Mixed use plans at Wake Forest University

Image: Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University has unveiled plans to build a 100-acre mixed-use development in an area in Winston-Salem surrounding some of northwest North Carolina’s iconic major event venues.

Wake Forest University said The Grounds would blend retail, dining, residential, and office in one vibrant community hub and enhance Winston-Salem’s landscape and bolster its reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

Wake Forest University is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (US). Founded in 1834, the university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, North of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Grounds will be situated among key venues including the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, David F. Couch Ballpark, Wake Forest Tennis Center, and Winston-Salem Fairgrounds & Arena.

The Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a 14,407-seat multipurpose arena in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (US). Construction of the arena began on April 23rd, 1987, and it opened on August 28th, 1989.

The Grounds will be developed by Carter and Front Street Capital, in partnership with the City of Winston-Salem and the university.

Its amenities will provide new options to enhance the experience for the more than 750,000 patrons who attend events in the area each year.

Existing attractions held over 260 event days per year include Wake Forest and ACC sports, the Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem Thunderbirds games, the ATP Winston-Salem Open, and numerous concerts and shows throughout the year.

The Grounds is the evolution of an area with a rich history as the home of storied music clubs on Baity Street, the stage for memorable athletic match-ups, and the site of countless world-class concerts and special events.

The Grounds will serve as a gathering place to welcome the broader Winston-Salem community year-round with food and beverage options, gathering spaces, activities, walking trails, and a new style of residential living.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said, “Today marks a pivotal moment for Winston-Salem as we transform a vision into reality. The plans for this project are more than just renderings and drawings; they are a roadmap to a new era of vibrancy and opportunity for our city.

“The Grounds represents another key step in the growing momentum in this strategic and critical portion of our city, building on the successful rebirth of Whitaker Park and the expansion of the Senior Services Center. I am excited to see this redevelopment emerge as part of this thriving corridor and as a cornerstone of our city’s future.”

Wake Forest University President Dr. Susan R. Wente added,“By creating a dynamic place that blends residential, commercial, athletic stadiums, and welcoming public gathering spaces, we are reimagining the University’s role as a community partner.

“This development will enhance the student experience, attract new talent, and contribute to the city’s overall vitality. We believe The Grounds will create a common ground for all.”
 
Carter and Front Street Capital will officially break ground on the first phase of the project in December, which will include:

• A pedestrian-friendly retail village featuring a central lawn adjacent to a new Deacon Walk that will serve as a gateway to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The more than 40,000 square foot village will comprise local and regional chef-driven restaurants, boutique shops with integrated patios, and plentiful outdoor community gathering spaces. Loft-style residential units will be situated above retail buildings, adding density and activity to the central plaza area.
• A 240-unit Residential Community with elevated amenities, greenspace views, and pedestrian access to the retail village.
• A 100,000 square foot Office Building intended to be leased by Wake Forest University.
• Infrastructure improvements utilizing a $35 million grant allocated by the State of North Carolina that include road improvements, restoration of Silas Creek, and the construction of a paved, landscaped walking trail that will provide pedestrian connectivity throughout The Grounds and be a unique community amenity.

 
Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie said, “For more than 80 years, The Grounds site and surrounding venues have brought together people from around the state and country along with local residents for big Deacon victories, memorable concerts, special events, world-class sports contests or just good food and fellowship.

“The Grounds represents a new era of year-round fun, elevating our goal of providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina. Wake Forest and the City of Winston-Salem operate the largest sports and entertainment facilities west of Greensboro and north of Charlotte in the state of North Carolina, and we are proud to partner with Mayor Joines, our Winston-Salem City Council, and our colleagues at Carter and Front Street Capital on this transformational development for the entire community.”

Carter and Front Street Capital bring a nationally recognized track record of building similar, dynamic mixed-use projects both locally and around the country with Front Street Capital’s development of Bailey South in Winston-Salem and Carter’s projects The Banks in Cincinnati and Summerhill in Atlanta.

Carter and Front Street Capital selected the national architecture firm Nelson to serve as the project’s architect based on their success leading similar large-scale, mixed-use projects.

Nelson recently led the master development of The Battery, the new home of The Atlanta Braves and the nation’s first master-planned mixed-use development anchored by a professional sports stadium.

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