Durham also known as the “city of medicine”, is 4th-most populous city in North Carolina. It is the home of Duke University and North Carolina Central University, and is also one of the cities that make up the Research Triangle area.
In recent years, the city of Durham has stepped up revitalization of its downtown and undergone an economic and cultural renaissance of sorts. Partnering with developers from around the world, the city continues to promote the redevelopment of many of its former tobacco districts, projects supplemented by the earlier construction of the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Many of the historic tobacco buildings elsewhere in the city have been converted into loft-style apartment complexes. The downtown corridor along West Main St. has seen significant redevelopment including bars, entertainment venues, art studios, and co-working spaces, in addition to shopping and dining.
