The revitalization of large city warehouse-wholesale districts is a hallmark of this era, and the city of Raleigh is no exception. Just six blocks northwest of North Carolina’s capitol, Glenwood South is the destination for fashionable shops, dining venues, nightlife, and both charming older homes off of Glenwood Avenue, and new upscale condominiums at 510 Glenwood.

History of Glenwood South

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the current Brooklyn and Glenwood neighborhoods were a portion of the vast property of planter Joel Lane. The state purchased the land in 1791, and proceeded to layout the capital city. It was established as Raleigh, its namesake a slave ship that had wrecked off the North Carolina shores around 1760. Two men, Will and Mark, escaped and were cared for by Colonel Lane, though not as slaves. Their homestead was referred to as "Will's Forest".

Over eighty years later, Margaret Lane Mordecai (daughter of Moses and Ann Lane Mordecai, of the Mordecai House) and husband John Devereux, Jr. are said to have built a handsome Greek Revival home on the Will's Forest portion of Margaret’s inheritance. During the civil war, Devereux was Chief Quartermaster for the state; and confederate fortifications for the city followed the crest behind what are present-day Cleveland Street and Wills Forest Street, curving around to run south along St. Mary's Street.

One of the Devereux daughters, Ellen, married John Hinsdale and the two established a home by the name of Glenwood at the northwest corner of today’s Peace Street and Glenwood Avenue. The other Devereux daughter , Mary Livingstone and husband Arthur Winslow inherited land from Peace to Wills Forest and Boylan Avenue to Glenwood, minus the Hinsdale tract that extended from Peace to Devereux Street. By 1887, the Winslow tract had been subdivided into the streets in use today. A Methodist orphanage, covering a forty-five acre expanse along St. Mary's Street and three and three-quarters acres at the corner of Boylan Avenue and Devereux Streets, opened in 1900.

The year 1905 brought the incorporation of the Glenwood Land Company, which, one year later, would register the initial plot of Glenwood. This tract was formed with the Devereux land between Peace Street and Bushy Branch (along present-day Wade Avenue), and it also included the former Winslow subdivision. The Saunders Street extension, with the streetcar line continued down the middle, is dedicated as Glenwood Avenue. The Hinsdales filed a subdivision of their Glenwood landholdings in 1907. To finalize development, the Glenwood Land Company auctioned the remaining lots and sold all lots on the west side of Glenwood to the Methodist Orphanage the following year.

Lewis School, built in 1914, was the main school until the 1960s, when the building converted to serve as Wake County Schools’ administrative offices. Other government buildings were constructed in the area and commercial and institutional buildings were scattered about the neighborhood throughout the first half of the 20th century. Bus services replaced the trolley lines that ran north along Glenwood Avenue to Bloomsbury Park in 1933. The orphanage closed in the early 1980s and the property was sold, including eight acres which became the site of Fletcher Park.

Today, Glenwood South continues to attract visitors as dining, shopping, and living options rapidly increase. Youthful, modern inhabitants, many heading to the Research Triangle by day, are investing in the $200,000 to $850,000 condos, of which one project is complete and five more are being constructed or planned. Despite this intense period of growth, there remains a historic area which is firmly planted. The vision statement of the Historic Glenwood-Brooklyn Neighborhood Association sums it up quite eloquently, “To be a neighborhood of neighbors: recognized for its past and poised for tomorrow.”

Glenwood South Events

The Historic Glenwood-Brooklyn Neighborhood Association Block Party takes place each spring. August brings a popular meeting of the organization, the Beer and Pizza Party Meeting. The October Fall Fling is a festive social event, and the December Luminaria Tour of Historic Homes is both a memorable event and a fundraiser for the neighborhood association.

Glenwood South Venues

Helios Coffee
Helios serves fine coffee, espresso, and more. Enjoy breakfast, a full lunch menu, desserts, beer, and wine inside or on the street patio.
413 Glenwood Avenue (between Peace and Hillsborough streets, across from Hard Times Cafe), 919.838.5177
www.helioscoffee.com

518 West
An Italian restaurant specializing in seasonal fresh pastas, wood fired pizzas, fresh seafood, steaks, and specials inspired by the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean.
518 West Jones Street,919.829.2518
www.518west.com

Bistro 607
Bistro607 is a relaxing place to enjoy impeccably prepared dishes of national and international influence.
607 Glenwood Avenue, 919.828.0840
www.bistro607.com

42nd Street Oyster Bar
508 West Jones Street, 919.831.2811
www.42ndstoysterbar.com

Cody's Bistro
An urban Asian venue offering quality Chinese and Thai food by using only the finest in meats and fresh vegetables.
301 Glenwood Ave Ste 190 (Cross Street: W Lane Street)
919.899.6428

Sushi Blues
Sushi Blues Cafe offers some of the best Sushi and Japanese food, along a softly lit blues/jazz atmosphere.
301 Glenwood Avenue, 919.664.8061
www.sushibluescafe.com

Enoteca Vin
A designer restaurant with local art, 50 wines by the glass, and, its signature appetizer: deviled egg with smoked paprika
410 Glenwood Avenue, 919.834.3070
www.enotecavin.com

Zely & Ritz
Emphasis at this dining establishment is placed on organic and locally produced foods, served tapas style.
301 Glenwood Avenue, 919.828.0018
www.zelyandritz.com

Sullivan's
For great steaks and martinis, hit Sullivan’s. Hear live jazz each night in the former processing section of the old creamery, whose renovation in the late 90's sparked the neighborhood revitalization.
414 Glenwood Avenue, 919.833.2888
www.sullivansteakhouse.com

Hi-5
A popular sports bar with 40 TV screens, a flat screen at many tables, about 250 beers, and every food is $5.
510 Glenwood Avenue, 919.834.4335
www.hi5raleigh.com

Stool Pigeons
Late-night spot geared toward fans and students of the city's five colleges
410 Glenwood Avenue, 919.831.0400
www.stoolpigeons.biz

Harry's Music Store
In addition to jazz, Glenwood South has also lately become known for Celtic, salsa, and rock pulsing from almost a dozen venues. But Harry’s has always been there- for nearly 20 years, in fact. Customers can try out guitars on the store's sound system.
616 Glenwood Avenue, 888.974.4190
www.harrysguitarshop.com

Lee Hansley Gallery
A gallery dedicated to showcasing quality fine art through a series of changing exhibitions, both group and solo shows, featuring works by mature professional artists from North Carolina, the Southeast and the nation.
225 Glenwood Avenue, 919.828.7557
www.leehansleygallery.com

Wag Pet Boutique
603 Glenwood Avenue, 919.836.8865
www.wagpets.com

Turkish Treasure
All of the belly dancing clothes and accessories you’ll ever need, plus gifts.
402 Glenwood Avenue, 919.821.9310

Firefly Shoes and Clothing
605 Glenwood Avenue , 919.821.4536

Photos of Glenwood South

Share your pictures of Glenwood South: Email them to photos@downtownraleighnc.org