New downtown Durham tower to bring luxury housing and more to the Bull City skyline
Official details have been released on a new downtown high-rise poised to replace an aging building and change the skyline of Durham.
The 27-story Novus tower feature 188 apartment units and street-level retail at 400 W. Main Street, where it will replace the Five Points Center office building, also known as the South Bank building.
The site is at the intersection of W. Main, W. Chapel Hill and Morris streets within walking distance from the downtown city center.
The developer, Austin Lawrence Partners, is responsible for two previous transformative projects: the 27-story One City Center development — the tallest in the city — and the redevelopment of the Jack Tar Motor Lodge into the boutique Unscripted Hotel.
The Novus will be built in phases with an expected completion in late 2024. Phase one will be the residential tower; details on the second phase will be announced next year, the developer said in a news release.
Included in plans for the tower are 54 luxury condominiums that will range in price from around $1.4 million up to $3.4 million, The News & Observer previously reported. An early look at the lavish Novus condos was made available through Zillow listings last week, showing renderings of the future building’s sleek design and its amenities.
Over a third of these condos have already been reserved, developers said in a news release. Some of the project’s offerings “to create a luxury resort feel” include a 25-meter outdoor pool in the deck overlooking the city, with other accompanying amenities for its residents like private cabanas, hot tubs, a plunge pool, a steam room and a massage room.
Austin Lawrence Partners, which is operated by Duke graduate Greg Hills and his wife, Jane, originally bought the building for $6 million in 2013, Durham County records show.
“We are deeply invested in the continued growth and development of Durham because we personally know what an incredible place to live, work and play it is,” they said in a news release. “We are thrilled to share our vision for The Novus and bring this new luxury living concept to the area. We’re looking forward to continuing to engage with the community and showcase milestones along the way over the next few years.”
A spokesperson for Austin Lawrence Partners told The N&O that the Hills were not available for further comment on the upcoming project.
