WINSTON-SALEM | Development Guide

[yadkin]

Deacon Boulevard Development resuscitation - outstanding news and hopefully this time it will take and not wither. I still say (even with arguments against) that enclosing Groves Stadium will help. Also, I should like to see a real tennis stadium/venue for the Winston-Salem Open all of which would help Deacon Boulevard Development.

[DCMetroRaleigh]

Not to jinx it, but it looks like we have avoided a recession, although high interest rates will continue to stymie new development projects for a while.

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/08/16/rath...e-could-be-in-a-richcession-instead.html

[zalo]

Originally Posted by yadkin

Deacon Boulevard Development resuscitation - outstanding news and hopefully this time it will take and not wither. I still say (even with arguments against) that enclosing Groves Stadium will help. Also, I should like to see a real tennis stadium/venue for the Winston-Salem Open all of which would help Deacon Boulevard Development.

Agreed, its well past time that a full scaled master planned development gets executed on these grossly underutilized properties...I'm really looking forward to seeing the first renderings of what WFU/FrontSt/Carter have planned. Encouraged that Front St. is partnering with a developer with some expertise in this type of collegiate development. Carter's work on the old Braves/Turner Field project should be helpful in guiding them in the right direction.

YadkinV, I'm w/ you on the need for a true tennis stadium, something along the lines of Credit One Stadium in Charleston, SC. Its about 10,000 seats and is utilized a major concert venue for that city. With the recent positive change in facilities mgmt. of the Joel & other WFU venues, hopefully the new firm will advocate for Wake to put a renewed effort in building a stadium court. Which I seem to recall was part of the original plan for the tennis center when it was first going under development almost 10 years ago!

[yadkin]

I might be misremembering this (no doubt Matthew would know), but I seem to recall Flow’s original proposal was for a major tennis stadium with a retractable roof. or, was I just dreaming?

[zalo]

Originally Posted by yadkin

I might be misremembering this (no doubt Matthew would know), but I seem to recall Flow’s original proposal was for a major tennis stadium with a retractable roof. or, was I just dreaming?

When plans were announced back almost 10 years ago, the facility was one of the capital improvement projects that was being funded through the “ Wake Will” fundraising campaign. It described a “center court” type stadium but I do not recall anything of a retractable roof. There was discussion at the type of it being utilized for other entertainment options other than tennis (much like Credit One Stadium is)

[Matthew]

The Winston-Salem Open Tennis Stadium / Main Court proposal was only 4,500 seats on two levels and was expected to cost $10 million at the time of announcement. I don't remember a retractable roof over it. I remember it as an open-air proposal. Plans did include several luxury suites. It was visioned to host concerts and the NCAA Tennis Championships, in addition to the ATP World Tour / Winston-Salem Open. This project was never publicly cancelled, however I knew this project was cancelled when I saw the new rent-able seating that could be constructed in just a few days around the main court. Other cities, including here in Atlanta, use this rent-able seating for their ATP Tour events. However, the seating is just as quickly disassembled and moved to the next city/event renting it. There is no opportunity to host concerts or other events, since there is no permanent seating at the main court. I would like to see them construct a permanent facility and use it to host more events. They can also add more luxury seating to generate more revenue if they built a permanent seating bowl. Maybe they could also look into some type of cover/shade structure for the seating?

[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. If you can, please support any local businesses sharing photographs and thank them.

This post has over a billion dollars in new development, as well as new jobs and many construction update photographs. Very exciting!

This is from the 1990 Men's World Cup:
• Video Link

Kaleideum Science Museum:

Wednesday Evening (8/16):

Credit: Fam Brownlee


Credit: Deric Hunter


Credit: Deric Hunter


Credit: Fox 8


Credit: Fox 8


Credit: Fox 8

Makerspace:

Credit: Fox 8

Planetarium:

Credit: Fox 8

Eleventh Street Townhouses & Apartments:
The cost increased to $180 million. Currently, they are hiring the management team and completion is set for Spring 2024.

East Tower:


Credit: Fox 8

John Deere Electric Powertrain North American Headquarters:
The North American headquarters of John Deere Electric Powertrain will be built here. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders said, “John Deere could have established this new company anywhere in the world, but they chose North Carolina." Forsyth County Commissioner Don Martin said, “As the EV market grows, we are proud that Forsyth County leads industry adoption for construction equipment with this new headquarters." The company is now eligible for incentives from both Forsyth County and the One North Carolina Fund. Construction could start in Fall 2023, with completion set for 2025.

4th and Green Apartments & Retail:


Credit: Windsor Commercial

New Tenants/Leases:
The Royality Cafe will lease 415 North Trade Street.

