out of 2020, it felt like mental health and wellness were what people needed most — and a safe space to figure out what that means for themselves,” she said.

Enter: YogaSix, a yoga studio offering six core class types that caters to every fitness level, from first-time practitioners to seasoned yogis.

What we tried:

From the moment I stepped into YogaSix — located in the growing Bloc[83] development — I felt welcomed and zen. The vibes were definitely right.

I took the Y6 Sculpt & Flow class, which was the perfect blend of yoga and weight training. Our instructor Jodi cued movements that were easy to follow and understand as she led us through the challenging-yet-approachable workout. YogaSix’s cueing style is different from traditional studios in that instructors cue practitioners into the pose first instead of leading with the pose. Instructors don’t speak in Sanskrit, which makes it easier for first-time practitioners to follow the sequence.

Keep reading to see how the rest of the class went.*
WHAT NOT TO MISS

Weather
  • 60º | Showers | 57% chance of rain ☔
Development
  • A $5 million restoration project broke ground in Dix Park last week. Three historic stone houses, built in 1923, will be transformed into a welcome and visitors center, community, classroom, and office space, and public restrooms. The project will take approx. one year to complete. (WRAL)
Active
  • In celebration of Black History Month, Fleet Feet is hosting an HBCU Run on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 a.m. Participants will run (or walk) from Shaw University to St. Augustine’s University — two of the oldest HBCUs in the US. There will also be stops at other historical spots during the three- to four-mile run. 🏃
Sports
Award
  • The NC Sports Hall of Fame revealed the class of 2023. The esteemed group of 15 major sports influences will be inducted on Friday, April 21 at the Raleigh Convention Center. Meet the honorees.
Wellness
Real Estate
  • Finding a reputable, reliable general contractor for your commercial building project takes legwork. That’s why Trinity Partners’ experienced commercial construction services team provides responsible, ethical, fully licensed general contractor assistance. Bonus: The firm also handles every aspect of the construction process, from pre-construction to the final punch-list items + building inspections.*
Eat
  • Have you ever made your kids — or yourself — a bento box? Get inspired with these five easy bento ideas (and stock up on everything you need to make them at Lowes Foods). 🍱 *
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Getting real about real estate in Raleigh 🏠
6213 Blanche Dr. in Raleigh

This three-bed, three-bath Raleigh home was listed for $735,000.

Courtesy of Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty


Looking to buy or rent this year? The real estate market in Raleigh is booming and full of properties for you to choose from. Our real estate predictions guide — released back in early December — gave insight into the state of the market and listed some tips and tricks for selecting a property. But there’s more to know as a potential homebuyer or renter.

From downtown rentals to suburban abodes, here are a few additional tips for buying or renting in Raleigh this year:

Renting? Although more space is becoming available as new apartments are developed, rent values are still rising. If you find a good spot at the right price, don’t wait too long to sign.

Buying? Even though interest rates are rising, it’s still a good time to buy.

Have you recently bought or rented in Raleigh? Tell us about your experience in this short survey.
MORE TIPS AND TRENDS
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: On Saturday, I hiked the New Hope Overlook Blue Route at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. It took me about an hour to walk the three-mile trail. The lake views were especially beautiful during golden hour. Thank you Susan L. for the recommendation. 🌅

Psst... Stay tuned for an Instagram reel of the hike later this week.

Wondering why I’m hiking so much? It’s the Year of the Trail in NC. Find out how to get involved. 🥾

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Learn about the history of Raleigh Iron Works.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?
SUBSCRIBE

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY