Three projects to undergo renovation in Durham

Durham County leaders signed three public-private partnerships this week for major projects in the Bull City.

County leaders committed $26 million for the projects, which include the Chesterfield Building, the Durham Innovation District, and a renovation and overhaul of the Research Triangle Park.

The Innovation District is already a functioning research hub that will continue to be built out. Officials said the plan for RTP is to overhaul a portion of the park using a live, work, play concept.

Ted Conner of the Durham Chamber of Commerce called the changes “epic,” because county commissioners signed off on the two other public-private partnerships at the same time as the RTP agreement.

The county committed $1.2 million for the Chesterfield building in downtown Durham and $2.5 million on the Durham Innovation District.

“These projects will provide space and a framework to continue to allow our technology based economy to move forward and progress in the future,” Connor said.

Research Triangle Foundation president Bob Geolas said the new concept is RTP’s future.

“We want to make sure the RTP remains relevant—a global powerhouse,” Geolas said. “To do that, we need to create an environment that continues to attract companies.”

The new planned community will be a mix of office, retail and residential spaces.

Durham’s chamber said the three projects are a major factor in Durham’s future as a technology destination.

“These projects will provide space and a framework to continue to allow our technology-based economy to move forward,” Conner said.