I think we could really use one of these any time now.
http://sdplfdn.org/index.htm (The New Main Library in downtown San Diego)
I think that San Diego's downtown is something that Raleigh could try to achieve. I'm thinking 40-50 years down the road, there could be a dense core of downtown Raleigh of 20 story buildings with a half dozen of high rises 30-40 stories, but it would also have unique centers throughout, each with its own feel (Glenwood, warehouse, ...)
Hmm, another random thought: If only we could put a man-made river going through part of downtown, we could create like a boardwalk district similar to San Antonio. I'm just trying to think how downtown Raleigh could be more of a destination, cause if you think about it, unless youre a preschooler going to the museums or youre older and just going to the restaurants and bars, there's not too much to attract visitors. (I have a friend whose parents are coming in town and she has no idea what to do with them)