Is a New Convention Center Durham’s Next Big Attraction?

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Good morning, readers.

Traditional convention centers are not a lucrative business.

But that reality hasn’t stopped Durham leaders from proposing a plan to replace the 40-year-old center currently downtown with a new convention center complex that would cost north of a half-billion dollars to build. 

Mayor Leonardo Williams, one of the project’s champions, prefers to think of it as an “innovation center” that would offer modern amenities for local residents and out-of-town visitors alike.

Last year, the center reported operating at a net gain after losing money for several years. City officials say millions in potential revenue was left on the table because of constraints to the current site, and the promise of economic windfall from a future convention center is enticing. Estimates suggest $5.1 billion in new spending over 30 years after the project’s completion.

Not everyone is sold that a new convention center will have the transformative effect on downtown Williams anticipates. The proposal suggests a hefty price tag, and there’s no guarantee that the project will break ground in time to impact the downtown business community that’s already struggling. Can Williams and his allies make the case that the convention center’s big splash will have the desired ripple effect? Read more in my deep-dive story out this morning. 

The future of downtown Durham is something I’ve been thinking about since my friend Gabe and I started slangin’ T-shirts together a decade ago. Suffice to say, things look different. Last year, I explored facets of Durham’s evolving downtown through my reporting on entrepreneurship, construction, transportation, housing, and more. The prospect of a new convention center slots right into this ongoing conversation about what’s next for Durham.

On Wednesday, The INDY is bringing this conversation to you in a new format. Join us out in the real world for an evening of brainstorming and discussion as we dream big about what Durham’s future holds in the coming years. We’ll have presentations from some of Durham’s foremost business and community leaders, opportunities to meet with INDY staff reporters, and a panel discussion and Q&A moderated by yours truly.

 —Justin

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Durham

ICYMI: Durham city council members are optimistic about a proposed mixed-use development in East Durham, a combo of commercial and residential space that’s rare outside of city centers.

Durham city parks that are contaminated with lead may be shuttered all year.

Wake

RDU has plans to develop 136 acres of Lake Crabtree County Park, including lakefront and bike paths in one of the area’s most popular parks.  

The NC Department of Justice has “serious concerns” about a land lease contract for 105 acres at Saint Augustine’s University, saying it could even jeopardize the Raleigh HBCU’s nonprofit status.

Orange

Reflecting on the history of the Dean E. Smith Center as UNC considers renovations to the iconic 40-year-old arena. 

North Carolina

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether Judge Jefferson Griffin’s ballot challenge case should be heard in federal court or stay in state court. The decision could have an effect on the outcome of the race. 

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