by Liz Templeton | June 19, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Chapel Hill
Friends of the Downtown Meeting

Thursday, June 28, 2018
Coffee at 9:30 | Program at 10:00

Founding the People’s Improv Theatre by Ali Farahnakian

Ali Farahnakian, UNC ’90  and former “Saturday Night Live” writer, recently opened his third Peoples Improv Theater in the former DSI Comedy Theatre space on West Franklin Street. He founded The Peoples Improv Theater (The PIT) in New York to provide both shows and classes in improv, sketch comedy, writing, public speaking, production, as well as corporate workshops.  The PIT has produced several notable alumni, such as Ellie Kemper (from The Office, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and 21 Jump Street) and Kristen Schall (from The Last Man on Earth, 30 Rock, Toy Story 3 and HBO’s Flight of the Conchords).

Ali will inform us about The PIT, his re-introduction to Chapel Hill, and his plans for The PIT’s continued growth and success.  As is our custom, he will answer all your questions in a lively Q&A session following his presentation.

This month’s gathering of the Friends of the Downtown will take place at The PIT on West Franklin Street. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30.  News of the Downtown, including comings and goings (but more importantly rumors) will begin promply at 10 a.m.

The PIT
462 W Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
919-240-5012

12 free parking spaces behind The PIT on West Rosemary Street until it fills up! Or use two nearby surface lots on West Franklin Street just across from The PIT.  For other parking see ParkOnTheHill.com.

by Liz Templeton | May 17, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Chapel Hill
Friends of the Downtown Meeting

Thursday, May 31, 2018
Coffee at 9:30 | Program at 10:00

Innovation Framework by UNC College of Arts & Sciences

Senior Associate Dean Chris Clemens will discuss plans for a new Institute for Convergent Science that will speed the translation of basic research into solutions to the worlds most pressing challenges.  He will also update the group on plans for a new science building that will house the Institute and support its mission to engage in economic development for the State.  This includes enabling entrepreneurship, developing new technology licenses, and training the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs.

This month’s gathering of the Friends of the Downtown will take place in The Franklin Hotel. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30. Starting promptly at 10 a.m will be news of the downtown, with our speaker directly after. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The Franklin Hotel
311 W Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
919-442-9000

Free parking below and behind the hotel until noon. For other parking see ParkOnTheHill.com.

by Liz Templeton | April 16, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Chapel Hill
Friends of the Downtown Meeting

Thursday, April 29, 2018
Coffee at 9:30 | Program at 10:00

Friends, Food, Table, & Our Environment at La Residence Restaurant

Come hear our speaker, Fran Gualtieri and the staff of La Residence Restaurant, speak about running one of the most unique and popular downtown restaurants.  Be prepared to be delighted!  This meeting will also include special door prizes!

Arts talk about Current ArtSpace + Studio. It’s a new kind of arts venue where no two experiences are ever the same!

This month’s gathering of the Friends of the Downtown will take place in La Residence Restaurant on Rosemary. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30. Starting promptly at 10 a.m will be news of the downtown, with our speaker directly after. Meetings are free and open to the public.

La Residence Restaurant
202 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill
919-967-2506

Parking will be available in the 140 West underground lot.  Enter the lot from Rosemary. For other parking see ParkOnTheHill.com.

by Liz Templeton | March 15, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Chapel Hill
Friends of the Downtown Meeting

Thursday, March 29, 2018
Coffee at 9:30 | Program at 10:00

Current ArtSpace + Studio

Come hear our speaker, Amy Russell, Director of Programming, Carolina Performing Arts talk about Current ArtSpace + Studio. It’s a new kind of arts venue where no two experiences are ever the same!

This month’s gathering of the Friends of the Downtown will take place in Current ArtSpace + Studio in Carolina Square. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30 in the corner glassed space just off the circle at the end of the new section of Church Street. Starting promptly at 10 a.m, in the performance space next door, will be news of the downtown, with our speaker directly after. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Carolina Square
123 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
919-914-6267

Parking will be available in the deck.  Enter the deck behind Alumni Hall and drive straight in.  The elevator is located to your right and has access from each floor of the parking deck. For other parking see ParkOnTheHill.com.

by Liz Templeton | February 23, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Chapel Hill
Friends of the Downtown Meeting

Thursday, February 22, 2018
Coffee at 9:30 | Program at 10:00

Updates From The Town Staff: Downtown Development Update

Members of the Town Staff will present a Downtown Development update, information about the next phase of the Downtown Work Plan, and information on parking changes. Come prepared to participate in each Q&A session immediately following their presentations. 

This month’s gathering of the Friends of the Downtown will take place on the first floor of the AC Hotel. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30, news of the downtown, including comings and goings (and more importantly rumors) starting promptly at 10 a.m, with our speaker directly after. Meetings are free and open to the public.

AC Hotel
214 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill
(919) 969-2800

Free parking below the hotel until it fills up! Or use the 140 West Franklin underground lot just across Rosemary from the AC Hotel.  For other parking see ParkOnTheHill.com.

by Liz Templeton | January 15, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Chapel Hill
Friends of the Downtown Meeting

Thursday, January 25, 2018
Coffee at 9:30 | Program at 10:00

Dr. Gerry Bell: Lessons on Leadership

Dr. Gerry Bell is the founder of the Bell Leadership Institute here in Chapel Hill.  His leadership training programs are used by over 5,000 organizations around the world.  Dr. Bell also co-authored The Carolina Way: Leadership Lessons From a Life in Coaching with Dean Smith and Roy Williams.  You will not want to miss this valuable presentation or participating in his Q&A session.

This month’s gathering of the Friends of the Downtown will take place on the second floor of the Franklin Hotel. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30, with our speaker starting promptly at 10 a.m. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The Franklin Hotel, second floor
311 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
(919) 442-9000

Free parking below and behind the hotel until noon. For other parking see FranklinStreetParking.com

Cheers!
Pat Evans, Chair