Whether you grew up in Durham or you’re a more recent transplant,
Brightleaf Square is no doubt one of your favorite spots. You’ve come to
shop, enjoy a wonderful meal or simply spend time in one of our city’s most
charming gathering places. The story behind those beautiful red-brick
buildings is very Durham.
Built in 1904 by the American Tobacco Co., the two parallel warehouses were
designed in the Romanesque Revival style. By the 1970s, the buildings had
fallen into disuse. Enter Terry Sanford Jr., son of the former North Carolina
governor and Duke University president, and Clay Hamner, who saw
something special in the old tobacco warehouses. They purchased and
restored the buildings, and Brightleaf Square opened in 1981—the first of
many refurbished tobacco warehouse projects in downtown Durham’s
history.
Fast-forward 20 years to 2001, when Hamilton Hill Jewelry opened its doors
in a small space next to Morgan Imports, just across Gregson Street in the
Brightleaf District. From the beginning, HH brought something distinctive to
Durham: modernist and contemporary designer jewelry that celebrates
originality, craftsmanship and personal expression.
In 2006, Hamilton Hill moved into Brightleaf Square, to our current location.
The neighborhood just gets more beautiful.
Over the past few months, we’ve especially enjoyed getting to know our
Brightleaf neighbors — the creative, hardworking people behind the shops,
restaurants and studios that make this place special. HH owner and
gemologist Sarah Hill has a particularly good time inviting them to try on her
favorite jewelry. (Let’s just say neighbors make good models!)
Our footsteps so far: The Borough Durham, Bull City Art & Frame, Clouds
Brewcade + Kitchen, Do or Dye, Emmy Squared Pizza, Flowcorps, Fonda
Lupita, Indio, Mill & Meadow, Nikos, Paddywax Candle Bar.
As Brightleaf celebrates 45 years and Hamilton Hill celebrates 25, we’re
reminded that great places are about more than beautiful buildings and beautiful things. They’re mostly about the people, connections and
experiences that bring them to life.
Here’ to Brightleaf, to Durham and to many more brilliant years together!
