Golden Belt is getting two new tenants come September: Shodor, a math-science education nonprofit and Republic of Fun, a social-game designer.

Shodor, currently quartered in the Durham Centre building downtown, is taking an 8,500-square foot, custom-built space in the renovated factory complex on East Main Street.

The firm picked Golden Belt over a location in the Research Triangle Park.

"Shodor was born in Durham, and remaining at the center of such a vibrant, entrepreneurial area was important," said Executive Director Robert Panoff.
Republic of Fun, a 4-year-old company whose employees originally worked from their homes, is moving into an official office of 3,000 square feet.

“We thought Golden Belt was a perfect match for the growth of our game company.  This is  becoming a hub of creative, technology-based companies,“ said company President Mike Rasmussen.

Golden Belt was originally a factory manufacturing cloth for the small bags in which loose smoking tobacco was sold. Built in 1910, it was bought in 2007 by Scientific Properties and remodeled for residences, art studios and office space.