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Can anyone explain the reason for the massive growth? I'll be honest, I'm from Michigan and have heard about the explosive growth of Raleigh for years now and just don't understand where it has come from. For example, how does a city just blow up economically like that? We have taken huge economy hits, downsizing, relocation outward for years and it just amazes me when I hear about the opportunity down there. So, in short, what's the deal? Any response is appreciated.
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Originally Posted by Raleighmark
Research Triangle Park
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Originally Posted by JQ Public
Exactly...research triangle park...home to numerous tech and biotech companies...these companies are then surrounded by 3 huge universities (UNC/NCSU/Duke) and many smaller ones...that churn out graduates that fit perfectly into these companies.
imo, the thing that started the growth was building I-40 to/through Raleigh in 1990. Yeah, RTP provided jobs, but no business would move to the triangle without the way to get there. I used to hate driving to Raleigh on 54 or 70. Now I hate driving on 40!
But. I have enjoyed reading this thread. I remember some of those things from living in the area for a year from the 'you know you're from Raleigh...' post.
Raleigh has been growing for along time. IBM came to the park in 1958 or so when we had around 75k folks living in what was then a sleepy southern town. We had 122k in 1970, 150k in 1980, 207 in 1990 and 276 in 2000. So we were growing rapidly well before the major roads were built here. Former Gov Luther Hodges had more to do with the growth than any road that was ever built. The roads came because of the growth. The growth came because of RTP.
Raleigh has been growing for along time. IBM came to the park in 1958 or so when we had around 75k folks living in what was then a sleepy southern town. We had 122k in 1970, 150k in 1980, 207 in 1990 and 276 in 2000. So we were growing rapidly well before the major roads were built here. Former Gov Luther Hodges had more to do with the growth than any road that was ever built. The roads came because of the growth. The growth came because of RTP.
AGREED.
Also, we've been on those "best places to live" lists since the early 1990s. RDU was chosen as an American Airlines hub in 1987, back when 40 still stopped at Davis Drive, so somebody knew something before that time.
Raleigh has been growing for along time. IBM came to the park in 1958 or so when we had around 75k folks living in what was then a sleepy southern town. We had 122k in 1970, 150k in 1980, 207 in 1990 and 276 in 2000. So we were growing rapidly well before the major roads were built here. Former Gov Luther Hodges had more to do with the growth than any road that was ever built. The roads came because of the growth. The growth came because of RTP.
I'm another in agreement that RTP is the reason for the Triangle's explosive growth. And, as uncletupelo mentions, IBM is a huge part of that growth (especially for Raleigh). When IBM first committed to RTP, they did so on the condition that the stretch of I-40 be built between RTP and Wade Ave. in Raleigh so that they could connect to their existing operations in Raleigh and the employees who already lived there. This decision fueled Raleigh's growth at a time when Raleigh and Durham were more equal in size than they are today.
IBM's decision to grow significantly in RTP was a catalyst to other companies locating in the Park or RTP area. I know for certain that their presence played into the decision by Cisco to open operations in the area in the early/mid 90's. Although I don't know for sure, I'd also imagine that it played into the decision for Northern Telecom (now Nortel) to do the same.
....then there's the whole pharmaceutical side of the equation.
...you bought one of your first bikes from Flythe....
...or from all-star bike shop at South Hills mall.
Speaking of South hills, does anyone remember the seafood restaraunt that was there, The Fishermen Three. How about after it closed and became Lock, Stock, and Barrell? I used to love the pizza there.
Does anyone remember the name of t he arcade in the Cameron Village Underground? That used to be the 'hang-out' for kids from Broughton High.
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Originally Posted by ragdolls4me
I guess I will show my age and mention some other really fun places we used to go in the late 70's...the whole Cameron Village Underground with The Pier, Cafe Deja Vu.
I'm not originally from Raleigh (only been here 16 years), but the posts quoted above reminded me of a cool blog entry I read recently......Apparently, the Underground was called The Village Subway. It once included shops and nightclubs (including Frog & Nightgown and The Pier).... It shut down in 1984, but still exists (abandoned) under the current Cameron Village.1 Here's the link to the blog entry about the place (and it has pictures): Goodnight, Raleigh! » The Raleigh Underground: A Lost Phenomenon .
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