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

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Shares Downtown Transit, Parking Payment and Sidewalk Updates
The Town of Chapel Hill provided a pair of alerts for motorists and pedestrians visiting the downtown area: one involving transit-related purchases, and another involving sidewalk access. The local government said that a pedestrian detour at 136 East Rosemary Street began Thursday, May 18, and will run through the end of June. A contractor is […]
Chapel Hill Prepares for No Right on Red Rule to Go Into Effect at Select Intersections
An ordinance prohibiting turning right on red at several intersections in Chapel Hill will go into effect on October 31. The Chapel Hill Town Council passed the ordinance during its meeting on October 2, two years after a similar ordinance had previously discussed and pulled from the council’s agenda. The town’s Transportation and Connectivity Advisory […]
Chapel Hill Town Council Considers Right on Red Light Ordinance
Before its meeting on September 11, the Chapel Hill Town Council had a driving ordinance in the consent agenda that would prohibit turning right during a red light at certain intersections, mainly downtown. But that item was pulled from the consent agenda, and it now has reappeared as a discussion item for the council’s meeting […]
No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget
Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.
Orange County Clerk of Court Mark Kleinschmidt Wins State, National Honors
Orange County Clerk of Superior Court Mark Kleinschmidt has been recognized with two awards – one statewide and one national – in recognition of his service. Kleinschmidt received the North Carolina Guardianship Association’s Trailblazer Award last week in Asheville, recognizing his two terms as Clerk of Superior Court and Probate Judge. In legal terms, guardianship […]
Berry, Miller-Foushee Reelected to Chapel Hill Town Council; Newcomers Rivers, McMahon Earn Most Votes
With the early vote totals and nearly all of Chapel Hill's precincts reported on Tuesday night, the Chapel Hill Town Council election appears unofficially decided.
2025 Candidate Introductions: Chapel Hill Municipal Races
Five candidates for Chapel Hill Town Council are vying for four seats — two of which are open — while the mayor's election is unopposed.
Chapel Hill: Mayor Pro Tem Amy Ryan on Good Neighbor Initiative, Flood Response and Upcoming Events
Chapel Hill Mayor Pro Tempore Amy Ryan joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Thursday, August 14.
EPA Advisor, Former Professor Louie Rivers III Announces Bid for Chapel Hill Town Council
Louie Rivers III, a social science advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and former professor, announced his bid for the Chapel Hill Town Council this week. Rivers is one of six candidates who have announced bids for the four available seats on the council this fall. “Since the last presidential election, I have become […]
Chapel Hill Council Approves 300+ New Apartments, Retail Space on S. Elliott Road
The Chapel Hill Town Council approved a conditional zoning request for 200 South Elliott Road, paving the way for a new apartment community.
›