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Consultants recommend new‑build Durham convention center plus 500‑room headquarter hotel; study estimates $540M combined cost
Summary
A market and financial feasibility study presented to Durham County commissioners recommended a new‑build convention center paired with a 500‑room headquarter hotel as the option most likely to attract larger events and increase regional competitiveness, estimating combined development costs near $540 million and projecting substantial economic impacts over 30 years.
Consultants from Hunden Partners presented findings of a market and financial feasibility study recommending that Durham pursue a new‑build convention center and an adjacent 500‑key headquarter hotel to address lost business and limited meeting capacity at the existing center. The study estimated the convention center at about $315,000,000 and the headquarter hotel at about $225,000,000 — "for a total combined cost estimated at $540,000,000," consultant Sean Gustafson said, and projected the new facility could generate tens of thousands of additional room nights and sizeable local spending over 30 years.
City and county staff framed the recommendation as a next‑phase question rather than a funding request: Durham Next, a nonprofit formed to lead project prioritization, could fund a deeper site analysis, community engagement, and more detailed cost and environmental work before any commitment. Commissioners raised community‑impact questions — transit, walkability, neighborhood displacement and how to embed community voice in decision making — and requested further detail on financing strategies and potential public subsidies. The consultants and Discover Durham emphasized the opportunity for job creation and increased tax revenues but noted a public funding component would likely be required for the hotel financing gap.
