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🌟 Another milestone year

Village District: Raleigh’s first mixed-use development celebrates 75 years
RAL-VillageDistrict-March24
Celebrate the Village District’s diamond jubilee. | Provided by Tabletop Media
This year marks the Village District’s diamond jubilee, serving the Raleigh community for 75 years.

The oldest shopping center in the Southeast is pulling out all the stops to celebrate another milestone year with beer releases, special events, and an anniversary party on Saturday, April 20 — but first, we want to jump back in time to the Golden Age of this iconic district.

Village District’s post-WWII era

In 1946, local developer J.W. “Willie” York partnered with NC-native Raymond Bryan to develop the state’s first planned mixed-use development on 160-acres of undeveloped land, which would be comprised of shops, single-family homes, and apartments.

After much political debate and the security of a $2.5 million loan, construction began in 1947 with the 283-unit Cameron Village Garden Apartments up first, designed by architect Leif Valand.

York worked closely with Valand to see most of the plans come to life — the modernist architect is responsible for designing most of the district’s commercial and multi-family housing, as well as several single-family homes.

York also commissioned director of the Urban Land Institute, Seward Mott, to help take on the massive project — Mott’s greenfield plans won the Neighborhood Development contest, sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, in 1947.

A black and white photo of an underground store front.

The Village Subway was home to 30 nightclubs and shops.

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Photo via Village District

The commercial core (think: Sears and Roebuck Store) was completed next, with the majority finished by the end of 1949.

From 1947 to 1953, the district was developed into a booming community, mostly made up of post-World War II and modern architecture, with 65 retail stores, 566 apartment units, 100 houses, and 112 offices.

The district has gone through several phases, including the time it housed Village Subway from 1971 to 1984 — also known as the Underground. But we have to say, Village District has certainly maintained its charm.

A shot of Village District with the Raleigh Skyline in the background.

Village District has been a shopping and foodie destination since 1949.

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Photo by RALtoday

How to cheers to 75 years

Celebrate 75 years of tradition + taste by stopping by some of the district’s oldest residents like Great Outdoor Provision Co. (51 years), sharing a memory from the Village or the Underground, or by toasting to the Standard Beer + Food collaboration, called Village 75 brew, starting Saturday, April 20 at the 75th Anniversary Celebration event.

Click the link below to flash forward to present-day Village district.
How has the Village District grown?
Asked

Which event bloomed this week in Raleigh?
We want to test your knowledge of Raleigh happenings from this week’s newsletters:

A. JC Raulston’s Moonlight in the Garden
B. NCMA’s Art in Bloom
C. Umstead State Park’s Park Week
D. The City of Raleigh’s Pollinator Week
    Take the quiz
     
