| Downtown Surrounded by Opportunity |
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| Written by Frank White | |
| Sunday, 03 February 2008 | |
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With a sizable increase in foot traffic in downtown Durham, we [business owners] are seeing an increase in business and are purposing ourselves for the dynamic inner-city growth to come. The evidence of growth can be seen in all around the city.  To the North, Central Park's district offers vibrant community of Arts. Take a walk along Foster Street and you'll find everything from art galleries, antique wood works to a performing theater. The Central Park District also offers two great outdoor event facilities; The Pavillion at Central Park and Historic Durham Athletic Park . As visitors and local residents rediscover downtown Durham this area is sure to become the Mecca of local and regional artist.To the east, the Golden Belt Hosiery Mill renovation project and Durham's Hope VI neighborhood revitalization efforts are well underway. This high density residential community proximity to Downtown Durham is sure to provide a boost to downtown merchants as new residents seek goods and services. To the south, The American Tobacco historic district offers sports entertainment and will soon offer renowned performing arts entertainment that will draw locals and visitors from across the state - and perhaps across multiple states. To the west, West Village Apartments phase II and III which bridges downtown with the Brightleaf shopping district, closes the gap with a new relatively high density residential community. Finally, Greenfire Development appears to be leading the charge in the city center. The company has amassed an impressive portfolio of properties and plans to redevelop them for mixed-use, including retail, office and residential. In the past, the buzz was always about plans. We are no longer talking about plans. Things are happening now. Construction projects flank downtown on 3 sides. Downtown merchants have not seen a better opportunity to grow the inner-city businesses since the days of suburban flight. However, communicating who we are, what we do and how we can serve remains to be challenge. To this end, we (the Downtown Durham Merchants Association) urge you to get involved and engage us. Downtown Durham Inc. has compiled, via a survey, a list of goods and services the downtown community desires. Successful businesses always find a need and fill it. Needs are developing downtown and so are opportunities to fill them. Now is a great time to invest in Downtown Durham's renaissance. |
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