Because No One Else Would
Division:
American Tobacco Historic District
Location:
Durham
People:
Jim Goodmon, Michael Goodmon
Program Type:
Informational Programs
Type:
Video
“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.