O
DOWN TOWN
nce a sprawling expanse of 600 acres devoted to tobacco, corn and sweet potato fields, the area surrounding Ninth Street
began a transformative journey in the 1890s. It evolved from a quiet mill village during the 103-year operation of the Erwin Cotton Mill to become the lively, humming heart of West Durham, teeming with independent businesses. Ninth Street, much like any main street in the nation, has witnessed the ebb and flow of shops and restaurants. Some have vanished into the annals of history, while others have stood the test of time. Today, chains like Starbucks and Harris Teeter have placed themselves among our independent storefronts, but this iconic Bull City avenue retains its historical charm thanks to the dedicated patrons and business owners who breathe life into its soul.
NINTH STREET’S NEW ERAA 32
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durhammag.com
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october/november 2023
This bustling and vibrant thoroughfare enters its next chapter B Y LEA H B ER RY PHOTO GR A PH Y
B Y J O H N M I C H A EL SIMPS O N