24 Most Influential People Downtown

It takes investment, not only of capital, but also of time — time to plan, to secure support, to implement those plans, and to see long-term projects come to fruition — and beget more opportunities. It takes constant communication and diplomacy with other like-minded individuals — and those who aren’t sold yet — to create support for and unified approaches to a common goal. It takes vision, the ability to see what once was, and what can be again, stronger and better than before. It even takes timing, simply being in the right place at the right time, for the right opportunity. And it takes a commitment to and a love of community, a vested personal interest in seeing it thrive.

The following individuals exemplify these traits. They are investors. They are leaders. They are visionaries who see the potential in the quiet of an underutilized warehouse area, acknowledge the need to preserve the historic while embracing the new, recognize the solid economic sense in bringing businesses and attractions back to Downtown Raleigh — and then creating housing and space for the people and amenities that will follow, ensuring that Downtown will continue to prosper.

This list of influential leaders is neither scientific in its derivation, nor complete with respect to the “movers and shakers” who are propelling Downtown Raleigh into prominence. These investors, educators, developers, architects, planners, and real estate representatives are just some of the more visible participants in Downtown Raleigh’s renaissance. They are at times cheerleaders, if you will, for their cause — a revitalized city center where people live, work, and play, a city that others will want to visit. Simply put, each has taken the time for an introduction and to ask all of us to help promote the future of Downtown Raleigh.