North Carolina’s history is long and complex, but if you wanted to boil it down to one, singular element, you could probably do so with tobacco. Once the gleaming cash crop of the state, tobacco was directly responsible for much of the state’s growth in the early 20th century.

While tobacco is understandably falling out of fashion, the landscapes and cityscapes it created have continued to define North Carolina. Here in the Bull City, the American Tobacco Campus is an example of how the state’s modern cities are paying homage to its past.

History

Founded in 1890, the American Tobacco Company was once a titan of the tobacco industry. But as times and attitudes towards tobacco changed, the company began to decline, and its enormous factory in Downtown Durham became abandoned in the late 80s.

As part of a city-wide revitalization effort, the campus’ distinctive smokestacks and brick facades were retooled in 2004 into a multi-purpose open-air complex. The campus features restaurants, shopping, venues, apartments, and office space, all set among the old factory’s buildings from the glory days of tobacco manufacturing. Split down the middle by a distinctive waterfall feature, the ATC has become one of the most distinctive features of Downtown Durham.

Things to Do

The ATC is a hub for Durham culture and nightlife, and features:

·       Restaurants: from popular regional chains like Mellow Mushroom to the fast casual of Boricua Soul to the highbrow steaks and cocktails of Nanasteak, ATC has options for the whole family or special occasions.

·       Events: in addition to its proximity to the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Bulls Stadium, ATC has private event spaces of its own. Bay 7 is an unforgettable venue for weddings!

·       Work: ATC is partly responsible for the surge in Durham tech startups, largely thanks to the American Underground, an incubator and office space perfect for the rapidly changing needs of startups.

Do you want to live near the American Tobacco Campus in Downtown Durham? If you live at the Vega, the ATC is a short walk away! Located in the heart of downtown overlooking Central Park, the Vega’s condominiums are Durham’s hottest new address. With private terraces in every unit, private parking and up to 2,300 sq ft of space, the Vega is your ticket to the best of the Bull City. Contact us today to learn about our open units!