A group including former Raleigh Mayor Smedes York wants to build an eight- to 10-story building including shops topped with offices, residences or both on the block southwest of the intersection of Hillsborough and West streets in downtown Raleigh.

HBS Properties, which is represented by York Properties, has assembled all but two of the 10 tracts on the 1.15-acre block.

The group is trying to sway Montgomery & Associates, whose partners include Mayor Charles Meeker, to sell its 0.16-of-an-acre sliver at 509 Hillsborough or partner in the development.

"It's an imminent situation," York said. "But a lot of things have to be done."

Foremost: HBS must first find new homes for John Montgomery Violins and an architect that occupy the property. Then HBS has to win city approval to build.

Once that's settled, the single-story storefronts dating to the 1930s could meet with the wrecking ball.

HBS is considering street-level shops with offices and residences -- likely rentals -- on top. Or just shops and offices.

York hopes to begin building within a year. The project would take 18 months to finish.

It's the latest sign of life on a stretch of Hillsborough that is emerging as the bridge between Fayetteville Street, downtown's main business artery, and the city's entertainment district on Glenwood Avenue.

Last week, the city's planning commission approved a 25-story hotel-condo building proposed by father-son development duo Ted and David Reynolds.

The week before, Campbell University said it will move its law school to Hillsborough Place, a 105,000-square-foot office building at 225 Hillsborough.

TME Investments has discussed building hundreds of condos or apartments at the southwest corner of Hillsborough Street and Glenwood Avenue. That project could rise 20 stories.

Across Hillsborough Street from the proposed HBS project, another hotel-condo tower is expected to break ground early next year. Winston Hospitality plans an 80-room Aloft hotel, a 120-room Hampton Inn and possibly up to 250 condominiums, which could push the tower 25 stories high.

HBS may try to lure a restaurant that would cater to hotel guests. HBS and Inland are already talking about using similar design features to create a unified feel on the block.

"It's a gateway into the downtown area," York said.