Introducing Longfellow’s Newest Project in Chapel Hill
Longfellow Real Estate Partners is thrilled to introduce their latest downtown development project, set to redefine Chapel Hill’s West Franklin Street. Located at 306 W. Franklin Street, this ambitious redevelopment spans a 2.35-acre site across eight stories to create a transformative campus.
This state-of-the-art project will feature up to 380,000 square feet of research laboratory and office space, with additional retail and tenant amenity spaces thoughtfully integrated along both Franklin Street and Rosemary Street. The design of the building will include one level of subterranean parking, accommodating approximately 100 vehicles, with additional parking needs met through partnerships with Chapel Hill’s town parking services.
A key focus of the project is enhancing the local pedestrian experience. The development will offer entry points from both West Franklin and West Rosemary Streets, with the ground floor thoughtfully stepped back to improve access to retail spaces and enhance public views. The laboratory building will also feature a central courtyard / pocket park, offering transitional gathering areas and a new pedestrian and bicycle connection between Franklin Street and the Northside neighborhood. The retail spaces will be programmed with local flavor, exclusively featuring local businesses. Similarly, areas will be set aside for murals by local artists. No chains will be present, ensuring the space reflects the unique character of Chapel Hill.
Until now, the town of Chapel Hill has lacked a dedicated space to house and commercialize the groundbreaking ideas emerging from the University of North Carolina (UNC). So, a key aspect of this development is its role in retaining the incredible talent that Chapel Hill has produced for decades. Entrepreneurs and innovators have often had to move to Durham or RTP to find suitable facilities. This project seeks to change that by offering flexible options that can accommodate entire floors and up to 100 employees, providing the space needed for growth and innovation without ever leaving Chapel Hill.
As the development moves forward, it seeks to become an integral part of the thriving Chapel Hill community, reinforcing the collaboration between the town and the university to create a vibrant, diverse, and pedestrian-friendly downtown that continues to attract talent and foster innovation.
The Chapel Hill project was overwhelmingly approved by Chapel Hill Town Council last November as Longfellow hopes to break ground on the project later in 2025.