Downtown Chapel Hill

A long effort to spark entrepreneurship at UNC is starting to pay off, and downtown Chapel Hill is starting to see the benefits. 💙

For years, the university has worked to turn its research into businesses. This is particularly important for a town looking to attract more companies and build a downtown economy that doesn’t slow down when students leave for the summer.

👉 Swipe to learn more

Today and tomorrow, the Savannah Bananas are taking over UNC’s Kenan Stadium, and downtown is getting in on the action. Restaurants and bars throughout the area are serving up game-day specials all weekend, so there’s plenty to enjoy even if you don’t have a ticket. 🍌🍌

Before you head out, a few tips: downtown will see a big uptick in foot and vehicle traffic, so give yourself extra time. 🕕Parking decks and lots are expected to fill early, and special event pricing may apply. The Tar Heel Express shuttle is a great alternative; grab your pass while they’re still available. 🎟️

👉 A quick reminder for downtown businesses: UNC’s Admitted Student Days are coming up, with visits scheduled for March 7, March 28, April 25, and May 2.

That means many Tar Heels and their families will be exploring Chapel Hill–and making their way to our downtown streets. 💙

🔷 This is a prime opportunity to engage with them and make a memorable first impression. Think themed menu items or promotions tied to UNC colors and welcome signage for new Tar Heels!

Starting March 6, the OWASA team will begin preparations to replace the water main on W. Rosemary Street from N. Roberson Street to Mitchell Lane (Phase 2).

👉 W Rosemary Street from N. Roberson Street to Mitchell Lane will only be open to those working, residing, or visiting locations within the active construction area. Detour signs will be in place at E. Main Street, N. Merritt Mill Road, N. Graham Street, and Church Street to direct through traffic to W. Franklin Street.

👉 The bike lane on W. Rosemary Street from N. Merritt Mill Road to Andrews Lane will be closed until May or June. Cyclers are asked to share the road with motorists in this area.

📌 Visit owasa.org/rosemary/ for more info about the project and traffic impacts

Eats2Seats (E2S), a UNC-founded company that’s employed 38,000+ workers across 13 states, is relocating its headquarters to The PITCH at 462 West Franklin Street, right in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill. 🏢

E2S founder Mary Laci Motley (BSBA ‘21) bootstrapped this company as a sophomore at UNC. Today it’s a national platform serving universities, tournaments, and venues across the country, and it’s staying rooted in Chapel Hill. 💙

The PITCH will be reimagined as a true “third space” on Franklin Street where students, founders, and the community can gather, collaborate, and build real-world business experience.

📍 The ribbon cutting will be on Monday, March 9.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the CHDP Open House in February! 🙌

This event was a valuable opportunity to discuss the core purpose of the Partnership and share recent progress on key initiatives, particularly our clean and green efforts in downtown.🌳

If you were unable to attend, we welcome you to reach out to our team. We’re happy to bring you up to speed on what was discussed.

Calling all Chapel Hill businesses! The Savannah Bananas coming to Chapel Hill this April is a huge opportunity for local businesses to drive foot traffic and engage visitors. ⚾️🙌

👉 Swipe to see how businesses can get involved.

📍The Town of Chapel Hill is looking to help amplify business’ participation in this event. Fill out the form linked in our bio by Feb 24 to be featured.

👉 Discover how the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership is strengthening the heart of our community by fostering a welcoming, dynamic downtown.

Join us on Friday, Feb 20 at Innovate Carolina Junction to meet the board members and learn more about the changes and progress we’ve made over the last few months in downtown! 💙

📍When: Friday, Feb 20, 10-11 AM
📍Where:

📌 RSVP at the link in our bio

When you walk through downtown Chapel Hill, you might not think about what it takes to keep our streets clean, our sidewalks welcoming, and our businesses supported. But behind the scenes, there’s a dedicated team working every day to make sure downtown looks and feels its best. 🌳

We’re proud to share what our partnership with Block by Block has accomplished in Q4 2025 in helping us work towards a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant downtown. 🤝

👉 Swipe to see the numbers and what they mean for our community!

📌 Visit our website to learn more about our mission and clean & green initiatives.