Raliegh Union Station need some input

[Trollhole]

This isn't cruiser related other than I transported this piece back with my lx470 but I need some advice.

Long story short I have this giant piece of Kinetic Light Sculpture made by the NC artist Joe Cox. It's 37'x8' Made in 1967. The only other one is at the NC State Library. I spent about 7 year acquiring this piece and want to find a home for it. I'd like to keep it in NC if possible since my family has a huge history with the state. The city of Raliegh is very interested in this piece for the new Union Station. Would be displayed so you could see it from the outside as well as in. My question to you for those of you that live in the area. Is Union Station going to be a big hub of activity? Is a train station going to be a place where people are going to appreciate it? Or is this location kind of like Greenville, SC's downtown where it's all restaurants and shops and will be a place where not just people who are riding the train will see it?

I need to make a pretty quick decision as they are already half way through with the building and if we go forward I need to know from you residents of the area if this is a good place to put something that will most likely be there for the life of the building.


A couple pics so you can see what it looks like.

And a couple locations where they are proposing it would be.

Basically it would be right in front of you as you walk up the stairs.

 

[Trollhole]

Another perspective. Basically right behind the flag poles.

 

[little_joe]

The SW of downtown and Warehouse District is indeed growing and getting rehabilitated, however it is a bit isolated. Reading up on the plan for Union Station suggests they have big plans, but the state legislature has not been receptive to rail transport - which is what the city is banking on.

There is a lot of housing going up near the Union Station site/Warehouse District.

I don't know how coveted or prestigious this work of art is, but I'd tend to think that if the city wants it, it'd be quite an honor to place it. On the other hand, not sure Union Station will be a "destination" like Moore, Nash, or the other squares and parks downtown.

Also, not sure how many more projects will come up where it may be appropriate or wanted by the city. The Dorothea Dix Park project has a chance to be the "central park" of Raleigh and there may be opportunity there?

Lastly, have you approached the NC Museum of Art? While not downtown, it sits in a great location, has a lot of activity, and indoor and outdoor installations.

 

[uzj100]

I would call the museum first or maybe put it at this new development.

I think the museum would be best.


The Dillon Raleigh

 

[GLTHFJ60]

That location is poppin man. I'm over there a few times a month and live in Durham.

I think it'd be a good fit, and a nice, prominent display.

 

[weejub]

Congrats! Very cool story, and any of the proposed outcomes seem exciting for all involved!

 

[k3pack]

Lifetime Raleigh resident, and lover of the color wall at DH Hill. I think this would be a great location for this piece. Sure, you may find more foot traffic somewhere else, but if the city appreciates what this is and will preserve it, I think it would be a great fit.

Thank you for giving Raleigh the opportunity to have this piece of art. If this is not a good fit, I can't imagine the art museum wouldn't want this. Hell, I would love to have this, but I imagine the price would be too high

Is the backstory of how you obtained the piece worth telling?

 

[k3pack]

North Carolina State University :: Come On, Baby, Light My Color Wall

Goodnight Raleigh | a look at the art, architecture, history, and people of the city at night

for those interested.

 

[forrest5000]

Log In or Sign Up to View here's the back story

 

[Green Hell Mustang]

@Trollhole This would be right up CAM's (Contemporary Art Museum) alley. I've been to that space for the Hopscotch design conference, it's pretty cool and would fit right in as a permanent display. They rent the space out to lots of different groups. There is a lot of art and design based traffic, other groups too.

The other place you might talk to is the Raleigh Convention Center or even the Performing Arts Center.

Definitely try to keep it where it can be appreciated in context and as a piece of art because it is beautiful and should be seen as such.

Thanks for sharing it with us!

 

[weejub]

We need a status update here! The Station is getting close to being done