WINSTON-SALEM | Development Guide

[winstonmd]

Seems like the Mayfair at Liberty apartment project as part of the Merschel Park/Liberty Plaza is dead as the development site is now listed for sale on the Cushman & Wakefield website as of 6/22/23:

https://multifamily.cushwake.com/Listings/30596

Hopefully soon we can get another new building to fill that vacant lot downtown. Has anybody heard anything about this project recently?

[yadkin]

Thanks for the post. "The Downtown area has over 27K employees and over 37K residents." 37k downtown - that's encouraging and way yonder more than was presented by Downtown W-S and other estimates. If that's a correct number should be more than enough for a downtown recognized supermarket.

[Matthew]

Finally, that ugly apartment building proposal that has been "On Hold" (for years!) on our project list is cancelled. I've wanted them to sell that site for over a year and can remember saying at WSTB that a park makes the site more valuable if they wanted to sell. I would also like to see them sell the two retail buildings to the north of The O'Hanlon Building. Mayfair doesn't do new construction. They are an adaptive-reuse developer. Thank you for the good news! Maybe now we will see something nice happen there.

And when developers select downtown and pitch to investors, they always bring-up the Innovation Quarter (IQ District) as the main reason for the investment. I see this site is being pitched as near the Innovation Quarter.

Originally Posted by Cushman & Wakefield

has seen an impressive rebirth as a hub for health sciences, technology, and research. The nucleus of all this recent activity, the Innovation Quarter, is only half a mile or a 10-minute walk from the Mayfair at Liberty Development Site.

Winston-Salem: The World's Leading Center for Regenerative Medicine Research Working to bring an end to transplant lists and organ rejection medication, through creating new organs in a lab with a patient's own cells. I don't know why "World's Leading Center for Regenerative Medicine" isn't on the welcome to the city signs?

[Matthew]

I agree with those who say this music is the real soundtrack for this city:
• Video Link

Smith Reynolds Airport Restoration:
Around 25-30 years ago, historians statewide pushed for the Carolinas Aviation Museum to be at this airport, because it's an amazing historic building that was among the best terminals of its time. It was mostly intact around the mid-1980s. These same historians were angry over the cheap renovations made to the building between 1987-1993 that removed the original impressive chandelier, destroyed part of the original marble fireplace in the luxury Sky Club, moved the mural after its restoration, covered the red brick building in white stucco, removed the upper floor's glass to create a Post Modern appearance, and covered the wood mosaic in the Sky Club. In the 1990s and into the 2000s, there was serious talk of demolition to build a new and more modern building. When it's restored, we will be thankful it's still standing. It's expected to become an attraction.

Compare these current photographs to the restoration renderings:

1987-1993 white stucco PoMo renovation:

Credit: Kyle Johnston

1941 This was the golden age of air travel:

Credit: Kyle Johnston

It's not just Streamline Moderne... it also has some Art Deco, like this vintage airplane frieze, below.

This was the only airport in the nation with artwork and a luxury lounge, including sculpture, murals, and the wood mosaic:

Credit: Kyle Johnston

The stained glass mural of the airport with different types of aircraft will be preserved in storage, until they can find a place for it. Again, this was an art-port, which no city attempted back then. Art only added to the cost of these buildings. Buildings like this, that many larger cities of that time couldn't match, are the reason you should love your city! This was a very wealthy city with a lot of "show projects" to show-off that wealth. This was one of them. It was intended to be the Carolinas hub of Eastern Airlines and show-off the city to those visitors changing planes. Back then, flying was expensive and was mostly business travel or for "upper income" travelers. Interestingly, the planes were also a wow thing to see back then. People would also go to the airport just to see the planes arrive and depart. The terminal was designed with multiple places to watch the planes, including the luxury Sky Club with outdoor observation that had food and drink. Now it's not something many think about when flying.

Your City

[DCMetroRaleigh]

I must say I’m relieved Mayfair won’t be developing this prime spot. The edifice of Roar is testament to the fact that they developer doesn’t do or complete classy cosmopolitan things.

[DCMetroRaleigh]

Our Rail Division is keeping full steam ahead exploring how to connect passenger rail service across NC!
@CityofWS & @greater_ws showed @NC_By_Train their restored Union Station and Long Branch Trail in the Innovation Quarter last week.
🚂 They're ready for more rail, are you?

