Project Summary
Brightleaf Square

Breathing life back into Main Street through modern design and accessible retail construction

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The Space
Square Footage 140,000
Location Durham, NC
History seeps from the bricks of the former tobacco warehouses at the historic Brightleaf Square, originally built at the turn of the 20th century. Developed to support the booming tobacco industry in the late 70s and early 80s, these 40-year-old warehouses undergo a multi-tiered renovation to modernize the property and offer the community of nearby Duke University and downtown Durham updated, accessible retail and office space. As a historical piece of the local community, preserving and protecting the notable Brightleaf Square was critical. With guidance from the Durham’s Historic Preservation Commission, the project team worked closely alongside the owner, designer, and trade partners to retain the historical significance of the property, while reinvigorating the space for community members to enjoy once again.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Bring a Piece of History into the 21st Century

The initial stage of this multi-phase project included a full reconfiguration of the existing entryway structures and streetscapes abutting W. Main Street for the Brightleaf Square – North Building. The new elevated terrace and outdoor seating area includes weathering steel and concrete walls, brick paver hardscapes, integral planters, as well as contemporary lighting and furnishing.

To improve accessibility throughout the property, the interior spaces are entirely reconfigured, entry vestibules are refreshed, and electrical, sewer, water, and fire systems are upgraded. A central urban courtyard connects the different buildings and provides a welcoming gathering space that mirrors the friendly atmosphere of the neighboring community.

A significant amount of underground utility work was carefully coordinated and completed with minimal impact on nearby businesses.

Brightleaf Bay 25

For Brightleaf Bay 25, demolition of an old restaurant makes way for interior demising walls, modernized accessibility, collaboration areas, and updated mechanical systems in preparation for new tenants. Entry vestibules are refreshed inviting visitors to explore new restaurant, retail, and office spaces, while raised outdoor patios breathe new life into this former tobacco warehouse from the 1900s. During renovation the project team uncovers treasures from the past such as a wooden waterline and underground trolley tracks.

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