“Char-Grill”

“Char-Grill” stands as a solitary beacon against the night and illuminates a darkened local streetscape. Patrons, bathed in soft light, place their orders, and wait for this beloved Raleigh landmark to be demolished for new development. The photo captures the ongoing dislocation of Raleigh. Reminiscent of the enigmatic Edward Hopper, and with it’s days numbered, “Char-Grill” illuminates the darkened local streetscape. The photo also captures the ongoing dislocation of Raleigh, as our regional identity once again comes under the wrecking ball.

“Char-Grill” is now hanging at the 59th Annual NC Artists Exhibition at CAM. This location on Hillsborough Street was scheduled for demolition. In it’s place, developers had plans to give to Raleigh another soulless and empty “mixed-use” building. And a shade-casting 20-story highrise tower, at that. The obliteration of the landmark eatery has been temporarily put on hold. Raleigh’s historical structures and locations are increasingly under threat, ravaged by “mixed use development” which destroys not only structures but our regional identity and unique sense of place. Cities should be for people, not just for the profits of developers.