[yadkin]

Sounds good and I’m sure local officials want rail service. But the last real discussion seems to be December 2021. There was some discussion at the State level in April this year, but that was linking the three cities of the so-called triad with rail service, which seems logical and should have already been done, but as usual no action.

The seemingly non sequitur is that there is not likely to be national or even intra-State rail service for W-S and while local officials try, outside support of W-S rail seems non-existent. Apparently W-S’s last chance at real rail service was the Asheville line, which was decided for Salisbury instead. There seems to be no logical reason to exclude a metro area of almost 700,000 from bona fide rail service.

[Matthew]

Projects & Construction:
I want to thank the photographers and local businesses, sharing updates on projects, who make this thread possible. Without you, these updates won't happen.

A new apartment proposal for downtown, interesting new art work at an apartment building, renderings for a proposed new hangar, and more new jobs reported in a sizable update! It sounds exciting!

• Video Link

Kaleideum Science Museum:


Credit: ellejayecee


Credit: Preservation Forsyth

At night, with the colored windows:

Credit: George Vigil

Loewy Building Apartments & Retail:
High Tide Capital will be the buyer for this building. They have agreed to allow the building's lead office tenant to stay until they can find new space. The Art Deco office building needed several major renovations, including major issues with the elevators and HVAC. It will be converted from office space to apartments and retail. This project is "contributing" inside the new downtown historic district (qualifies for tax credits) and is in an Opportunity Zone.

Interestingly, Simon Burgess / Mayfair made the highest bid of the ten offers made. However, that bid was turned-down. They wanted a developer with expertise in adaptive-reuse, probability to close, and the ability quickly complete projects.

Nationwide Marketing Headquarters:
Carroll H. Leggett described the new Italian restaurant, on the ground floor, as a "Long bar up front that runs parallel to the sidewalk for the full length of the restaurant. Two private dining areas. Maybe we will see an opening in 4-6 weeks? Regardless, going to be a treat and a welcome addition to the WS dining scene. Once culinary professionals see this kitchen, they are going to want to cook there, I bet! Winston-Salem. The Piedmont's Premier Dining Destination."


Credit: Carroll H. Leggett


Credit: Carroll H. Leggett


Credit: Carroll H. Leggett

Regenerative Medicine:
WFIRM and their kidney research team have been awarded the prestigious KidneyX Track 2 $1 Million Prize for work on their 3D kidney construct platform. This innovation holds potential to accelerate the regeneration of artificial kidneys capable of effectively replacing the function of natural kidneys.

Forsyth County Courthouse:


Credit: Forsyth County


Credit: Forsyth County


Credit: Forsyth County

4th and Green Apartments & Retail:

How bad is the smoke from the Canadian wildfires.... (4th and Green is the crane on the left)

Credit: The Ella Project

Mayfair Apartments at Liberty: Cancelled
winstonmd @ SSP Forum is reporting on this thread (above) Mayfair Apartments at Liberty is cancelled. According to that forum member, the site is listed for sale with Cushman & Wakefield as of June 22, 2023. It's not a loss. It opens the door for something nicer to happen here. This project has been "on hold" on our project list for years, with no movement at the site.

1782 George Stockburger House Restoration:

An update on the restoration of this 241 year old house:

Credit: stockburgerfarmhouse


Credit: stockburgerfarmhouse

Pepsi Bottling Ventures:
Pepsi Bottling Ventures will add two new soft drink filling lines, water filtration equipment, and more in an expansion that will add new jobs. We likely won't follow the construction of this project.

Two Cities:


Credit: Kevin


Credit: Kevin


Credit: Kevin


Credit: Kevin

Retail Leases:
Muddy Creek Cafe is looking into an expansion of their space, in a building constructed in 1775, for their live music, an ice cream counter, and more dining space. I would like to follow construction of this project, since it's located in a 248 year old building.

Liberty Plaza Renovation:
This is work to modernize a 50 year old office building that also has ground floor retail. Yes, it will stay office space with ground floor retail. They are very successful leasing the office space in this building and in attracting creative tenants to their space. Their retail space also does well. These before-and-after views show the big changes they are making and we can also see the proposed changes to the outdated parking deck. That parking deck (connected to the building with a skybridge) has needed a renovation for decades! Interestingly, the parking deck was very ahead of its time and has retail spaces facing the Liberty Plaza Building. The space between the building and parking deck's retail spaces is frequently activated with arts/music events.

