Good afternoon, Raleigh. My wife wanted a marriage just like a fairy tale.

Fair enough. I gave her a loaf of bread and left her in the forest.

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

Let’s get to it. 🏃‍♂️

Research Triangle Park took a major step toward its next chapter as the Durham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved zoning amendments needed for “RTP 3.0,” a long-planned shift toward mixed-use development that supports living, working, and recreation in the same area. With Wake County already approving the changes, the new zoning will take effect January 1, 2026.

The private side of the process now begins as the Research Triangle Foundation and the RTP Owners and Tenants Association finalize new land covenants, enhanced development standards, and updated design guidelines. Two new boards, a planning board and a design review board, will be created to oversee future proposals, with the full process expected to finish by summer 2026. Once complete, property owners will be able to submit development plans under the new rules, opening the door for a more connected and vibrant RTP.

Less than a year after purchasing the former Kmart on Western Boulevard, Raleigh-based CityPlat has leased almost the entire property as it transforms the site into a destination for fitness, entertainment, and dining. New tenants include Gold’s Gym, Final Score basketball facility, and Nail Lab, alongside earlier additions like 810 Billiards and Bowling, Vavela Cafe, and Mythic Golf.

CityPlat is also relocating its own office to the site, leaving just one restaurant-ready space available. Renovations are expected to cost five to six million dollars, and the firm is pursuing a rezoning that would allow future mixed-use development on the front portion of the property.

Airlines at Raleigh-Durham International Airport have added nearly 21,000 extra seats for Thanksgiving week, a 10 percent jump from last year that brings total capacity above 215,000 seats. Breeze Airways is driving much of the growth as it continues expanding its nonstop destinations from RDU.

Nationally, more than 31 million people are expected to fly between November 21 and December 1, setting a new holiday travel record. The surge comes after airlines were forced to cut capacity during the government shutdown, causing delays and financial losses. RDU is on track for a record year as well, with 6.5 million passengers boarded through October, up more than one percent from 2024.

Raleigh’s landmark round Holiday Inn on Hillsborough Street is being transformed into a Hotel Indigo, with plans to reopen in late 2026 — and its signature top-floor restaurant is moving closer to a comeback. New permits show a $241,000 renovation for the 20th-floor kitchen, which will receive updated equipment and finishes.

The hotel’s owner, Tidal Real Estate Partners, recently reversed course on earlier plans to demolish the building and instead is renovating it while pursuing historic designation. Sage Hospitality Group will manage the hotel and future restaurant, though details have not yet been released. Once finished, the revived 20th-floor dining space will join Raleigh’s growing list of rooftop bars and restaurants, including La Terrazza, High Rail, and Urban Oak Rooftop Bar and Lounge.

Entrance to Dorothea Dix Hospital, 1956.

Friday

47 🌡️ 24 | 🌤️ | 0%

Saturday

48 🌡️ 33 | 🌤️ | 0%

Sunday

56 🌡️ 46 | ☁️ | 20%

P.S. Who wants ice cream?

Get in front of +1,000 Raleigh locals.

⚡️ Click here for sponsorship information and availability 📺