American Tobacco River Comes to Life

The Durham Fire Department helped begin the process of filling the river.

Things are cooling off at the American Tobacco Historic District in downtown Durham. The man-made river built through the heart of the 16-acre complex has been filled with approximately 440,000 gallons of water.

On Tuesday, July 13, 2004, the Durham Fire Department stopped by to begin the process of making the river flow. A Pumper Truck shot water into the southern pool in order to prime the 67,000 gallon underground reservoir.

CBC's Michael Goodmon (right) and Mike Higgins of Bovis Lend Lease put the finishing touches on the water feature.

The riverwalk provides the perfect setting for evening entertainment.

The entire water feature took about 6 days to fill. The water flows north to south on the campus, cascading over waterfalls, under bridges, through stepping stones and circle the Lucky Strike water tower.

The one-of-a-kind water feature will be a focal point for the next Durham Alive After Five on Thursday, July 29, 2004. The event will be held in the courtyard under the water tower for the first time.

Dianne Pledger (left) , President of the Hayti Heritage Center, introduces WRAL-TV/FOX50 Anchor Gerald Owens to the crowd.

A large crowd attend the concert and got a glimpse of the newly renovated American Tobacco Historic Distric.

The riverwalk has already been the setting for one big evening event. On Saturday, July 24, 2004, the amphitheatre under the Lucky Strike tower was christened with a jazz concert. "Jazz Under the Stars" began after the Durham Bulls game and gave fans and other visitors a chance to see the American Tobacco renovation up close. The concert featured the Ellis Marsalis Quartet which includes Branford Marsalis.

Thanks to the American Tobacco District for these capcom photos.