Before-and-After Renderings:

Credit: OSSA


Credit: OSSA


Credit: OSSA

Renovations for the Liberty Plaza Deck with retail:

Credit: OSSA

New Life Science Jobs:
Cathtek will construct new clean rooms as part of an expansion. We likely won't follow construction of this project.

Artreaux Apartments:
The new artwork is called Khôra 2023 "The Space that Gives a Place for Being." Viator Design and Construction made and installed this sculpture.


Credit: Andrew Viator III


Credit: Andrew Viator III


Credit: Andrew Viator III


Credit: Darrell G Hawkins

Still under construction:

Credit: ForeverLawn of the Carolinas


Credit: High Rock Land & Hardscapes

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Alternative Transportation:

New Hangars:
Yes, another new hangar at Smith Reynolds Airport and we have a rendering, showing the four design ideas being considered for this new hangar. It also includes office space and a workshop area. Lindsey Architecture is the architect and Samet / Gilgeours Construction are partnering as the general contractor. Construction could begin in April 2024, with completion set for 2025.

Different design ideas:

Credit: Samet Corp

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Off-Subject:

Random Photograph:


Credit: Preservation Forsyth

Your City

[DCMetroRaleigh]

Thanks for the update, Matthew. That pic of the Artreaux with the mountains in the background is wild. In Winston, you usually don’t get the realization that those mountains are nearby unless you are in a tower.

[Matthew]

There are streets around the city that are named for their mountain views and homes in the city with views of mountains from their backyards. This is from someone who walked into the backyard of a house for sale to photograph the Winston-Salem skyline with mountains. I saw the mountains while driving-around the city and was able to photograph the skyline with them back in 2003, with my feet on the ground. The best place to photograph the skyline with mountains was a park near WSSU. I remember it was freezing cold and snowing on that trip, so not the best weather for photography. When I visit Winston-Salem during late-Fall and Winter, it usually snows on my trip. If you want Hanging Rock, Moore's Knob (highest point in the Winston-Salem MSA), and Sauratown Mountain in the background, that is easy. They are directly north of the skyline. Find a ridge top in the neighborhoods south of the skyline. If you want Pilot Mountain in the skyline, you have to photograph the skyline from the southeast. That was the park near WSSU.

Sauratown Mountains with Winston-Salem Skyline from Winston-Salem's Washington Park Neighborhood:

Credit: Unknown? (Saved Image Collection - 2011)

Looking for something big to talk about... I'll have something big in Sunday's update! If you're a facebook friend and have seen it already, please don't spoil the surprise.

[WSBornNBred]

You can get a great (albeit brief) view of the Sauratown mountains on Reynolda Road/Hwy. 67 heading north near Wake Forest University and Polo Road. It may depend on time of the year and tree cover.

[Matthew]

Projects & Construction:
I want to thank the photographers and local businesses, sharing updates on projects, who make this thread possible. Without you, these updates won't happen.

Our first "full" rendering of the proposed 16-storey luxury hotel & apartments and what could be a massive power plant investment? Also, Barcelona Burger finally opening at Bailey Power Plant? This is an exciting update!

• Video Link

The Depot Hotel & Residences:
Yes, the 16-storey luxury hotel and apartments project still active and we have a new rendering, showing the entire building from the northwest. This is not where I expected to find renderings for this project, but I guess it's a sign the project is out-of-the-bag and people have already seen a view of the project? It could also be a sign they are close to moving forward? Right now, we are just waiting for an announcement from developer Coury Hospitality and Front Street Capital.


Credit: Front Street Capital

I've heard it's designed to be half the height of neighboring Truliant Tower, but haven't seen any official numbers at this time. Speaking of Truliant Tower...

Truliant Tower:


Credit: WXII-TV 12

Testing color-changing LED lights:

Credit: Bryan Lewis

Blue and Yellow:

Credit: Bryan Lewis

Red:

Credit: Keith Stone

Friday (7/28):

Credit: Dale Briggs


Credit: Dale Briggs


Credit: Dale Briggs


Credit: Dale Briggs

4th and Green Apartments & Retail:


Credit: Michael Sears


Credit: Michael Sears


Credit: Michael Sears


Credit: Michael Sears

Eight West Third Apartments:
The name of this project has changed from 8 W 3, previously reported in the Journal, to Eight West Third Apartments, according to the developer (PMC Property Group). Interestingly, the building's phone number is (833) RENT-8W3. I do think PMC Property Group intended to name it that originally, but changed their mind. Amenities include solar shades, a business center with study pods, rooftop deck, and a resident lounge with billiards, table tennis & more. They have one and two bedroom units. The model unit is completed and open on the ground floor. Yes, it's now leasing, if you're interested! I like the bathroom in the model. These are nice and you can have a unit that has bedrooms with or without windows. I know some love the sounds of the city and others don't.


