Raleigh Essays & Commentary

Nash Square

What Became of Raleigh’s Original Squares? 

An exploration of Nash Square and Raleigh’s original civic plan, examining how public squares evolve over time through stewardship, canopy growth, redevelopment pressure, and changing expectations for urban public space. 

 An exploration of Raleigh’s greenway canopy as living infrastructure, and the long-term stewardship required to sustain the systems that shape how the city functions and feels. 

Smoky Hollow: Part I

Smoky Hollow and Raleigh’s Northern Edge

An examination of how infrastructure, redevelopment, parks, and transportation investments are reshaping the northern gateway to downtown Raleigh through the continuing evolution of Smoky Hollow. 

Smoky Hollow: Part II

Infrastructure, Parks, and the Future of Raleigh’s Northern Gateway 

A deeper look at the relationship between rail infrastructure, public space, creek corridors, and redevelopment surrounding Smoky Hollow and the future S-Line corridor in Raleigh. 

Oakwood & Boylan Heights

Historic Neighborhoods at the Edge of Change

An exploration of how Historic Oakwood and Boylan Heights are navigating growth, transit investment, historic preservation, and redevelopment pressure while maintaining the urban patterns that define them. 

Raleigh’s Greenways and the Evolution of Public Infrastructure

A look at how Raleigh’s greenway system evolved from recreational amenity into essential public infrastructure supporting mobility, recreation, environmental stewardship, and community connection. 

Shared Trails, Shared Expectations

An essay examining growing speed conflicts on greenways, including e-bikes and changing trail use patterns, and how mature public infrastructure systems require clearer shared norms and long-term stewardship. 

North Hills

Growth, Walkability, and the Next Phase of North Hills

An examination of how North Hills continues to evolve from suburban retail center into a denser mixed-use district shaped by walkability, redevelopment, housing demand, infrastructure investment, and changing expectations for urban living in Raleigh. 

Capital Area Greenway Canopy Strategy: Design, Monitoring & Restoration