Designing Midtown: A Visual Story of Place
Midtown Raleigh’s story isn’t told with words alone—it’s told through color, art, and the details you notice as you move through the neighborhood. From street banners to community-created artwork, Midtown’s graphic identity plays a quiet but powerful role in shaping how the district feels and how people connect to it.
A Question That Sparked a Vision
For years, people traveled through Midtown without always realizing where they were. That simple question—“Am I in Midtown?”—became the starting point for something bigger.
Midtown needed a visual language—one that could reflect its energy, define its boundaries, and reinforce its growing sense of place. The Midtown Raleigh Alliance (MRA), working closely with the City of Raleigh, helped turn that idea into action by establishing a graphic identity for the district.
Visual identity helps turn a place into a destination.
This collaboration made it possible to install artistic banners along major corridors like Six Forks Road and Wake Forest Road—a first for an area outside of a designated tax district. The result was more than decoration; it was a way to make Midtown visible, recognizable, and cohesive.
Art That Reflects the Community
From the beginning, Midtown’s graphic identity has been rooted in community. In 2019, MRA launched its first Annual Banner Art Contest, inviting local artists to interpret the theme “Midtown Inspires…” as the original banners were refreshed.
The winning piece, Midtown Inspires Happiness by local artist Heath Hilliker, brought joy and movement to Midtown’s streets—turning everyday corridors into shared creative spaces.
That momentum continued in 2021 with the theme “Wish You Were Here,” encouraging artists to highlight Midtown’s hidden gems. Kelly Schrader’s design wove together visual elements found throughout the district, while Rich Gurnsey honored the Blue Heron—a familiar symbol seen near Shelley Lake and Lassiter Mill.
Each banner tells a story—together, they define Midtown’s character.
In 2022, the banner program featured work by Chris Young, a founding member of MRA and longtime Midtown advocate. Her designs portrayed Midtown as a destination of choice, reinforcing the district’s appeal through thoughtful, place-based design. Her work was also featured in Raleigh Magazine!
Why the Alliance Is Central to the Work
Midtown’s visual identity didn’t happen by accident. It exists because of collaboration—between artists, businesses, residents, and city leaders—with the Midtown Raleigh Alliance serving as the connector.
MRA helps align creative placemaking with the broader vision for Midtown, ensuring that public art and visual improvements reflect the community’s values while supporting long-term growth.
Strong places are built when people work together—visually and strategically.
Through projects like the banner program, the Alliance supports a Midtown that feels welcoming, intentional, and distinctly its own.
Join the Story—and Shape What Comes Next
Midtown’s story is still unfolding, and its visual identity continues to evolve. When you join the Midtown Raleigh Alliance, you’re helping support the projects that shape how Midtown looks, feels, and connects people to place.