Joe Hakan
Joe Hakan is responsible for some of the most enduring structures in our community. A tireless supporter of both Chapel Hill and its University, he was a fixture in town and gown events for more than half a century. Born in Joplin, Missouri, Joe attended Duke University’s School of Engineering on the G.I. Bill upon completing his Naval service. After graduation, his loyalties shifted to a lighter shade of blue
when he became director of engineering, planning and construction for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Notable projects during his tenure include Carroll Hall and the Morehead Planetarium Sundial. In 1963, Joe struck out on his own, forming Hakan/Corley & Associates. The engineering and architectural firm operated for 30 years, designing the Siena Hotel, NCNB Plaza, and the Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Joe’s devotion to the University had grown so great that supposedly, when the Smith Center was being built, he
banned anything with the logo of a collegiate team other than the Tar Heels and presented every crew member with a Carolina blue hard hat to wear on the job site.
Joe was an early and vocal advocate for urban planning and affordable housing. He was a member of the Chapel Hill Planning Board during the late 1950s and early 1960s when Chapel Hill was just beginning to develop beyond downtown. He was on the board when it approved plans for Eastgate Shopping Center and also served on the Chapel Hill Appearance Commission as well as Drug Action Committee. Energetic, passionate and funny, Joe never met a stranger and remembered something about everyone he met. He was a noted storyteller and happily regaled audiences of any size with his tales. He also was an active civic leader, presiding over the Public-Private Partnership, the Downtown Commission and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. Joe also was a member of the East Chapel Hill Rotary. His devotion to the community was recognized in 1989 with the Community Service Award and in 1990 with the Chapel Hill News’ Clout Award.
For his foundational role in designing and building some of our community’s most beloved structures and for being a pillar of civic engagement, we are proud to induct Joe Hakan into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
when he became director of engineering, planning and construction for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Notable projects during his tenure include Carroll Hall and the Morehead Planetarium Sundial. In 1963, Joe struck out on his own, forming Hakan/Corley & Associates. The engineering and architectural firm operated for 30 years, designing the Siena Hotel, NCNB Plaza, and the Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Joe’s devotion to the University had grown so great that supposedly, when the Smith Center was being built, he
banned anything with the logo of a collegiate team other than the Tar Heels and presented every crew member with a Carolina blue hard hat to wear on the job site.
Joe was an early and vocal advocate for urban planning and affordable housing. He was a member of the Chapel Hill Planning Board during the late 1950s and early 1960s when Chapel Hill was just beginning to develop beyond downtown. He was on the board when it approved plans for Eastgate Shopping Center and also served on the Chapel Hill Appearance Commission as well as Drug Action Committee. Energetic, passionate and funny, Joe never met a stranger and remembered something about everyone he met. He was a noted storyteller and happily regaled audiences of any size with his tales. He also was an active civic leader, presiding over the Public-Private Partnership, the Downtown Commission and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. Joe also was a member of the East Chapel Hill Rotary. His devotion to the community was recognized in 1989 with the Community Service Award and in 1990 with the Chapel Hill News’ Clout Award.
For his foundational role in designing and building some of our community’s most beloved structures and for being a pillar of civic engagement, we are proud to induct Joe Hakan into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.