American Tobacco

    Project Highlights:
  • Project Costs: $200 Million+
  • Qualified Rehab. Exp.: $120 Million (est.)
  • 720,000 sf of commercial space, 80 apartments, two parking decks
  • Status: Construction commenced in 2003 and completed in various phases from 2004 through 2006

The American Tobacco project is a mixed-use historic redevelopment project located in Durham, North Carolina and is widely credited with triggering the successful resurgence of downtown Durham from an abandoned, decaying eyesore into the vibrant and popular destination it has become.

The rehabilitation of this former Lucky Strike tobacco factory is the largest historic rehabilitation project in the history of the State of North Carolina. In four separate phases, the project redeveloped eleven historic buildings that totaled approximately 850,000 square feet. The project also included the construction of two parking structures owned by the City of Durham and the County of Durham, and the development of a man-made river that runs almost a quarter-mile in length through the heart of the complex.

Today, greater than 3,000 persons work within the American Tobacco Historic District, greater than one million visitors per year visit the restaurants and the entertainment facilities, and greater than one hundred persons live within the District.

In his prior capacity as vice president and general counsel of Capitol Broadcasting Company, Mr. Hill was directly responsible for all aspects of the development. Mr. Hill negotiated the public-private partnership development agreement with the City and the County and negotiated and successfully concluded agreements with the project lenders and tax credit investors. Mr. Hill also supervised all aspects of the design and construction process, including the applications to the National Park Services and State of North Carolina Historic Preservation Office. Finally, Mr. Hill negotiated and successfully concluded over 350,000 square feet of anchor leases prior to closing on construction financing and all major leases following the closing on construction financing.

Visit American Tobacco Campus Website
    Financing
  • Public-private partnership. City of Durham paid for a 1,311-space parking deck and provided below-market rate parking for 10 years. The City also provide cash economic incentives. Durham County paid for 1,124-space parking deck.
  • Debt financing included conventional construction loans that were converted to non-recourse, permanent loans upon completion and construction financing combined with New Markets Tax Credits
  • Federal Historic Tax Credits
  • State of North Carolina Historic Tax Credits
  • New Markets Tax Credits