Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035

A plan to preserve downtown’s unique character while supporting future growth and development

Downtown Durham has undergone significant growth and transformation since the adoption of its first master plan nearly twenty-five years ago, with more residents and signature attractions than ever before. However, a sharp decline in office workers post-pandemic has led to struggling ground-floor business and safety concerns along with affordability issues stemming from continued development pressure. As new developments reshape the landscape, many residents express concerns that Durham is losing the unique character that has long defined it.

The Downtown Blueprint establishes a shared vision for downtown’s growth as well as celebrating what makes Durham, Durham. The final Blueprint includes an internal implementation tool to ensure continued partnership and collective investment in Durham’s core.  We think this compliment says it all:

“I enjoyed curling up on the couch with this plan like it was a good book” – Durham City Councilman