Raleigh leaders approve developer's plan to build on site of historic Seaboard Station
In a 6-1 vote, Raleigh leaders approved new a rezoning request on Tuesday that would allow a developer to build up to 20 stories in downtown Raleigh at the site of the historic Seaboard Station.
The city council members only voted to allow the developers to build 20 stories on the condition that they preserve the current train depot that houses Logan's Garden Shop.
Leaders said that developers with Turnbridge Equities could use a third-party to relocate the train station if they wanted. Before relocating the station, they would need to give the public a 90-day notice.
If Turnbridge does not decide to relocate the building, the developers would need to preserve a minimum of 50% of the building's front or relocate more than half of the building's front somewhere else.
A third option is that Turnbridge could remove the building and document it. If developers choose this option, Raleigh leaders would only allow for the Turnbridge development to reach seven stories, instead of Turnbridge's desired 20 stories, according to the new rezoning.
The city leader's decision comes after nearly 4,000 people petitioned against developers tearing down the 80-year-old station.
“It’s evident that the people of Raleigh care deeply about preserving the parts of this city that define its character and are simultaneously committed to collaborating to steer Raleigh's growth in meaningful ways," said Jason Davis, managing director at Turnbridge Equities. "Turnbridge has developed a strong reputation of acting as good stewards of Raleigh's rich architectural history .. we are committed to honoring Searboard Station as well."
David Cox, the lone dissenting member to the rezoning application, said he didn't think preserving 50% of Seaboard is enough. He thinks that the station should be acquired by the city of Raleigh instead of giving it away to a private developer.
“We have engaged in a month-long community engagement process with the groups who were interested in protecting and preserving the station. There is no historical protection on Seaboard Station right now," said Raleigh council member Jonathan Melton.
“After months of working with the developer, the applicant and the community, they have agreed to conditions that will incorporate majority of the station in the new site plan and preserve it and provide some protection, and I believe that's a big win for the community," Melton added.
Concerned neighbors have presented ideas for how to incorporate the structure into the new development plans.
“As Raleigh is growing, we need to be making a point to be preserving as much of our history and things that make the city unique and fun and different as possible,” Melton said.
Melton said the developers have other projects underway in the area and have committed to preserving those structures as well.
