The American Tobacco Campus in Durham, North Carolina, is a historic site that has undergone significant transformation over the years. Originally built in the early 20th century as a tobacco manufacturing facility, the campus has been redeveloped into a thriving hub for businesses, restaurants, and entertainment. The campus is situated on a 14-acre site and features a mix of renovated historic buildings and new construction.
History of the American Tobacco Campus
The American Tobacco Company was founded in 1890 by James Buchanan Duke, and the company quickly became one of the largest tobacco manufacturers in the world. The Durham facility was built in 1900 and was the company’s main manufacturing plant. The campus was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with its own power plant, water tower, and railroad spur. At its peak, the facility employed over 6,000 workers and produced millions of cigarettes and other tobacco products per year.
Redevelopment of the Campus
In the 1990s, the American Tobacco Company began to downsize its operations, and the Durham facility was eventually closed. The campus was left vacant for several years, but in 2001, a group of investors purchased the site and began a major redevelopment project. The goal was to transform the campus into a vibrant mixed-use community, with a focus on office space, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The redevelopment project was led by the firm of Kane Realty Corporation, which worked with a team of architects, engineers, and contractors to renovate the historic buildings and design new construction.
| Building | Original Use | Current Use |
|---|---|---|
| Power Plant | Electricity generation | Office space and restaurant |
| Water Tower | Water storage | Office space and observation deck |
| Factory Building | Tobacco manufacturing | Office space and retail |
Current Use of the Campus
Today, the American Tobacco Campus is home to a diverse range of businesses, including technology startups, marketing firms, and restaurants. The campus also features a number of entertainment venues, including a performing arts center and a music venue. The site is also popular with tourists, who come to visit the historic buildings and learn about the history of the tobacco industry.
Amenities and Attractions
The American Tobacco Campus offers a range of amenities and attractions, including a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a number of restaurants and cafes. The campus is also home to a number of public art installations, including a large sculpture garden and a series of murals depicting the history of the tobacco industry. Visitors to the campus can also take a guided tour of the historic buildings and learn about the site’s rich history.
The American Tobacco Campus is also a popular destination for events and festivals, including concerts, food festivals, and cultural celebrations. The site's outdoor spaces, including a large plaza and a series of courtyards, are perfect for hosting events and gatherings of all sizes.
What is the history of the American Tobacco Campus?
+The American Tobacco Campus was originally built in the early 20th century as a tobacco manufacturing facility. The campus was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with its own power plant, water tower, and railroad spur. The facility was closed in the 1990s and was redeveloped into a mixed-use community in the 2000s.
What types of businesses are located on the American Tobacco Campus?
+The American Tobacco Campus is home to a diverse range of businesses, including technology startups, marketing firms, and restaurants. The campus also features a number of entertainment venues, including a performing arts center and a music venue.
What amenities and attractions are available on the American Tobacco Campus?
+The American Tobacco Campus offers a range of amenities and attractions, including a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a number of restaurants and cafes. The campus is also home to a number of public art installations, including a large sculpture garden and a series of murals depicting the history of the tobacco industry.
