Redeveloping Durham’s former police headquarters will have to wait a little longer.
The four-acre lot in downtown has sat vacant since 2018. The Durham City Council heard a presentation during its work session Thursday, where city staff recommended against pursuing redevelopment of the full site, citing costs. Instead, staff recommended the city subdivide the lot to sell the historic Milton Small Building to a preservation nonprofit, and explore interim uses—like open space that could host public art, pop-up markets, or events—while waiting for economic conditions to improve.
For the lot’s neighbors, Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, (and many others in Durham) building affordable housing is a priority. Rev. Mick Raynor, a pastor at Duke Memorial UMC, said at the meeting his congregation wants to see affordable housing on the lot as soon as possible. The church sits directly across from the former police headquarters…