Public Checks Out First Phase Of American Tobacco Project

DURHAM, N.C. — The public was invited Tuesday to see the latest progress of the new American Tobacco Historic District.

The project is transforming the old tobacco warehouses into 1 million square feet of office, retail and living space. Capitol Broadcasting Co., WRAL's parent company, is the owner and developer of the project.

"I think it's fabulous. I really do. When you have things that come to life, I think it makes all the difference, so I'm very excited," Durham resident Susie Andregg said.

"[It's] hard to believe. I started work here in 1948, and it doesn't look like that now," said Ralph Rich, former American Tobacco employee.

Phase 1 is within two months of wrapping up. In June, four major tenants move in, who will initially bring more than 1,000 office workers.

"Next is the retail component. We have five or six restaurant pads we're looking at," Michael Goodmon, of Capitol Broadcasting Co.

Phase 2 of the project will mainly involve residential development and should begin sometime in 2005.