Learning to Thrive: Examining Higher Education and Downtown Durham
By Jeffery Bottomley, AIA
Over the past year, Shepley Bulfinch has celebrated our 150th anniversary across the country. From captivating exhibitions in Boston and Phoenix, to a thought-provoking roundtable in Houston, we’ve taken the time to reflect on our legacy of shaping architecture around the world. As we conclude our celebrations, we decided to shift the focus: instead of reflecting on our history, we looked forward to the next 150 years. How will our communities and our institutions adapt and evolve, and how do we support their progression? In partnership with Downtown Durham, Inc., we held a panel discussion featuring JB Buxton, president of Durham Technical Community College; Dr. Karrie Dixon, chancellor of North Carolina Central University; and Vincent E. Price, president of Duke University, to address these questions.
Modeling Academic and Community Partnerships
Durham, North Carolina, was the perfect site for this discussion as the city has undergone a radical transformation. Historically an industrial hub for tobacco and textiles, Durham is now a key destination near the Research Triangle, the largest research park in the United States. This evolution has been fueled by the strategic investment in recruiting, developing, and retaining talent across the robust academic presence of its universities, which act as anchor institutions, fostering economic growth, innovation, and enhancing the social fabric of the city. The symbiotic relationship between these universities and the Durham community exemplifies the interrelated nature of higher education and its surrounding environment, where educational initiatives and community engagement efforts mutually benefit and strengthen each other.
During my discussion with these educational leaders, one theme became clear: the power of long-term, structured partnerships. President Price reflected on Duke’s participation in transforming the historic Chesterfield Building into a thriving downtown research hub—home to both cutting-edge labs and community-serving organizations like the Durham Small Business Association. Chancellor Dixon emphasized the role of NCCU in addressing affordability and access, particularly through collaborations that make housing more attainable for students and staff. And President Buxton highlighted Durham Tech’s efforts to ensure workforce development and talent retention align with regional economic priorities.
L to R: JB Buxton; Dr. Karrie Dixon; Dr. Vincent Price; Jeffery Bottomley. Photo by Tasha Thomas, courtesy of Downtown Durham, Inc.
Durham is at a pivotal moment—rich with growth, talent, and opportunity, but also facing challenges around affordability, equity, and long-term cohesion. As the city evolves, it has both the opportunity and responsibility to guide the next wave of integrated urban development. By scaling partnerships, expanding equitable access to education and housing, and aligning infrastructure with workforce needs, Durham continues to define what it means to be a connected, inclusive, and innovative city.
Regional growth from the Research Triangle must be balanced with the inflation it brings, particularly affecting affordable housing for students and staff. While many cities pursue similar ambitions, Durham stands out for its deep, place-based commitment. A strong example is the Duke Center for Community Engagement (CCE), which brings faculty, staff, and students together with community partners to address complex societal challenges such as affordable housing, digital infrastructure, early childhood education, and nutritious food access. It reflects the kind of intentional, long-term partnership to sustain progress moving forward.
The partnerships formed in Durham are not an isolated incident, but a model for our cities. Across the country, universities, communities, and developers are beginning to look beyond town and gown dynamics. Urban campuses are learning to leverage shared resources for the mutual benefit of creating more opportunities for students, residents, businesses and the community. Collaborations such as regional storytelling and branding that highlight Durham’s unique strengths; cultural history; world-class research; entrepreneurial spirit; and commitment to equity, can enhance the quality of life for both residents and students by bridging the gap between academic institutions and their communities.
Designing for Thriving Communities
For Shepley Bulfinch, this conversation resonated deeply with how we see our role as architects. We are curious, yes, but also deeply engaged, relationship-driven, and adaptable. We believe that design must respond to place, culture, and possibility – and that it should bring people together in pursuit of shared goals. The Durham panel was a reminder that our work goes beyond buildings. It’s about creating the frameworks — physical, institutional, and civic — that help communities thrive.
As we look to the next 150 years, we remain committed to helping shape resilient, equitable, and future-ready cities — where campuses and communities grow stronger, together.
Photo by Tasha Thomas, courtesy of Downtown Durham, Inc.
Jeffery Bottomley, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Jeffery is a principal at Shepley Bulfinch who is committed to design that bridges campus and community; creating places that foster inclusion, innovation, and shared purpose.