Lafayette Village: "European" Style Shopping in N. Raleigh ~ What is it all about? (Fountain: hotel, home)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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I drive by the planned location every day on Falls of Neuse Road in N. Raleigh directly across the street from Piper's Tavern. Looks like the construction has begun already (site grading). Anybody have the inside scoop on what businesses may be put in there? What exactly is "European" style shopping anyway?
This picture probably best depicts European shopping...where you 'walk down the street' and go in and out of shops. Or window shop - if that's what you like: Lafayette Village ~ North Raleigh, NC (http://www.lafayettevillageraleigh.com/index1.htm - broken link)
Quote:
Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy
Do you think it will work in this area?
Works for me!
As long as they keep the 'mall' stores out of the plaza - I'm there!
Clearly "European Style" is referring to the layout, which is quite reminiscent of many Old Town sections of European towns. From their renderings and site plan, I think they'll accomplish the "look" to a degree from an asthetic standpoint, but the experience will be far from "European". The shops look to be sort of large compared to the typical Old Town Europe shops. They also won't be able to capture the "street market" sense of Europe that they show in their "vision" photos b/c there is no residential included, only office and retail space.
Overall, I'm sure it will be a great alternative to the standard strip mall, but without incorporation of residential dwellings above the storefronts, they'll fall short of the type of development that is desperately needed for smart growth in the Triangle.
I am hearing that it is going to be modeled like a mini North Hills. European in this context probably refers to some sort of Epcot-esque design and the fact that it's going to be pedestrian oriented instead of automobile oriented like typical strip centers.
What makes it "European" is that the "streets" (where you walk) are not straight, just like the streets of older European cities. So it gives the impression that you're in the middle of a European city. But it looks awfully small....so the "illusion" probably only works from the center of the complex. This seems like nothing more than a cleverly laid-out strip mall.
Wow, how cool !!
Click on the link. See where it says "more information" on the upper left? Click on that. Then click on "retail mix" and it will show a picture of what they intend to do. Seems like open-air markets with the storefront open to the street, and lots of European cafe type places.
toodie
Our Retail Mix
We have designed the building massing model around three 80ft specimen oak trees. These gifts from nature will define the shaded umbrella seating areas of the Bistro Piazza.
There will be line of sight "teaser" glimpses of the dining component/cafe activity for the Falls of Neuse traffic, and important aspect of a destination location. The Bistro Piazza area will have a southern exposure, allowing the proper solar orientation for all seasons - shade in summer and maximum sun in the winter.
All parking will be at the periphery and below the village, allowing pedestrian entry at multiple locations. Once in the village, all traffic will be pedestrian, from the Bistro Piazza to the center court fountain and along the paved streets that expose quaint shops and markets.
It is anticipated that lessor approval will be given to no more than 3 premier restaurants of varying tastes, with fine dining, Bistro dining and outdoor cafe offerings. A Gourmet Market with fine specialty, organic, and prepared to go gourmet foods is integral to our food component. We believe that a Pastry/Bakery Shop, a Chocolatier, and other compatible specialty food purveyors will complete the our mix.
The retail boutiques of Lafayette can accommodate: Ladies, Mens and Children's Clothing and Accessories; Designer Shoes, Antiques, Estate Jewelry, Fine Jewelry, Fine Linens, Home Decor, Florist, Fine Papers and Stationary, Designer Eye Wear, Gift Shop, custom Tailor/ Alteration, Wine and Smoke Shop, Apothecary, Gourmet Kitchen, and other Specialty shops of quality/unique offerings.
Properly mixed, this European village setting will attract the selective shoppers/diners, who will visit often for the boutiques and bistros. It will also act as a gathering place as the old country village did, with meetings of friends at the Piazza Fountain or passing on the shopping streets. One can envision an occasional Cellist and Flutist set up to liven the atmosphere - a Balloon Man to bring the vision of a Monet painting to life.
I really would like to see more urban-type retail/housing options in the Triangle. Town Centers are becoming quite popular today otherwise this is just another retail development that sucks cars from everywhere into it. Why not have a large development with housing, retail, and maybe even a hotel. Make it truly a destination to live, work and play. Some folks say they look too disney-esque but better than than just the regular sprawlicious developments. Some examples of town centers are Va Beach and Reston, Va. They talk about such developments on urbanplanet.org.
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