NC's Main Street Lights go live on Fayetteville St. in Raleigh as city transforms its downtown
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Eighty-eight trees along Fayetteville Street were fitted with lights on their trunks and major limbs as part of a new project to enhance downtown's appeal.
Known as North Carolina's Main Street Lights, the project is sponsored by Duke Energy.
Dominic Stepps works at a hotel along the strip and told ABC11 he helped with the set-up and was later able to enjoy the festivity.
"I love it. It's a good idea. It lights up the downtown experience, especially late at night," said Stepps.
The initiative is part of a five-year plan to enhance the Capital City's main street, and leaders are hoping the lights draw people's attention to this section of the city.
"Having brightness, cheerfulness, beauty on this street just enhances people wanting to locate here for business, come here for fun," said Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance says Fayetteville Street has had a hard time bouncing back from the pandemic, when so many companies allowed their employees to work from home.
DRA President and CEO Bill King said things are now on the upswing.
King said more businesses are setting up shop here, additional ones are coming, and foot traffic is up.
"We're up about nine percent year-over-year on foot traffic and a very similar level on sales, about an eight percent gain year-over-year on sales," explained King. "We're finally seeing momentum, which is really great."
WATCH | ABC11 Special: North Carolina's Main Street Lights
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