Blue Sky Robotics, which has been headquartered in downtown Chapel Hill since its founding in 2023, will be moving to the Innovate Carolina Junction building at 136 East Rosemary Street. The company is currently located in the Hill Commercial Building on 142 East Franklin Street.
In a presentation to the Chapel Hill Town Council Wednesday night, Town Economic Development Director David Putnam discussed a proposed economic development incentive package to help BlueSky’s downtown expansion. The package includes a parking credit for up to 30 spaces valued at $52,200 annually across the next five years and a $57,000 cash grant for the next five years. Putnam’s presentation said Blue Sky would provide 152 full-time jobs with average salaries at or above $77,303. He also noted the competition among other American cities to host Blue Sky, including two potential locations in Texas.
“Innovative companies like Blue Sky Robotics have a lot of choices for locations, especially for their headquarters,” Putnam said in an official town release. “Chapel Hill’s quality of life, access to talent, strong connections with UNC, and civic infrastructure were all factors in their decision to expand here — and the incentive package served as the icing on the cake.”
Prior to Putnam’s presentation, the Blue Sky project was known by the codename “Project Stark Tower,” an homage to the popular Marvel character and engineer Tony Stark — also known as Iron Man.
Blue Sky Robotics was founded by Steven King, an associate professor in UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media. In a statement, King said Chapel Hill “is the right choice” for his business, and a place “where innovation is a part of the culture.”
“Our team is incredibly excited about what’s ahead,” King said, “and truly thankful for the town’s support.”
The Innovate Carolina Junction building officially opened in September 2023. Its construction was part of a larger redevelopment of the Rosemary Street area, including a new parking deck at 125 East Rosemary Street and a proposed pocket park project which has since been put on hold.
Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Brighton McConnell
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