Bull City Proud: Work on Duke’s Centennial House Begins

Project is part of Duke partnerships addressing affordable housing

About two dozen Duke employees got to work Friday to put together part of the frame of the new Duke Centennial Habitat build. Photo by Bill Snead/University Communications and Marketing
Around two dozen Duke employees got to work Friday to put together part of the frame of the new Duke Centennial Habitat build. Photo by Bill Snead/University Communications and Marketing

Duke’s “Bull City” pride was in full sight as the lumber moved and the hammers pounded Friday morning to start off the university’s Centennial Habitat for Humanity house construction project.

The construction of the house at 300 East Enterprise Street was launched with speeches by President Vincent Price, Vice President of Duke Community Affairs Stelfanie Williams, Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and Habitat for Humanity officials.

The project is one of two Duke-led Habitat builds in the historically Black Hayti neighborhood. Duke Health is also working on a site around the corner on E. Umstead St.

The work is part of a larger university effort to collaborate with the city and local organizations to improve affordable housing in Durham, which is one of the Duke Community Affairs’ five priority issues.

“This partnership with Habitat is just one example of so many wonderful community partnerships,” Price said. “The future of Durham is bright, and Duke is delighted to be part of that future, thanks to Stelfanie and her team. There’s much more to come in our second century.”

Following the opening ceremony, around two dozen Duke volunteers got to work, measuring twice and cutting once as the house framing was put together.

The work continues, and volunteer shifts are currently available through the end of 2024. Signups for the project are available on the Durham Habitat website.

President Vincent Price puts a floorboard into place.
President Vincent Price puts plywood into place.
Rukmini Balu, associate vice president for Durham and community affairs, hands caulking to workers on the second floor.
Rukmini Balu, associate vice president of Duke community affairs, hands caulking to workers on the second floor.
Vice President Stelfanie Williams makes a mark during the build.
Vice President Stelfanie Williams makes a mark during the build.
The construction team assembled around the house frame they helped construct. Photo by Jared Lazarus