1782 George Stockburger House Restoration:

Progress on the restoration of this 241 year old house:

Credit: Stockburger Farmhouse


Credit: Stockburger Farmhouse


Credit: Stockburger Farmhouse


Credit: Stockburger Farmhouse

Truist Stadium Upgrades:
This project was delayed by several revisions, such as changes to the batting cage area, moving the lower-level concession area, and changes to the team offices. It's now a three phase project, with Phase 1 meeting the MLB requirements; Phase 2 will relocate the concessions on the lower-level; and Phase 3 will construct the new office space for the Winston-Salem Dash baseball team, along with adding outfield restrooms.

Winston-Salem Open Tennis Facility:

• Video Link

Salem Bottling Works:
The developer is in the process of seeking the historic tax credits that will make the project feasible. Work can't start until he secures the tax credits.

Brouwerij DuBois:

Our first look inside this new craft beer brewery:

Credit: Brouwerij DuBois

Belews Creek Nuclear Power Plant:
Duke Energy will construct North Carolina's first nuclear power plant in 36 years in suburban Winston-Salem. Belews Creek Steam Station will apply for an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission around June 2025. Due to all of the permits and steps involved, construction wouldn't start until 2030. The last nuclear power plant built in North Carolina was in suburban Raleigh in 1987. Duke Energy's North Carolina president Kendal Bowman said, “This plan delivers a path to cleaner energy without compromising grid reliability, affordability, or the energy demands of a growing region." Federal funding will also be available to replace this old suburban Winston-Salem power plant with a modern nuclear power plant. Nuclear produces emission-free electricity 24 hours a day in any weather conditions. For those who want to know: The used nuclear fuel will be cooled in enclosed steel-lined concrete pools for 7-10 years and then stored on site in concrete storage containers that can withstand extreme events, like earthquakes, wildfires, and major hurricanes.

Bailey Power Plant Tenants:
Barcelona Burger is still in a "soft opening" phase, however they are now using the full food menu. Sadly, they are still waiting on their beer and wine license. When they are granted their beer and wine license, they will have an official grand opening.

• Video Link

• Video Link

I love seeing these outdoor spaces used, including the space on the other side of the building:

Credit: thebarcelonaburgerbar


Credit: thebarcelonaburgerbar

Corpening Plaza:
Checking on projects I'm sure you have questions about... This is a major project waiting on a bond ask. How major? Try over $4 million! There are structural issues, causing severe settling of the fountain walls. To make things worse, the pumps and motors are "at the end of their useful life" and must be replaced. It sounds like the City will have to completely rebuild this? When the City discusses bonds again, be sure this project is on the Parks bond ask and vote for the bonds.

Deacon Boulevard Redevelopment Site:
It's sort of new and sort of not. The LJVM Entertainment District project, from our project list, is now Deacon Boulevard Redevelopment Site. Atlanta-based developer Carter, best known for Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Summerhill in Atlanta, and The Banks in Cincinnati, as well as many other projects from Florida to Michigan, will partner with Front Street Capital to develop a mixed-use project with residential, retail/restaurant, hospitality (hotels), and entertainment around the LJVM Sports & Entertainment Complex and Whitaker Park. The goals of this development are stimulating economic activity and reinforcing Winston-Salem’s position as a leading tourism, sports, and entertainment destination. The sports venues that host ACC Power Five teams, the ATP World Tour Winston-Salem Open, the ice venue that hosts Winston-Salem Thunderbirds hockey, along with office space at University Corporate Center, and the Whitaker Park developments will anchor the project, which is expected to bring tourists and attract locals, in addition to attracting the many students in the area. Wake Forest Athletics Director John Currie said, “There is enormous potential for investment in this area which would not only bolster our goal of providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina, but also create year-round opportunities to gather and build community. Coming off an incredible year for Demon Deacon athletics events, plus a recent history of incredible concerts and special events like Paul McCartney in 2022 and Billy Strings in 2023 and the annual ATP Winston-Salem Open, the time is right to collectively create the most exciting live-work-play development in northwest North Carolina, which in turn will help attract even more major event opportunities.”

Replacing parking lots with mixed-use development is always great news:
• Video Link

Truliant Tower:
Workers will start installation of the sunburst in the middle of next month and should complete the signage by the end of next month.


Credit: WXII-TV 12

ProKidney Headquarters:
Regenerative medicine company ProKidney is seeking $310,141 from the City of Winston-Salem to build a 53,000 square-foot expansion of their headquarters. It's expected to be a $21 million office space and process development lab project.

The Byrum Apartments:

The Carpet Warehouse to be demolished for the new apartment building:

Credit: dylan.blackburn

Lofts @ Whitaker Park:
This project is over 60% complete and the first building should be completed by the end of the year. The second building will be completed in June 2024.

