Durham, N.C. — The family of Durham contractor Dillard Teer has secured the naming rights to the stage at the new Durham Performing Arts Center with a $1.2 million pledge to the center, officials said Wednesday.

The 10-year pledge, which will go before the City Council next week, would name the stage the Mildred & Dillard Teer Stage.

"This is milestone for Durham, as we have our first naming rights at the Durham Performing Arts Center associated with one of our best known Durham families,” Mayor Bill Bell said in a statement. “The Teers have done so much to help Durham develop as a quality city and have given back to the community through their extensive civic service over the years. The generous financial commitment and the name association truly enhance our newest destination venue in downtown Durham."

Dillard Teer was vice president and secretary-treasurer for the Nello Teer Co., one of the largest contractors in North Carolina. He also was a Durham County Commissioner and served for 31 years on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. Mildred Roycroft Teer was a civic leader and member of the Durham City School Board.

Son Rob Teer said the naming rights opportunity offered the family a chance to honor their parent’s legacy in Durham. “We could think of no better way to reflect their constant giving to the community than to make a gift in their honor to the beautiful new performing arts center in the heart of Durham," he said in a statement.