Interview with Nick Neptune in Raleigh, NC

Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

If you ever have a question for me, please reach out on Twitter at @Oakcitycre

Today I am talking with Mr. Nick Neptune:

Nicholaus M. Neptune is an educator, civic entrepreneur, and community advocate most recently known for his work as general manager and director of Raleigh, North Carolina's Transfer Company Food Hall, Ballroom, and Work Hall – managing the nearly 50,000 sq. ft. property through its final stages of renovation and early efforts in public engagement; eventually opening, programming, and activating the historic former bus garage alongside the property’s ten talented and award-winning independent food and beverage vendor teams. 

Now, having successfully navigated the property through the uncharted waters of the global pandemic and the ensuing local and national social unrest, Neptune has stepped down from management with Transfer Company to form a new partnership and practice devoted to sustainable design and equitable development, with particular emphasis on mixed-income housing, public-private civic space and commercial opportunities. 

In 2020, Raleigh Magazine recognized his longtime civic-minded work and advocacy by including him in their "30 in their 30s" feature as one who is working “hard for positive change … to make life better for everyone in the city.”

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, he currently serves as the board chair and president of Oaks and Spokes, Raleigh’s bicycling and sustainable transportation advocacy nonprofit; as a commissioner with the City of Raleigh’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission; as a member of the Dorothea Dix Park Community Committee; and as a board member with Diversify Architecture and the Wake Tech Community College Foundation.

I started off asking Nick to tell me who he is, what he is working on, and how he got there... 

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!