RALEIGHWHATSUP: RHDC Works in Progress Part 1 of 3: Raleigh Nehi Bottling Company, 3210 Hillsborough Street

Friday, January 16, 2015

RHDC Works in Progress Part 1 of 3: Raleigh Nehi Bottling Company, 3210 Hillsborough Street

The Raleigh Historic Development Commission recently opened up four locations that are currently undergoing restoration to the general public. It was a great chance to get a behind the scenes look at some historic Raleigh landmarks. The tour was self guided and for architect geeks like myself, it was exciting to step inside several historic buildings and learn a little about what is being done to preserve these properties and what the plan is for their future. It's SO important (in my opinion) that Raleigh hold on to it's historical spaces especially as the city continues to grow at such a rapid pace right now. Once these buildings are torn down they are gone and lost forever. I'm thankful they are being carefully restored and turned into productive spaces again, serving another generation of Raleigh businesses.

The first stop was Raleigh Nehi Bottling Company located on Hillsborough Street near NC State. The building was designed in 1937 and it was the first commercial building in Raleigh to use the International Style of Architecture. The architect was William Henley Deitrick. The building was designed with a drive thru on the side and the trucks literally drove into the building and exited out the back. The building has sat vacant for many years and was recently purchased and thoughtfully restored by James Goodnight and is a designated Raleigh Historic Landmark. The building is currently looking for tenants. It's a fabulous space and lends itself to office, pop up restaurant, brewery or event space.

I enjoyed walking through the building as it is in the process of being renovated. It's a pretty amazing location, and looking back at the old photos of the bottling company, it would be a great space to work or play in! Stay tuned as we see who/what future business sets up here!

Be sure and check out the cool mural that has been restored on the outside of the building viewable from Hillsborough Street.