These are a month or two old, but new to us:

Credit: CWS


Credit: CWS


Credit: CWS


Credit: CWS


Credit: CWS

Theatre Alliance:
The Theatre Alliance is preparing to start work on their outdoor performance stage. This will allow for both indoor and outdoor performances.

Artreaux Apartments:


Credit: Special Effects - Wallpaper And More

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Alternative Transportation:

Rails-to-Trails Bicycle Commuter Highway Expansion:
The City has worked-out an agreement over who will build it, which should move this project a step closer to starting... next year.

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Off-Subject:

New WSSU Mascot:

• Video Link

Winston-Salem Open ATP Tour Event:

• Video Link

Your City

[Robinhood]

Temporary construction fencing was installed this weekend in the Innovation Quarter in the area bounded by 3rd, Research Parkway, and the Long Branch Trail, as well as the little triangle of gravel and concrete between Long Branch and the train tracks just south of Fogle.

One fork of the greenway that connects directly with 3rd is blocked, but greenway access is otherwise unimpeded.

[yadkin]

For what project?

[Robinhood]

Originally Posted by yadkin

For what project?

No idea. It's the area that appears on the master plan as Fogle Commons, three healthtech buildings, a multifamily residential building and "the railyard" shipping container complex. I have no idea if that master plan reflects current plans/strategies. https://www.innovationquarter.com/wp-con...aster-Plan-Final-Book_Screen-Reduced.pdf

[zalo]

Originally Posted by Robinhood

No idea. It's the area that appears on the master plan as Fogle Commons, three healthtech buildings, a multifamily residential building and "the railyard" shipping container complex. I have no idea if that master plan reflects current plans/strategies. https://www.innovationquarter.com/wp-con...aster-Plan-Final-Book_Screen-Reduced.pdf

Additionally, it was reported today in the WSJournal that AHWFB is reviving the ambulatory surgery center project initially proposed in 2010 adjacent to the main campus on Hawthorne Hill. Its suggested location is on the site of the old Post Office on Kerensky Street at Miller. The facility remains the same as first proposed: a 72,300 sq. ft. surgical center with 8 operating rooms, 2 procedure rooms, one robotic surgery training center, and one simulation operating room. The medical center will need state regulatory approval for the revised costs of the project, which originally was estimated to be $38.7 million, that figure being an additional $34.7 million. The cost overruns will be covered by cash reserves according to the medical center.

No word yet whether on whether NOVANT will once again protest this proposal as it competes directly with Medical Park Hospital. They filed a suit against the original one which resulted in a final decision by the state not to address the final NOVANT appeal, seemly clearing the way for the project, with WFB at the time releasing a statement that "it would be analyzing the full scope of the project and updating our planning assumptions before we outline a timeline for the project" which leads us to now.

There is so much property between Medical Center Blvd & Miller St. that I hope that AHWFB is considering a comprehensive mixed use project that effectively utilizes all the property contained in that area. There is so much potential for a really dynamic development there.

[Matthew]

The construction fencing is likely for infrastructure work on the Innovation Quarter's second phase and Fogle Commons. We are expecting work to start on that (infrastructure) project, soon. This will prepare the site for the construction of buildings. Since it's on the western side, that is the side with the Neuroscience Research Center. However, they have discussed moving the Eye Institute to the western side and even merging those two buildings into one? Yes, there are three potential sites for the Eye Institute (former Inmar Building, new construction on the eastern-side of Phase II, and new construction on the western-side of Phase II). The announcement for the Eye Institute will be made in September.

They should pitch the former Inmar Building to Hanes Brands. They currently have 466,782 square-feet. The former Inmar Building would allow them to down-size in a more visible location with downtown amenities to attract workers to the office. It has a bike and walking path with a water feature, to replace the walking path they have now. This is near the old Hanes Complex, which is now Winston Factory Lofts, and another former Hanes Complex is to the north. It's an area they have history with and sort of like returning home. Speaking of lofts and bike and walking paths, some workers could walk or bike to work, if they want. For those who drive, it's near U.S. 52 / Future I-285 that their current building is located near. There are also 4-star boutique hotels and easier access to PTI. They can work with other tech/innovation companies in an innovation district. This use, as office, would likely keep the building's transparency and natural light, requiring fewer modifications. Hanes Brands is shown in state directories as a tech company. At least pitch the idea and see what they say. Their current building could be sold and they could seek incentives for the move. I keep editing this, as I think of more good reasons to use in a pitch. Ask... make a solid pitch and see what they say. They may say no, but the Innovation Quarter loses nothing in making a pitch and could see a significant gain if they say yes.

