American Tobacco Historic District

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For over 100 years, the American Tobacco factory on Blackwell Street in Durham produced some of the most famous tobacco products in American History, including Lucky Strike and Bull Durham. But in 1987, American Brands closed the factory, ushering in years of decline and decay in downtown Durham.

In 2002, Capitol Broadcasting Company purchased the 16-acre American Tobacco Campus that lay abandoned in downtown Durham. Through work with city officials, CBC began the largest historic renovation project in the state, with the goal of opening one million square feet of office, retail and residential space to help revitalize the Bull City’s downtown.

In 2004, CBC re-opened the old tobacco campus and began a renovation that would change the trajectory of Durham. Capitol Broadcasting would invest over $200 million renovating the factory buildings into a Class A office, entertainment and residential complex recognized nationally as the definitive example of re-purposed and re-developed historic properties.

The redevelopment of American Tobacco would spur other growth in the area, including CBC’s three Diamond View office buildings and the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

Small business growth began to take root on Main Street, branching out across the downtown loop to create a restaurant and entertainment district that has been dubbed the Durham Renaissance.

And, underneath the old factory, American Tobacco has become the catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship. The American Underground has helped launch world-class startups including Smashing Boxes, Two Toasters, Adzerk and BoostSuite.

Today, American Tobacco Campus has over one million square feet of office space, nearly 90,000 feet of residential apartments and 10 restaurants with more on the way.

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Highlights for American Tobacco Historic District

Durham Lights Lucky Strike Tower on American Tobacco Campus

In downtown Durham, the American Tobacco Historic District welcomed the holiday season with the 12th annual lighting of the Lucky Strike Tower on December 2, 2016. The festivities included musical entertainment and area school choirs will performed a variety of
Because No One Else Would

“Because No One Else Would” challenges our notion of what it means to revitalize a city.

Starting with the largest surrender of the Civil War, Durham rose to become a 19th century industrial powerhouse with worldwide tobacco brands including Bull Durham and Lucky Strike.

But when the tobacco factory closed in 1987, it took all the jobs, banks and businesses. “Durham was like a ghost town,” says Mayor Bill Bell. The old tobacco factory was used for police training.

In 2004, Capitol Broadcasting Co., Inc. bought the old American Tobacco factory campus and ignited the Durham Renaissance. It’s the story of vision and risk, partnerships and perserverance to rebuild a community.

Written and produced by Hal Goodtree. Directed by Tim Finkbiner and Dan Oliver. A co-production of Goodtree & Co. and Horizon Productions.

Produced in 2014.
Goodmon Honored for CREative Thinking for American Tobacco Project

CBC President & CEO Jim Goodmon has once again been recognized for the transformation of the American Tobacco Historic District in downtown Durham. The Counselors of Real Estate Carolinas Chapter (CRE) recently honored Goodmon with a CREative Thinkers Award for
Santa Helps Light Lucky Strike Tower

In downtown Durham, the American Tobacco Historic District rang in the holiday season with the 11th annual lighting of the Lucky Strike Tower. Kids and parents alike were excited in the hours leading up to the lighting with some families
Lucky Strike smokestack

One of American Tobacco’s most-recognizable structures rises above the complex before the CBC restoration is complete.

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American Tobacco Historic District

Highlights for American Tobacco Historic District

Durham Lights Lucky Strike Tower on American Tobacco Campus

Because No One Else Would

Goodmon Honored for CREative Thinking for American Tobacco Project

Santa Helps Light Lucky Strike Tower

Lucky Strike smokestack