Upcoming DPAC expansion draws mixed reactions from Duke community

Additions to DPAC include an Aloft hotel, additional event space for the President’s Club and new restroom facilities for women, said Durham City Manager Thomas Bonfield. Called the Wrapper Building, the annex will “wrap” around the parking deck and the west side of DPAC. A connection between the hotel and DPAC will allow for quicker commutes to shows, and new restaurants will line the bottom floor of the building. Construction will begin later this fall and last for 12 months, Bonfield said.

The physical facility is owned by Capital Broadcasting, who is the main investor for the project. Bonfield said that DPAC will not contribute money toward construction happening this year.

Bonfield noted that the project initially evolved from a discussion last year on a lack of bathroom space for women.

“We began looking at alternatives for the [women’s bathroom] problem,” Bonfield said. “Then Capital Broadcasting approached us about building a hotel. This addition really makes DPAC a better facility, especially because of the bathroom situation.”

Bonfield believes the renovations will attract more Duke students, who are already a well-represented group at DPAC, he noted.

Like Greenwald, some Duke students do not believe the additions will provide a significant added benefit for them.

Sophomore Kimberly Farmer, a Duke Student Government senator for Durham and regional affairs, said she heard about the renovations through local news outlets, but she has not been part of any discussions.

Sophomore Jack Stanovsek has attended DPAC concerts in the past, noting that the quality of shows is not comparable to those held at other venues in the area, such as Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill.

“Unfortunately, I don't think the hotel addition is going to encourage any sort of cultural growth,” he said. “It would be fantastic if DPAC could orient its objective and money to bringing awesome musicians into Durham.”