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Turning the Page
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he only constant in life is change, right? It certainly presents itself as a consistent theme when it comes to our annual downtown issue. This year, our development map (page 48) features nearly 50 projects in various stages of completion; we check in on the state of downtown office and retail spaces as well as why companies big and small continue to set up shop in this community (page 106); and we look a bit farther west at the growth and transitions along Ninth Street (page 32). The latter story is particularly special to me, as nearly 11 years ago I wrote a similar article, “99 Reasons to Love Ninth Street,” in which I attempted to capture the essence of the historic district and what made it so remarkable. The avenue would become my second home soon after, when I moved into a duplex in Old West Durham. If I wasn’t eating a hummus pita wrap and seasoned fries (sans ketchup, of course) at International Delights or picking up a gift at Bull City Fair Trade (then One World Market), I was bellying up to my spot at the bar at Dain’s Place or getting my caffeine fix – and a gelato – at Francesca’s. Our cover stars, Justin Laidlaw and Eliza Mathew, concur: “Bahn’s Cuisine and Cosmic Cantina on Ninth Street are classic institutions of Durham. They held it down before downtown Durham got cool.” But downtown did, indeed, get cool. Cities, like life itself, are never static. They evolve, grow, and adapt with the ebb and flow of time. As Durham continues on its unstoppable march into the future, we invite you to seek out hidden gems in various corners of downtown, waiting to be uncovered on page 26. We also showcase the artistic identity that thrives in our city by exploring the new home of an improv theater group at Golden Belt. And for those looking for budget-friendly downtown date recs, turn to page 31. There will always be challenges mixed with opportunities as our city grows and shifts. But at the heart of every transformation lies the enduring spirit of our community. The stories, memories and experiences that have shaped Durham are also the threads that bind us together – let’s use this collective tapestry as a guide toward the future.
Hunter Douglas Centurion Gallery (919) 806-3638 FOLLOW US @MaxHugoInteriors MAXHUGOINTERIORS.COM
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amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com
THE COV E R Photo by John Michael Simpson
october/november 2023
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