American Underground Returns to American Tobacco Campus
A full-circle homecoming for Durham’s leading coworking community
Durham, N.C. (May 29, 2025) – In a move that brings one of Durham’s most iconic innovation stories full circle, CBC Real Estate announced today that American Underground (AU) will return to its original home at the American Tobacco Campus (ATC) in late 2025.
AU first launched in the basement of ATC in 2010, inspired by the gritty entrepreneurial spirit that has defined Durham for generations–and driven by a bold idea: that Durham’s entrepreneurs deserved a space of their own. What began as an experiment with just a few teams has since grown into one of the Triangle’s most recognized coworking communities, home to 275+ startups and small businesses across its downtown footprint.
AU’s team at ATC. L-R: Courtney High, Maya Sugg, Amanda Dozier, and Laura Zabinski
“This is a homecoming,” said Laura Zabinski, Executive Director at American Underground. “American Tobacco Campus was our launchpad and the place where our community first came to life. We’ve grown alongside Durham’s founders for more than a decade, and this move gives us room to imagine what’s next: a more connected, creative and inclusive space for entrepreneurs of all kinds.”
Today, American Tobacco Campus is a vibrant live, work, play destination in the heart of downtown Durham—a cultural landmark and the modern workplace of global corporations, local businesses, and the area’s top talent. AU’s return builds on that momentum, bringing a new wave of innovators, creators and change makers to the campus community.
AU will retain its Market Street and Kress locations, totaling approximately 25,000 square feet on Main Street, while adding the new state-of-the-art space at ATC. Construction is expected to begin July 1st. AU@Main will remain open throughout the build, with members transitioning to the new space when complete.
The expansion reflects CBC Real Estate’s continued investment in Durham’s innovation ecosystem and builds on the long-standing support of Self-Help. Design and construction of the new AU space at ATC are being led by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting and Consigli.
The new AU space will be purpose-built to foster creative collisions and collaboration, with features including:
- Open coworking and customizable offices
- A botanical library and indoor garden
- A secret outdoor garden
- A fully equipped podcast studio
- Meeting and collaboration rooms
- Flexible memberships and leasing options for growing teams
- Playful design elements that nod to AU’s history and Durham roots
AU will activate the space through a full calendar of curated events, panels, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities, in continued partnership with Google and Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT), and with local favorites like Fullsteam, Ment, and Boricua Soul. Located just steps from the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, DPAC, local restaurants and retail shops, AU’s new home will put members at the center of the action.
Live music event at the American Tobacco Campus
“We’re thrilled to bring American Underground back to the American Tobacco Campus,” said Eli Bell, Director of Leasing and Asset Management at CBC Real Estate. “AU is part of the ATC story and this return feels both natural and energizing. It’s a powerful moment of continuity that adds fresh energy to the community we’re continuing to build here.”
American Underground and American Tobacco Campus are both part of the CBC Real Estate family, a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company. Their shared history and commitment to fueling inclusive innovation are helping shape the next chapter of Durham’s economic growth.
The new American Underground will be located at 324 Blackwell Street, Suite 900. For updates and more information, visit www.americanunderground.com.
Media Contact
Margaret McNab
CBC Real Estate
971-506-9856
margaret.mcnab@gmail.com
About American Underground
American Underground is where Durham’s entrepreneurs come to build, connect, and grow. Dubbed the “Startup Hub of the South” by CNBC, AU is a coworking community that supports a diverse mix of innovators, creators, and change makers through shared workspace, meaningful connections and programs designed to help startups thrive. With three locations in downtown Durham – and a new space coming soon to the American Tobacco Campus – AU is proud to be a part of CBC Real Estate, a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company.
About CBC Real Estate
CBC Real Estate (CBC), a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, is a leading developer, owner, and operator of historic and mixed-use properties across North and South Carolina. Since 2001, CBC has developed over three million square feet of office, multifamily, and retail space. Notable projects include the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC; Bandwidth Inc.’s headquarters in Raleigh, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.
Proudly based in Durham, North Carolina, CBC Real Estate is dedicated to strengthening communities through purposeful and impactful development.
