Shaw rezoning approved, developers agree to limit building heights near historic buildings
Despite push-back from many Shaw alumni and the Raleigh Historic Development Commission, Raleigh City Council on Tuesday voted to re-zone 17 plots on Shaw University campus to allow for high rise towers up to 30 stories tall.
Developers did, however, agree on some conditions to help protect the historic buildings, such as limiting the height of any near buildings near several historic halls to five stories. The developers also agreed to include affordable residential units for Shaw students within the first three new buildings constructed.
Shaw University will have to set public meetings to update the community on any new development plans.
A fear of losing important African American history
Historic commissioners, alumni and advocates in the crowd shared their fear that Black history – and Raleigh history – was being erased.
Carol Holloway, a member of Shaw's alumni, said, "I would tell them to vote no for the rezoning because our historic buildings are very, very valuable. We don't need a highway going through the campus."
Advocates are concerned that any redevelopment could damage or diminish the historic buildings. One of original rezoning requests had stipulations for how much damage one of the historic sites could receive before allowing for demolition – but many advocates believe there should be no condition under which the buildings, which are historic landmarks, should be allowed to be demolished.
Among those landmarks are:
- Leonard Hall: The first four-year medical school in the United States
- Estey Hall: The first structure built for the higher education of African American women
- Shaw, founded in 1865, is known as the first historically Black university in the South
Part of the resistance also stemmed from a perceived lack of transparency about the plans.
"I grew up with Shaw University right beside my father's drugstore," said Raleigh historian and author Carmen Cauthen. "We aren't against rezoning. We are against not knowing what's going on."
Local leaders say rezoning provides Shaw with brighter future
"This is a way to help Shaw stay relevant and move forward in a positive way. What this does is give Shaw those options they did not have before to make sure the students can get the latest and greatest, as far as modernization," said City Council member Corey Branch.
On Tuesday, Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard issued a statement.
"First, thank you to all the individuals who came out in support of Shaw University," Dillard said. "We are pleased with the Raleigh City Council's decision to approve Shaw University's rezoning application for The ShawU District.
"This outcome reflects a recognition of the university's commitment to education and retaining and attracting new students – and the importance of progress, innovation and growth. We look forward to continuing our mission of providing a quality education for our students while fostering positive relationships with our neighbors and the city of Raleigh."
