Durham, N.C. – Downtown Durham, Inc. will host the first of three 2019 Speaker Series events: Placemaking and Economic Development, presented by Perkins & Will, on Wednesday, August 28 from 4-6 p.m. at the Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.

Guest speaker Kendal Henry, Director of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art Program, will share best practices, and discuss how creative placemaking not only serves as a tool to attract residents and tenants, but can simultaneously serve as a means for community dialogue and expression.

The discussion will take place from 4-5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Following the presentation, participants are invited to attend a networking reception from 5-6 p.m. Tickets to the reception are $35 and are available at downtowndurham.com or at the event.

The Downtown Durham, Inc. Speaker Series hosts industry experts who discuss innovative ideas that catalyze conversation and explore forward thinking concepts for downtown Durham. Additional topics in the 2019 series include “Equity in Commercial Ownership” in September, and “Building a Viable Affordable Housing Project” in October. For more information, visit downtowndurham.com.

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For more than 25 years, Downtown Durham, Inc. has been the economic development engine for downtown Durham, NC. Downtown Durham is home to more than 55 retail stores, 120 restaurants and bars, and 4,000 residential units – all in an area just under one square mile. As the entity responsible for the business improvement district, DDI provides resources to keep downtown Durham clean and safe, and to attract visitors and residents to downtown businesses, venues and events. For more information, visit downtowndurham.com.