Good morning, Durham! ☀️
It’s July, which means the Watermelon Milkshake is back at your local Cook-Out! Treat yourself during this summer heat wave.
Stay cool out there.
— Jordan Parker
In this issue:
Duke Sends Entire Starting Five to NBA
Inside The Novus, Durham’s Luxe New High-Rise
Durham Office Building Sells for Half, Gets Makeover
Ashleigh Bakes Daily Opens Downtown
Durham Elections Board Flips to GOP Control
Duke Sends Entire Starting Five to NBA
For the second time in six years, Duke had three players drafted in the top 10 — and this year, their entire starting lineup was selected. Cooper Flagg led the charge as the No. 1 overall pick to Dallas, followed by Kon Knueppel (No. 4 to Charlotte) and Khaman Maluach (No. 10 to Phoenix via Houston). Sion James and Tyrese Proctor were taken in the second round.
Historic Draft Class: Duke is only the third college program ever to send three top-10 picks in one draft.
Flagg Makes History: The 18-year-old Naismith Player of the Year is Duke’s sixth No. 1 overall pick — more than any other school.
Inside The Novus, Durham’s Luxe New High-Rise
The 27-story Novus tower is nearly move-in ready, offering 188 apartments and 54 luxury condos — most of which are already claimed. Developed by Austin Lawrence Partners and Global Holdings, the high-rise aims to bring life back to downtown with high-end living and daytime foot traffic.
Rent and Amenities: Apartments start at $2,100/month and include access to a lap pool, coworking spaces, a golf simulator, and more.
85% Condos Sold: Most of the 54 condos have already been sold, including units topping $1M.
Retail Anchors: Revel Cycling, Solidcore, and Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar are confirmed ground-floor tenants.
Durham Office Building Sells for Half, Gets Makeover
A 140,000-square-foot office tower in Durham’s University Hill, now rebranded as Durhamite SouthCourt, sold for $11.8 million — nearly half its 2022 price. New owner Durhamite Holdings is investing in extensive renovations and launching a second location of its coworking brand, Orenge.
Steep Discount: The building last sold for $22.35 million in 2022, marking a sharp decline amid record-high office vacancies.
Revamp & Rebrand: Upgrades include a redesigned lobby, game lounge, event space, and a new coworking hub with executive suites.
New Tenants Arrive: Despite the market slump, Gameday Men’s Health and Remington & Vernick Engineers are moving in this month.
Ashleigh Bakes Daily Opens Downtown
Local cookie maker Ashleigh Ratchford has opened her first storefront, Ashleigh Bakes Daily, in a Main Street incubator space designed to support women-owned businesses. Known for her soft, nostalgic cookies, Ratchford hopes the new “cookie counter” will give her visibility — and a shot at long-term growth.
Homegrown Start: Ratchford launched her baking business during the pandemic and built it through pop-ups, online orders, and word-of-mouth.
Flavor-Forward Focus: No frosting here as flavors include Oreo, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and birthday cake, all with pillowy-soft interiors.
Durham Elections Board Flips to GOP Control
For the first time since 2018, Durham County’s Board of Elections will be chaired by a Republican. David Boone was appointed this week by State Auditor Dave Boliek, as part of a sweeping GOP overhaul of local election boards statewide. A move Democrats call a partisan power grab.
New 3–2 GOP Majority: Republicans now hold the majority on all 100 county election boards, including Durham’s, where less than 10% of voters are Republican.
Local Confidence, Cautious Optimism: Elections Director Derek Bowens and local Democrats say Boone has worked collaboratively in the past but remain wary of potential changes to early voting access.
Shift Fueled by SB 382: The board flip stems from 2024 legislation that stripped appointment powers from the governor and gave them to Boliek, a Trump ally.
Independence Day Celebration at Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
July 4
Catch the Bulls game followed by Durham’s biggest fireworks show of the year.
Details >>
Festival for the Eno (Enofest)
West Point on the Eno, Durham
July 4–5
Live music from 60+ artists, crafts, food, and family fun along the river.
Details >>
DPW Tag Festival: Live Pro Wrestling
Durham Convention Center
July 13
Eight tag teams face off for a shot at the DPW World Tag Team Championship.
Details >>
Barenaked Ladies: Last Summer on Earth Tour
Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh
July 15
The beloved Canadian rock band brings their quirky hits and summer vibes to Raleigh.
Details >>
Les Misérables (Broadway Tour)
DPAC, Durham
July 15–20, Various showtimes
The classic musical returns to Durham with its sweeping score and powerful story of redemption.
Details >>