Research Triangle Park, United States
“Boxyard RTP”
With history of robust innovation, R&D and cutting-edge entrepreneurship, there were ample success stories at RTP, but one thing was always missing: a vibrant community to intertwine into this iconic place. Although RTP could stand on its own legacy, it was without a beating heart and in need of a "downtown" district.
Purpose of the Solution
Since the inception of Research Triangle Park (RTP), the Research Triangle Foundation (the Foundation; stewards of RTP), knew that RTP must adapt and evolve to stay competitive. Given its reputation as America's largest research park, and history of robust innovation, R&D work, and cutting-edge entrepreneurship, there were ample success stories but one thing that was always missing: a vibrant community to intertwine into this iconic place. Although RTP could stand its own legacy, it was without a beating heart and in need of a "downtown" district. This unique evolution is segmented in spurts of growth leading to the vision of its future with Hub RTP. While the Park's story starts with the revitalization of a former IBM campus known as Frontier RTP, and a shipping container beta-site known as Boxyard, the Foundation always envisioned transformative growth on a grand scale. As stewards of RTP, the Foundation leaned forward on a bold vision to repurpose 100 acres into RTP's new, vibrant downtown. With Frontier RTP leading, Boxyard RTP came second to provide a beta-test prior to the execution of it's long-time vision and future, HUB RTP. Each providing unique solutions, first-of-it's kind services, with environmentally sustainable and diverse commitments.
Impact
Boxyard arose as the first social district of it's kind in r In true inventive fashion, RTP handpicked each vendor for Boxyard RTP from its own backyard, bringing a diversified cohort of local, culturally diverse entrepreneurs within food, beverage, retail, and performing arts, all from the surrounding Triangle Region. All 14 vendors come from many different backgrounds, ranging from fine dining to food trucks. To note, this also gave these emerging entrepreneurs their first chance at a brick-and-mortar without the overhead cost and collateral that comes with opening a storefront, given the $10 million investment from the Research Triangle Foundation. The Foundation addressed all the early needs of the entrepreneurs (ex: kitchen, furnishings, upfitting, etc.) to reduce risks endemic to early stage growth and increase the chances of success for each individual venture. While the structure was filled with the vibrancy of local entrepreneurs, its exterior was also built for show. A local minority artist was commissioned to turn a CMU wall into a breathtaking mural on discovery, community, and history within our built-in environment: the Triangle. The Foundation has also committed to supporting environmentally-friendly transportation options with RTP Connect, a subsidized Lyft program within RTP with stops at Boxyard
What is innovative about it?
This project has been nothing but innovative. Whether you look at the diversity of the entrepreneurs, the inclusion of the community at large, the equity in the access, or the sustainability and eco-friendly aspect- it embodies innovative and inclusive culture. To have a locally driven social district in the center of a research park is ingenious. We believe in this concept and so do our partners at NC IDEA, a local entrepreneurial philanthropy that partnered on a concept for “PopBox”. PopBox is a 320-square-foot shipping container within Boxyard RTP on the principles of propelling BIPOC and woman-owned retail concepts back into the market in light of COVID-19. In partnership with NC IDEA, grantees are awarded $5,000 and temporary space located directly across Boxyard RTP’s award-winning venue space. On the weekends, you can find pop-up markets being held in the parking lot to support other local entrepreneurs outside of the Boxyard and a variety of grass-roots organizations. With local live music playing four nights per week, and pop-up fitness classes being held on Saturday mornings, we’ve found a way to dive into every niche of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem to feel inclusion and equitable access within RTP.
Who are the main users?
A wide array of guests have been welcomed to RTP. People engaging in Boxyard vary from local entrepreneurs and employees at the Frontier RTP campus, families from the local community, international visitors, and the 60,000 employees from RTP companies. It's had huge impact in the Triangle community and beyond.
Who runs it?
The Research Triangle Foundation is a mission-based 501(c)(3) non-profit which strives to serve the residents of North Carolina through economic development partnerships and initiatives. We're team of individuals who lead, facilitate, and collaborate in accordance with the mission of the Research Triangle Park to keep RTP moving forward and thriving.