    Events
    Friday, March 15
    • Totally ‘80s — NC Symphony | Friday, March 15 + Saturday, March 16 | 8 p.m. | Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $68-$80 | Rewind to the ‘80s with tunes like “Wake Me up before You Go-Go,” “Addicted to Love,” and “The Final Countdown.”
    Saturday, March 16
    • Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Saturday, March 16 | 10 a.m. | Starts at the State Capitol Building, 1 E. Edenton St., Raleigh | Free | Watch downtown come alive with Irish tradition as the streets fill with dancers, marching bands, skaters, dogs, and more.
    • Twerk Yoga with Keke MsTwistedYogi | Saturday, March 16 | 10-11 a.m. | The Self Care Marketplace, 12 W. Martin St., Raleigh | $15 | Release stress + bounce your way to balance and relaxation — all levels are welcome.
    • NC Courage Watch Party | Saturday, March 16 | 7 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Don’t worry if you can’t make it to WakeMed for the season opener — Transfer Co. is hosting watch parties in support of the NC Courage all season long.
    • Shamrock Shuck | Saturday, March 16 | 12-8 p.m. | Oak City Brewing Company, 616 N. First Ave., Knightdale | Free | Shuck oysters, listen to bagpipes + live music, sip on green draft brews, and grab a snack from a food truck — oysters tickets must be purchased beforehand.
    Sunday, March 17
    • TrunkShow Vintage St. Patty’s Market | Sunday, March 17 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | TrunkShow, 1526 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | Free | Join this sidewalk sale with 15 bonus vintage and handmade vendors, along with beer, baked goods, and holiday fun.
    • St. Patrick’s Day Beer Mile | Sunday, March 17 | 2-5 p.m. | R&D Brewing — Seven Saturdays Taproom, 1399 Capital Blvd., Raleigh | $15 | Join this fun run with Fleet Feet to complete the mile course while enjoying ice-cold brews.
    Monday, March 18
    • WWE Monday Night RAW | Monday, March 18 | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $29-$125 | Watch these dramatic wrestlers take the ring.
    Plan your St. Pat's weekend
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    News Notes
    Development
    • A new hotel boasting the Triangle’s highest rooftop bar is expected to open this summer. Located down the street from Crank Arm Brewing Company at 200 W. Davie St., the 13-story, 261-room stay will be equipped with a bar + lounge on the top floor. (Triangle Business Journal)
    Biz
    • Are you a local biz owner looking to plant new roots? Head to Moore Square on Monday, March 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a cafe open house. The city is looking for a vendor to operate the 635 sqft space in downtown Raleigh. RSVP if you’re interested.
    Community
    • Help the Downtown Raleigh Alliance shape its priorities and strategic direction for downtown Raleigh by filling out its annual survey — the survey will close at midnight on Tuesday, March 19.
    Concerts
    • JLO canceled her stop at PNC Arena on Aug. 24 for the “This Is Me… Now” tour. But let’s get loud for pop singer Meghan Trainor who will perform at Red Hat Amphitheater on Sept. 12 — tickets will be on sale to the general public on Friday, March 22.
    Ranked
    • The pollening is coming. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the City of Oaks No. 9 on its list of the most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. Based on pollen scores for trees, grass, and weed pollen, Raleigh has a worse-than-average score for allergy medicine use and the amount of specialists available.
    Seasonal
    • According to The News & Observer, NC’s hummingbird season starts in April. Read about when to expect these tiny avians in your yard and how to feed them — pro tip: opt for a red feeder.
    Finance
     
    Try This

    🪴 Calling all plant parents

    Plant ahead for the largest plant swap in Raleigh
    A girl standing through her Jeep roof, holding up a pease sign surrounded by plants.
    Come hang out with plant experts Houseplant Hippie + Copperline Plant Co. on Sunday, April 21. | Photo provided by Houseplant Hippie
    Our Earth Day Extravaganza with The Great Raleigh Cleanup is right around the corner on Sunday, April 21 — and we’re getting really excited for heaps of fun in Moore Square.

    One of our most anticipated events is The Greatest Plant Swap Ever, hosted by local green-thumbed experts The Houseplant Hippie and Copperline Plant Co.

    Bring your plant cuttings, both dying + healthy houseplants, seeds, and extra gardening supplies to enjoy plant trading, a complimentary potting station with Hippie, a plant hospital with Dr. Copper, seed swaps, and more.

    Share that you’re excited to participate so we can make Earth Day the best day on the planet.

    If you want to lend a hand during the Earth Day event, sign up to volunteer. Want to show your business’s support for the planet? Consider becoming a sponsor — let us know if you’re interested.
    The Buy

    The Buy 3.15.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    The ultimate car vacuum kit, which plugs right into your car’s 12v aux outlet. The mini vacuum + parts come in a compact case, so you can easily and neatly store them in your trunk.
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    The Wrap
     
    Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

    Today’s edition by:
    Cat
    From the editor
    Save the date for Sunday, March 24. I’ll be helping out my friend Taylor and her small biz, PawsitivityDesigns, at Wye Hill’s Tails on Tap event. From 12 to 4 p.m., bring your pup along to this adoption event benefiting Second Chance Pet Adoptions to meet + greet adoptable pups, sip on Wye Hill brews, shop vendors, and win prizes.
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