Durham Performing Arts Center

The 2,700-seat Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) opened in November 2008 to wide acclaim and has proved to be one of the most successful performing arts centers in the United States. Since opening, DPAC has attracted over 2.5 million guests and has become the center for live entertainment in North Carolina. Listed five times in the top 5 in Pollstar magazine’s annual worldwide theater attendance rankings, DPAC is currently the #4 ranked theater in the U.S. About 75% of all DPAC guests come from outside Durham County. The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates that DPAC triggered total visitor spending of $66.3 Million during the 2013-14 season, with a net positive economic impact of $48.4 Million.

D3’s principal, Mike Hill, was instrumental in securing for the County and the City of Durham the legislative authority to increase the occupancy tax, which is the principal funding source for the DPAC. Hill also led the master planning effort that resulted in the selection of the current site for the DPAC’s location. And, finally, Hill, in his former capacity with Capitol Broadcasting Company, helped the City secure private sector funding for the DPAC project, including Capitol’s lead gift of $6 Million over 20 years. Hill was honored during the 2011-12 DPAC season as one of the Founders of the DPAC

As a result of the phenomenal success of the DPAC, the City of Durham (the owner of the DPAC) and the operator of the DPAC (a joint venture between Nederlander Corporation and Professional Facilities Management) were interested in negotiating an extension of their DPAC Operating Agreement. Nederlander and PFM engaged D3 Development to assist them with the negotiation. The Durham City Council unanimously approved a revised 32-year operating agreement in May 2013, ensuring the DPAC will continue its record-breaking success for years to come.