Chapel Hill is expanding outdoor dining, pedestrian zones onto Franklin Street

Posted Aug 1, 2020
Parts of Chapel Hill's Franklin Street will open up for walking and outdoor dining as the town shuts down a lane on each side of the road, town leaders said. Town leaders hope partially closing UNC’s main thoroughfare will boost business on Franklin Street after UNC sent its students home in March — and allow for more social distancing for pedestrians on sidewalks. (Raleigh News & Observer)

Related: Campus Connections

UNC-Chapel Hill announces plans to develop campus extension in Carolina North
UNC is proud to announce the development of a new campus extension in Carolina North, a generational investment in its academic mission, public impact, and...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

He's Not Here postcard mural sends visitors lasting scenes of Chapel Hill's charm
In 2013, local Chapel Hill artist and UNC graduate Scott Nurkin completed the iconic Chapel Hill postcard mural by the back entrance of He’s Not...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

Two UNC Alums Earn Forbes 30 Under 30 Nods
Two University of North Carolina graduates, media entrepreneur Anne Marie Hagerty ’18 and tech innovator Sheel Patel ’24, were named to the 2026 Forbes 30...
Wed Jan 21, 2026

UNC startups create $8 billion in yearly economic impact
UNC-affiliated startups and commercialization activities generated nearly $8 billion in economic impact across North Carolina over the past year, according to the University’s innovation and...
Mon Jan 19, 2026