Hargett Place is a new community of nineteen luxury rowhomes in downtown Raleigh. The neighborhood is a collaboration among some of Raleigh’s most creative and community-oriented people and organizations. Rising from a former parking lot two blocks east of Moore Square, it is adjacent to Historic Oakwood, and provides a critical connection to downtown Raleigh.
On Friday, March 24th, Hargett Place will host a Designer Showcase Home event in partnership with several local businesses and for the benefit of the Southeast Raleigh YMCA — the event will feature local interior designers and works from the artists of Artspace. Trish and John Healy of Hyde Street Holdings, creators of the Designer Showcase Home event, were inspired by excitement around the development of Hargett Place. The mission behind the event is to drive support for growth in downtown Raleigh. And more specifically, for neighbor and long-time personal cause of the couple, the Southeast Raleigh YMCA
We sat down with Trish Healy to learn more about the project.
Home Design & Decor: Why Hargett Place and why now?
Trish Healy: Honestly it just came together. John was the first to see the value in the land. Where others saw a parking lot in a brownfield area, he saw row homes. But they had to be imagined right. These homes couldn’t go anywhere, but at this corner and at this time they add to the fabric of Raleigh. Finally, it needed be executed well. Greg Paul Builders and Kim Shirley are amazing. One more thing, the views from the rooftop gardens pretty much drove the entire design.
HD&D: What makes this development and its Showcase Home different from others?
TH: In this Showcase Home, it was critical to focus on local designers, as well as local vendors and local collaborators - our neighbors. Hargett Place is an opportunity to build something that changes the landscape of this city and adds to the neighborhood. Kind of like new-old history. We want that new history to be co-written by the people who live and work here.
HD&D: Why such an emphasis on the DTR experience?
TH: Raleigh is a special city, and it’s only becoming more sought after — this development will bring people here who previously couldn’t find the right balance of house and city. Walkability was also a key piece. Hargett Place has a really high walk score. From here, you’re within walking distance to nearly everything Raleigh has to offer.
HD&D: What challenges about the location? Perception shifts?
TH: People told us we were crazy — this was a parking lot. No one could see it for what it could be, a connector from Oakwood to downtown. But playing it easy has never been our M.O. It’s been called both beautiful and disruptive and we haven’t decided which is the bigger compliment. I can’t wait to see how the designers capture this.
HD&D: Other than selling homes, what will be the biggest measure of success for this project?
TH: The homes were designed for a diverse mix of residents. We thought if we made the façade timeless, then all generations could drop into them and create their own story. We also wanted to give downtown a different type of housing and watch how that shift positively impacted Raleigh. Finally, we expect that the residents will not just use downtown but will become part of the fabric of the city. I hope we are right on all three accounts!
HD&D: Tell us about the concept of the “perennial generation” and how does that translate to Hargett Place?
TH: I love double meanings. I dream that the outdoor garden space at The Hargett will be full of perennial gardens and the inside will be full of perennial residents! Perennials are people of all ages. People who improve, look for the next big idea, and always want to be a part of the action. The best quote I’ve heard is that perennials are “relevant and ever-blooming.” I hope that is what we are; I know that’s what Raleigh is and I believe that is what Hargett Place can be.
HD&D: Tell us about the YMCA - why are you and John passionate about this project?
TH: This is a bit more personal. When we moved here over a decade ago, someone from the Y gave John a tour of Camp High Hopes on St. Aug’s campus. He was hooked. A summer program for kids with incredible vision, executed well. We subsequently found that to be true about all of the Alexander Y’s youth programs. So, when they announced the Southeast Raleigh Y Campus we knew we wanted to be part of it. It is bold, it is needed and it really is our neighbor! If this show house does nothing more than shine light on the Y’s work, it will be a huge success.
HD&D: What’s next for Hyde Street Holdings?
TH: Hyde Street is a partner in a project on Hillsborough Street that has a goal similar to Hargett Place: to bring vitality to a surface parking lot, but with a different twist on execution. And, as we have said to everyone, we are actively looking for land around downtown to create more residential opportunities for those who serve the public — teachers, firefighters, etc. We really need to find that land. And just for fun, look for a rooftop yoga class at Hargett Place in the Spring.
For more information on Hargett Place and the Showcase Home please visit: www.HargettPlace.com. For more information on new home sales please contact: Fonville Morisey Barefoot at www.FMBnewhomes.com.