🌳 New YMCA Planned Near DPAC

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Good morning Durham!

YMCA goes big near DPAC, indie film gets a downtown home, and a 300-acre Brier Creek expansion clears City Council — all in one packed week. Plus: crime is down citywide, Hopscotch hits Raleigh, and a beloved brunch spot is making a comeback.

-Jordan Parker

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New YMCA Planned Near DPAC

After a long-stalled high-rise plan, the YMCA of the Triangle has announced it will build a brand-new facility in downtown Durham—this time on a site near the Durham Performing Arts Center. The $46 million project replaces earlier plans to redevelop the current YMCA building on Morgan Street, which will eventually be sold.

• New Location Secured: The new gym will rise at Blackwell and Pettigrew Streets, on land currently used for parking in the American Tobacco District.

• Modern, Mixed-Use Design: Plans call for 65,000 sq. ft. with rooftop fitness areas, an indoor pool, basketball court, track, and youth programming space.

• Longtime Community Anchor: YMCA leaders say the downtown branch is seen as “Durham’s living room” and committed to staying in the city core.

Read More >>

‘Skin and Bones’ to Bring Indie Film Back Downtown

Downtown Durham is set to welcome Skin and Bones Theater, a 60-seat indie cinema and event space opening in summer 2026. Created by local artists Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp of Shadowbox Studio, the venue will showcase documentaries, experimental films, and live performances in one of downtown’s oldest buildings.

• Local Roots, Local Mission: The theater will be housed in a restored early-1900s building on Parrish Street and aims to amplify Durham’s creative identity.

• A Cultural Alternative: Programming will steer away from Hollywood blockbusters, instead offering space for local filmmakers and the region’s robust documentary scene.

• Downtown’s Changing Landscape: The project aligns with Durham’s 2035 plan to preserve character while revitalizing key streets like Parrish, once part of Black Wall Street.

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Durham OKs 300-Acre Expansion in Brier Creek

In a contentious 4–2 vote, the Durham City Council approved the annexation and rezoning of 308 acres near Brier Creek for a large-scale mixed-use development. The project, led by Charlotte-based Beacon Partners, will bring more than 1,700 homes and over 1.4 million square feet of commercial space to a mostly forested area north of U.S. 70.

• Massive Growth Plan: The “Durham Gateway” project includes apartments, townhomes, industrial space, retail, a park, and a planned parkway connecting to Leesville Road.

• Debate Over Impacts: Residents raised concerns about traffic, environmental harm, slow emergency response, and weak affordable housing guarantees.

• Developer Concessions: Beacon Partners pledged 175 affordable units, $1M for housing, road upgrades, and emergency services contributions, but critics say it’s not enough.

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Durham Council Approves Rights Resolution and Major Developments

In a packed post–Labor Day meeting, the Durham City Council took action on symbolic protections for immigrants, approved a major annexation, and celebrated recent community events and civic wins.

• Fourth Amendment Resolution Approved: Council unanimously adopted a resolution declaring Durham a “Fourth Amendment Workplace,” directing staff to protect employees’ rights against warrantless federal searches, especially by ICE.

• Annexation of Brier Creek Land Approved: A 4–2 vote greenlit the annexation and rezoning of 308 acres near Brier Creek, allowing 1,750 new housing units and 1.4 million sq. ft. of commercial space. Supporters cited economic benefits; opponents raised concerns over schools, traffic, and tree loss.

• Courtyards at Oak Grove Rezoning Passed: Council approved the rezoning of 22.5 acres near Doc Nichols Road for 67 new homes. After public comment, the developer agreed to reduce impervious surfaces from 70% to 50%, a key win for nearby environmental advocates.

• Crime Stats Show Improvement: The Q2 crime report showed overall crime down 26% across all categories — a rare citywide improvement noted on the consent agenda.

• New Planning Commissioner Appointed: Juan P. Montes was appointed to the Durham Planning Commission with majority support.

Watch the Full Discussion >>
Durham City Council – Sept. 2, 2025

Hopscotch Music Festival (15th Anniversary)
City Plaza & Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
Sept. 5–7 (Thursday–Saturday)
Celebrate 15 years of Hopscotch with performances from Earl Sweatshirt, My Morning Jacket, Sparks, Built to Spill, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Crumb, and dozens more across downtown Raleigh. Includes club shows, day parties, and pop-ups.
Details >>

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