I first met Ashleigh Ratchford in my neck of the woods, when she was selling her ooey-gooey Ashleigh Bakes Daily cookies out of a charming, if tiny, shed behind Crafts & Drafts NC. She was clearly passionate about her product, as was I, after nabbing a big box to share with the team back at the office (though I’ll admit a few didn’t make it past the parking lot) and radiated pure joy, a love that you can absolutely taste in every bite. She’s one of several business owners featured in this issue who have taken the leap over the past year to open a downtown shop in Durham. Beginning on page 24, you’ll meet people who are pursuing passions, chasing long-held aspirations and bringing fresh energy to our city.
Supporting local isn’t just about dollars spent – it’s about sustaining the character and identity of Durham. Whether it’s a new bakery or a longtime shop that has weathered decades of change, these businesses thrive when we show up. (I know I’ll be bringing my suit-obsessed brother, Erich, to Ascend Collection Menswear soon!) And what struck me most with this latest group of entrepreneurs is that none of them are in it just to make a buck. Time and again, one word kept coming up: community. They’ve chosen Durham to launch and grow their dreams because of the people here. In return, we have the chance to choose them back – by visiting, purchasing, spreading the word and celebrating the joy they bring to our neighborhoods. I hope you’ll join me in doing just that – after all, your new favorite hang might be just around the corner!
– Executive Managing Editor Amanda MacLaren
DOWNTOWN
20 Tomorrowland
Center Studio Architecture’s Scott Harmon on how downtown can grow stronger through connection
24 Main Attraction
Get to know the people behind new businesses on this primary downtown thoroughfare – from artisan galleries to vibrant bars and so much more
36 Shaping Up
Fresh faces, new spaces and all the ways to move in downtown
42 Downtown, Rising
The latest development news
50 Home Away From Home
A downtown condo goes from blank slate to move-in-ready escape in just a few weeks
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
60 Star Students
These kids shine both in and outside the classroom
68 Built to Perform
Durham School of the Arts’ new campus is designed to shine with daylight-filled classrooms, professional theaters and a sustainable footprint
70 Making the Grade
Durham Tech’s Abraham Dones shares his vision for equity, innovation and preparing students for success in today’s evolving higher education landscape
74 Directory of Independent, Regional Boarding, Charter & Application Program Schools
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
86 Goal Oriented
Soccer practice becomes a playbook for teamwork, resilience and respect on Durham’s elementary school fields
96 Changing the Game
Durham Queer Sports welcomes LGBTQIA+ players and allies to the field with no fees, no judgment and all joy
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
10 Go.See.Do.
Kick back with these festive fall happenings
16 Let’s Dish
at Barsa New Indian
18 News Bites
Now serving: the latest Bull City restaurant news
PEOPLE & PLACES
100 El Centro Hispano’s 33rd Annual Gala
102 Urban Ministries of Durham’s Auction Gala