Credit: WXII-TV 12

A look inside:

Credit: PMC Property Group

The architect has now added it to their projects and are showing before photographs:

Credit: Garvin Design Group

Nissen Wagon Works Mixed-use: Cancelled
I was predicting one of these co-warehousing projects, announced last year, wouldn't happen and this appears to be the one that won't happen. The local developer has sold the site to M Group Companies in Dallas. M Group Companies is both an architecture firm and real estate developer known for investing in apartments, hotels, entertainment venues, and retail developments. Whatever they do with the site could be interesting... as long as they save the 1834 star smokestack.

Kaleideum Science Museum:


Credit: lightitupcarolina

Housing Boom:
A Denver-based company was denied for nearly 3,000 new houses, apartments, and retail along the border of Winston-Salem, next to Winston-Salem's Union Cross Business Park. This was proposed in addition to the many other residential developments, from other developers, approved recently. The reason it was denied was due to the lack of office space and they want this to be more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. They also said the amenities weren't being constructed for residents in the 600 houses they already completed in the same development. Yes, this would have around 3,500+ total housing units in one development, if it's resubmitted with requested changes and approved. Interestingly, this is the only development this international developer has in the Carolinas.

Tempo Hotel:
Someone from the architecture firm ODA was sharing this rendering in downtown Winston-Salem, at 500 West 5th, next to the convention center. Note the Embassy Suites Hotel at the Benton Convention Center, seen through the window. This rendering is the only information I have on this project. I know nothing about it.


Credit: CDS

Hanes Park Sports Facilities:
Work can restart on the M. Douglas Crater Field and Stadium when an underground water retention system is installed, along with new water and sewer lines. A vote on this work is scheduled for tomorrow.

Commercial Finance Building: Built!
With the opening of BUNKR Esports, this downtown Arts District development should be completed. BUNKR is the Triad's largest Esports and gaming center and the only one open to the public.


Credit: thegotowinstonsalem

Everything in Winston-Salem has a bar...

Credit: thegotowinstonsalem

LJVM Renovation:
The womens basketball locker room will be renovated. They are already pulling permits. LS3P is the architect.

Interstate 74:


Credit: Loralyn DiMuro Thomas

Notice any time new bridges are built or improvements are made to U.S. 52, they are designed to widen it to six lanes (three in each direction) in preparation for the conversion to Interstate-285. You can see new bridges designed for six lanes in the video, below.

• Video Link

Bailey Power Plant Tenants:
McAdams Engineering is the newest tenant at Bailey Power Plant's office space and they are hiring, if you're interested. In their own words: "We are expanding our reach throughout the Triad with the opening of a new office at the Bailey Power Plant in the Innovation Quarter of downtown Winston-Salem. Our own senior project manager, Jay Matey, PE, will be spearheading the opening of our new location. “Expanding across the state allows us to stay in front of development trends and investment in associated infrastructure while improving our accessibility for clients,” said our President and CEO, Mike Munn, PE. The Winston-Salem office, specifically, will be releasing additional information regarding possible employment opportunities over the coming months, stay tuned!"

Barcelona Burger is FINALLY preparing to open in Bailey South's retail spaces. According to Michael "We are coming soon last two steps!!! See you soon Winston Salem" I was told, at the old WSTB Forum, he is doing the work himself and that is the reason for the long delay. That and the long wait times for kitchen equipment.


Credit: thebarcelonaburgerbar

McCreary Football Complex: Built!
This project is now completed.


Credit: walterrobbsarchitects


Credit: walterrobbsarchitects


Credit: walterrobbsarchitects


Credit: walterrobbsarchitects


Credit: walterrobbsarchitects


Credit: walterrobbsarchitects

Ovation Sound:

View from the Control Room:

Credit: ovationsound

A New Belews Creek Power Plant:
WXII-TV 12 is reporting Duke Energy is looking into transitioning Belews Creek Steam Station power plant to a combination of advanced nuclear, hydrogen capable natural gas, solar, and energy (battery) storage. Duke Energy loves the metro Winston-Salem location and workforce. This site also already has the infrastructure and transmission system in place. They will rebuild/reuse on this site for their newest power plant, which must be in place by 2035. Duke Energy will make their announcement next month. It could be a very large project in both cost and size.

