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RALEIGH – Plans for a new downtown Raleigh development are to bring life to the 500 block of South Saunders Street, part of one of the city’s worst streets, by carefully restoring a group of old houses.

“The great thing about this neighborhood, number one, it is very charming,” developer Richard Johnson said. “It is a true urban environment.”

The location is within walking distance to just about anywhere in downtown Raleigh. Johnson plans to restore the circa-1915 homes to their original look while using every existing material possible.

“These houses are green in the sense that we’re saving them,” Johnson said. “They were moments from being demolished.”

But urban designer Milt Rhodes said the most appealing part of what’s now called Rosengarten Park is the street itself.

"The street and the placement of the buildings is a throwback to an older day," Rhodes, who plans to be a part of the project, said. Rhodes calls it a first for Raleigh, and thinks buyers will respond.

"Small houses are going to appeal to a broad range of buyers that want to touch dirt everyday. They don't want to ride in an elevator. They like to have their own piece of property where they can let their dog run but still live close."

When it's finished, Rosengarten Park will consist of rehabilitated homes and new homes built to match the older ones. Prices should start at around $150,000.

"It's inexpensive compared to any other downtown living," Johnson said. "You can live in a downtown tower and it would cost you twice as much."

Johnson said Raleigh Police have stepped up patrols to help transform the area's tough reputation. A few new residents sitting on their restored front porches should do the rest.