A large tree in downtown Chapel Hill has fallen victim to a strong storm that passed through the area on Sunday.
Officials say the tree at the corner of West Franklin and North Roberson streets – directly in front of DSI Comedy Theater and Carolina Brewery – lost “multiple large limbs” during the storm. The debris blocked the downtown sidewalk.
Officials said in an email that some outdoor seating and other property at Carolina Brewery was damaged but that no individuals were hurt.
The approximately 80-year-old tree was on the town’s “watch list” due to suspected internal rotting, according to the correspondence.
The damage caused by the storm, in addition to the disease afflicting the tree, led the town arborist to decide the tree’s stability had been compromised and was therefore a hazard to the public.
Crews began working to remove the tree on Monday.
This is the latest of several large trees that have been removed from Franklin Street recently due to decisions the trees had become hazards to the public. Officials say new trees that are native to North Carolina will be planted as replacements. The new planting will likely be done in the fall.
Photo via Sean Williams
Related Stories
‹
Crumbl Cookies Closes Chapel Hill Location After 3 Years In BusinessThe store, located in Suite 150 at 133 West Franklin St., first opened its doors in February of 2023. It was open for just over three years.
Al's Burger Shack Hailed as 'Best Cheeseburger in North Carolina'The website Fast Food Club named Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill as the best cheeseburger in North Carolina in a new list, which sought the best cheeseburger in every state. “The beef is locally sourced, the toppings are creative and seasonally inspired, and every burger is cooked with the kind of attention usually reserved […]
![]()
On Air Today: Supporting West Chapel Hill Businesses Through Street ConstructionLapin Blue owner Mike Benson, Baxter Bar and Arcade owner Nick Stroude, and Franklin Real Estate's Sammy Martin spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, February 24. They discussed some of the challenges facing Midway area businesses with recent construction on Rosemary St. They highlighted the appeal of the Midway district's locally owned businesses and "old Chapel Hill" vibe, and more.
Chapel Hill: UNC Visitors Center Evacuated Due to Gas LeakThe UNC Visitors Center, located at 134 East Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill, was evacuated Wednesday afternoon due to a gas leak. The Chapel Hill Fire Department initially responded to a report of the leak at 2:54 p.m., then began evacuating the building upon its arrival. A spokesperson for Enbridge Gas, which provides natural […]
News Around Town: Halloween on Franklin Street in 2025Read a conversation between Chapel Hill mayor Jess Anderson and 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey about Halloween on Franklin Street.
Shooting Near W. Franklin Street Injures 1; Chapel Hill Police Arrest SuspectThe Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a shooting along West Franklin Street Thursday evening which sent one person to the hospital.
Chapel Hill's He's Not Here Among The Athletic's 'Top 10 College Bars' for 2025A downtown Chapel Hill staple long known for its appeal to both UNC students, Tar Heel fans and visitors recently landed on a national list. The college football staff for The Athletic — a sports journalism magazine under the New York Times’ umbrella — named the 112 1/2 West Franklin Street bar He’s Not Here […]
Honduran, Latin American Food Truck Prepares to Open W. Franklin Street Restaurant on Sep. 5Chapel Hill is about to feature a new addition to its restaurant lineup: The Latin Effect, which is expanding from its food truck operations.
Chapel Hill Police: Body of Deceased Male Discovered Inside Siena Hotel; Franklin Street ReopenedA block of E. Franklin Street is shut down as authorities communicate with an individual who's barricaded themselves inside the Siena Hotel.
A New Bar, 'Extension' of Al's Burger Shack, Is Now Open in Downtown Chapel HillAl's Burger Shack at 516 West Franklin Street added another business to its operations, with the official opening of Puddin's Beer Shack.
›
