Downtown Durham Inc. – Keeping the Momentum Going!

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Earlier this week I went and listened to William “Bill” Kalkhof speak to a group of Durham Realtors about Durham. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Bill speak before over the past few years and have always found him to be interesting as well as informative about what’s going on here in my adopted home town of Durham, NC. This time I left the meeting really pumped up after listening to him Speak.

Bill is one of the founding members and President of Downtown Durham Inc. a nonprofit private organization devoted to the revitalization and development and promotion of Durham’s downtown and historic district. Founded in 1993, DDI has been instrumental in Durham’s tremendous renaissance, playing a significant part in bringing about such additions as The American Tobacco Projects Phase I, II and III, the Durham Performing Arts Center, the new Ballpark, Diamond View II and III, the Durham Transportation Center and others. They have helped numerous property owners, developers, and business owners put their deals together, find the space they need and more. Guided by three basic core disctates:

Is the project consistent with the Durham Master Plan?  Is the project a good deal for the Durham taxpayers?  Is an incentive needed?

They have proven themselves to be an invaluable asset, often serving the role as liaison between the private sector and the City to the advantage of both.

With economic tough times they have voluntarily given up their primary source of funding, 1% of all Durham Property Taxes which funded the trust which they used to promote, Durham, lure investors, and as incentive money when needed, yet they continue to play an active role and drawing new ventures, jobs, and creative energy to Durham. They got the momentum and their keeping it going.

If you are interested in what’s going on here in Durham or are considering relocating or starting your business in Durham you need to check DDI out, I know you’ll be glad you did.

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