Revitalization in East Durham attracting restaurants, businesses, developer shares progress
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Developers see East Durham as an opportunity, as efforts to revitalize the area are ongoing. Historians call the community an old mill village.
That's because it was once a working-class community in the late 1800s with textile mills serving as the main economic engine for people who lived there.
And now, many believe that part of town is up-and-coming.
"You can see right now it's all basically vacant lots. There's little houses here and there, but not much. So, there's a blank slate really to work with," said Garland Ventures General Manager John Warasila.
"Our vision is to bring it back as the neighborhood in Durham that makes things. So a community of makers. People that work with soap, perhaps. Claymakers is here already."
John is one of the architects behind revamping the Golden Belt warehouse district. He also owns the Garland campus along South Driver Street that houses several businesses, including the Congress Social Bar and Proximity Brewing Company.
Durham Technical Community College is within steps of those businesses. Business owners said new development could draw college students.
"I think it has an incredible opportunity to be another place. It can be another hub outside central Durham where people can be social and make life, said Congress Social Bar owner Beverly Makhubele. " It's also an opportunity for more students and educators to come across the tracks to hang out, mingle, and pass the time between courses."
The belief is that the future is bright for East Durham. Warasila walked ABC11 Eyewitness News through the new location where Dame's Chicken & Waffles will open next month. He also said he has his eyes on other lots in the area.
SEE ALSO | Dame's Chicken & Waffles to move from downtown spot for location in East Durham
Warasila said right now this area is not zoned for homes, but he is going to start working with the city and community in hopes of making that happen.