• Video Link

Weeks Facility:
Milwaukee-based developer Phoenix Investors is expected to close on the Weeks facility next month.

Artreaux Apartments:

Fitness Center:

Credit: Sharee Brown

Mailroom:

Credit: Sharee Brown

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Alternative Transportation:

Amtrak at Union Station:
So, the push from both the City and County level for region rail can now include NCDOT. Their Rail Division Director has taken a tour of the city and is working with both the City and County to include Winston-Salem on an expansion corrdior for interstate passenger service. NCDOT applied for the funding from the USDOT and NCDOT is exploring the city to learn and share what Winston-Salem has to offer in the attempt to bring Amtrak to Union Station.

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Off-Subject:

Random Photograph:

Winston-Salem Wetlands (Lotus Flowers represent purity, enlightenment, and new beginnings):

Credit: bestofwinstonsalem

Your City

[B-V-R]

So I guess I’ll be the first to opine on the Depot rendering. To me it’s almost like two different buildings stacked in top of each other. The bottom half I think looks amazing. I don’t hate the top but it seems like it doesn’t go with the bottom. I think the biggest issue is how much smaller the footprint is. It’s out of proportion to the bottom. I can’t tell what the red stripes are made of - if LED then that could be incredible. If some other kind of cladding then it might look better just continuing the windows to make it all glass.

Overall I like it and hope it gets built.

Edit to add - I suppose if it’s apartments above the hotel that would potentially require a smaller footprint to make the unit sizes work.

[vetteking]

Wow, this thread makes me want to visit Winston-Salem. I have been to Lumberton, NC and almost made to Charlotte but had to return back home for personal reasons. North Carolina is a beautiful state. Thanks for sharing all the developments in your area.

[westsalem18]

i figured this update would mention the purple crow news as they've taken one of the more infamous winston salem properties off the market....

[DCMetroRaleigh]

Members of the North Carolina Department of Transportation rail division met with the Winston-Salem mayor’s office and chamber of commerce, exploring the possibility of bringing passenger rail service to the city.

"Winston Salem is the largest city in the state without direct passenger rail service," said Winston Salem mayor Allen Joines. "So it behooves us and state DOT to make sure that gets corrected."

Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here

The NCDOT submitted an application for federal grant funding to the Corridor Identification and Development program, which helps with developing passenger train routes around the country. Twelve corridors were proposed in North Carolina, including connecting Winston-Salem to Raleigh and Charlotte.

https://www.wxii12.com/amp/article/winst...nger-rail-forsyth-county-amtrak/44693955

[Matthew]

The Depot Hotel & Residences is using the latest design fad. A brick-clad, stone, or precast base and a smaller footprint glazed tower above it. I like it and it's one of the better examples. Here in Atlanta, there is a similar stacked-box project with offices and residences: https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10000316&postcount=122

I haven't seen the Purple Crow news or I would've included it. My attention is maybe too focused on three proposed projects right now, at the expense of other things happening. I apologize for that. I'm still focused on those same three projects tonight and will make a call connected to one of them this weekend. Also, some of the sources that used the private message feature from the old WSTB haven't made the move here. This forum also has private messages, if any of them are reading this. So, what is the update (building)? That one is yours to share.

Rail is the hottest topic right now, with a lot of movement happening.

[DCMetroRaleigh]

The return of passenger rail service at Union Station would really boost the City’s self-esteem and overall attractiveness

[westsalem18]

They are buying the large Reynolds America building at Whitaker Park. The one with the empty fountain. This includes the portion that Cook Medical backed out of a while ago.

As for the rail, I don't understand the meaningful impact beyond the novelty. It's not like a large number of people will travel by rail regularly. This will have limited economical impact, but at least Winston Salem can say we have the same thing all the other big cities in NC have.

[DCMetroRaleigh]

Originally Posted by westsalem18

They are buying the large Reynolds America building at Whitaker Park. The one with the empty fountain. This includes the portion that Cook Medical backed out of a while ago.

As for the rail, I don't understand the meaningful impact beyond the novelty. It's not like a large number of people will travel by rail regularly. This will have limited economical impact, but at least Winston Salem can say we have the same thing all the other big cities in NC have.

Omission speaks volumes. What major or significant East Coast city doesn’t have an Amtrak stop? For those of us to travel between Winston and DC/NYC often, it’s huge.