September 4, 2025
Aerial View of the site of the future Downtown Durham YMCA, adjacent to DPAC and American Tobacco
YMCA to Acquire Land for a New Downtown Durham YMCA
CBC Real Estate Will Develop Site Adjacent to the American Tobacco Campus
DURHAM, North Carolina — The YMCA of the Triangle today announced plans to acquire 0.79-acre property at the corner of Blackwell and W. Pettigrew Streets from CBC Real Estate. The site will become home to the new, state-of-the-art Downtown Durham YMCA. The future 65,000-square-foot facility will expand vital services to the community and build on the longstanding relationship between the YMCA and the American Tobacco Campus (ATC). CBC Real Estate, the real estate division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, will develop the site on behalf of the YMCA.
“Our mission to serve all compels us to adapt, grow and collaborate to meet the needs of our communities. The current, aging Downtown Durham Y facility doesn’t allow for increased services in downtown Durham.” said Bruce Ham, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of the Triangle. “This new, convenient location will allow us to partner with even more children, teens, adults and seniors throughout Durham County. We look forward to working closely with CBC Real Estate on this incredible project that will positively impact so many lives.”
After months of informal discussions, the YMCA of the Triangle signed a Letter of Intent with CBC Real Estate in December 2024 and finalized the purchase agreement earlier this year. The new facility will feature multiple rooftop terraces with outdoor fitness areas, an indoor pool, full basketball court, indoor track, group fitness studios, and dedicated space for youth and family programming. Plans also include 80 onsite parking spaces and access to additional reserved spaces nearby. The estimated cost of construction is $46 million.
“The new Downtown Durham YMCA is the result of years of hard work, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to this community,” said Tony Campione, chief operating officer of the YMCA of the Triangle. “From the start, our goal has been to give Durham a YMCA that reflects the city’s energy, momentum, and spirit. To now be part of the American Tobacco Campus, one of Durham’s most iconic and transformative redevelopment efforts, makes this moment even more meaningful.”
The current YMCA at American Tobacco first opened in 2005 as part of the first phase of renovations at the American Tobacco Campus. This wellness center, a smaller YMCA concept that complements larger branch locations, has operated continuously since then, becoming one of ATC’s longest-standing tenants. Over the past two decades, the Y and ATC have collaborated on a range of campus and community initiatives, including the creation of The Cage, an outdoor multipurpose recreation facility that opened in 2012.
“The YMCA has been a part of the American Tobacco Campus since the very beginning,” said Michael Goodmon, executive vice president of Capitol Broadcasting Company. “Our partnership is based on shared values and a deep commitment to the people of Durham. This project builds on that foundation to create a place that will serve our growing community in new and meaningful ways.”
Efforts are also underway to partner with a healthcare provider to operate an onsite primary care clinic—part of a broader strategy to meet the needs of the Durham community.
“This project is a collaborative effort,” said John Nelson, development manager at CBC Real Estate. “As we move into design and pre-development, we’re excited to expand the circle of collaborators and partner with the city, our neighbors, and the Durham community to bring this vision to life. We’re committed to delivering a facility that’s not only functional and welcoming but designed for long-term impact.”
The current Downtown Durham YMCA will remain open throughout construction. Members will continue to have access to other Durham YMCA branches and all YMCA of the Triangle branches.
For the latest information on the project including construction, program modifications and special events, visit the Heart of Durham website.
About the Durham YMCAs
The Durham YMCA operates four branches in Durham. Today, the Downtown Durham YMCA, Lakewood YMCA, YMCA at American Tobacco and Hope Valley Farms YMCA engage nearly 10,000 children, families and adults through membership with an additional 3,200 people served through evidence-based health programs, sports and youth programming including after school, day camps and academic support offerings.
About the YMCA of the Triangle
The YMCA of the Triangle is a 501(c)3 charity that has served Raleigh, Durham, Cary and the broader region since 1857. Today, the YMCA of the Triangle operates 19 facility branches in Wake, Chatham, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Lee Counties. The YMCA operates three overnight camps: Camp Kanata in Wake Forest, Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer in Pamlico County. Today, the Y engages more than 235,000 children, families and adults. In 2024, thanks to more than $10.9 M in philanthropic gifts, the YMCA of the Triangle directly impacted 25,000 children, teens, adults and seniors through Y programs. Learn more at YMCATriangle.org.
About CBC Real Estate
CBC Real Estate (CBC), a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, is a leading developer, owner, and operator of historic and mixed-use properties across North and South Carolina. Since 2001, CBC has developed over three million square feet of office, multifamily, and retail space. Notable projects include the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC; Bandwidth Inc.’s headquarters in Raleigh, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.
Proudly based in Durham, North Carolina, CBC Real Estate is dedicated to strengthening communities through purposeful and impactful development. For more information, visit cbcrealestate.com.
About Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company working for and dedicated to serving the community. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, CBC began in 1937 with the radio station WRAL-AM. Today, CBC is a fourth-generation family-owned business active in a range of industries including broadcasting, technology, real estate, and professional sports. For more information, visit capitolbroadcasting.com.
Media Contact
Jennifer Nelson
Senior VP of Marketing & Communications
YMCA of the Triangle
919-412-2728
Alissa Clendenen
Associate VP of Communications
YMCA of the Triangle
919-441-0165
Margaret McNab
Public Relations
CBC Real Estate
971-506-9856