[WSBornNBred]

Originally Posted by zalo

Additionally, it was reported today in the WSJournal that AHWFB is reviving the ambulatory surgery center project initially proposed in 2010 adjacent to the main campus on Hawthorne Hill. Its suggested location is on the site of the old Post Office on Kerensky Street at Miller. The facility remains the same as first proposed: a 72,300 sq. ft. surgical center with 8 operating rooms, 2 procedure rooms, one robotic surgery training center, and one simulation operating room. The medical center will need state regulatory approval for the revised costs of the project, which originally was estimated to be $38.7 million, that figure being an additional $34.7 million. The cost overruns will be covered by cash reserves according to the medical center.

No word yet whether on whether NOVANT will once again protest this proposal as it competes directly with Medical Park Hospital. They filed a suit against the original one which resulted in a final decision by the state not to address the final NOVANT appeal, seemly clearing the way for the project, with WFB at the time releasing a statement that "it would be analyzing the full scope of the project and updating our planning assumptions before we outline a timeline for the project" which leads us to now.

There is so much property between Medical Center Blvd & Miller St. that I hope that AHWFB is considering a comprehensive mixed use project that effectively utilizes all the property contained in that area. There is so much potential for a really dynamic development there.

That's great news. Wake and WFUHS have made a strong commitment to Winston in the past few weeks (this, Deacon Plaza development, buying medical school property, looming Eye Center, football locker rooms). I believe Wente is more growth-focused than her predecessor. Make no mistake - all of the growth will not be contained to Winston, but it's nice to see the school investing heavily here.

Regarding the proposed surgical center - I believe WF owns the white house on Queen Street that backs up to the old post office property. The house is in disrepair and has been abandoned for years. Workers removed a few trees on the property as well the side porch a few weeks ago. A porta-john remains on the property so I assume work will continue in some fashion. I wonder if it is related to the surgical center development?

[DCMetroRaleigh]

I sure hope the Eye Center announcement occurs in September. I’m tired of the tease and uncertainty.

[zalo]

The suggestion of Hanes Brands moving to the IQ offers some positives regarding positioning the company to be a more attractive venue for employees & enlivening the district with around 2,000 additional employees. I remain concerned that should HBI should leave the north side, their current corporate campus may turn out to be a potential while elephant in terms of finding a new business to repopulate the facility with a similar number of employees.

It would be an awesome use of the former Inmar space if Appalachian State could have the wherewithal to add a Camel City campus along the lines of what they just opened in Hickory. App purchased the old Corning Cable HQ for $1 million & spent $8 million to upfit. The university is expecting up to a 1000 students to study over 100 majors at the 226,000 sq ft facility. The state provided $9 million to make it happen. Hopefully this will land on the radar of local leaders as a possibility.

[Robinhood]

Originally Posted by zalo

The suggestion of Hanes Brands moving to the IQ offers some positives regarding positioning the company to be a more attractive venue for employees & enlivening the district with around 2,000 additional employees. I remain concerned that should HBI should leave the north side, their current corporate campus may turn out to be a potential while elephant in terms of finding a new business to repopulate the facility with a similar number of employees.

It would be an awesome use of the former Inmar space if Appalachian State could have the wherewithal to add a Camel City campus along the lines of what they just opened in Hickory. App purchased the old Corning Cable HQ for $1 million & spent $8 million to upfit. The university is expecting up to a 1000 students to study over 100 majors at the 226,000 sq ft facility. The state provided $9 million to make it happen. Hopefully this will land on the radar of local leaders as a possibility.

It's a cool idea, but keep in mind that in that case, there isn't another UNC system institution for an hour in any direction from Hickory. It's the largest MSA in the state without one. Without starting a new university, this accomplished two goals at once: allowing App State to meet enrollment goals (the state has been pushing them to expand for decades and Boone is out of room) without cramming more people into their little valley AND adding a public four-year college to the Hickory metro. App has been trying to accomplish something similar through partnerships with community colleges for a long time, but this was a new (and smart) step.

With two UNC System schools already in Winston, I don't see the case for a third institution stepping in to do something similar. Obviously UNCSA is small and specific in its course offerings, but what would be the case for a university other than WSSU establishing a satellite in Winston? Keeping in mind that the Board of Governors for the entire system would likely have to bite.

[Matthew]

I'm guessing they are only using maybe half of that space and, at any time, may sell the complex and lease just half of it from the buyer? Why not move to the Innovation Quarter and sell the entire campus to someone wanting to do an adaptive-reuse project with it. A good example can include a hospital, where beds and services can be transferred there from one of the bigger (Novant or Atrium) campuses for residents on the north end of the city. If it's still too big, maybe the newer addition can become medical offices. It looks like a hospital campus. The floor plates appear too big, but maybe (depending on those floor plates) it can be converted into residential, with the surrounding land developed for residential and retail? Interestingly, I was thinking about a college campus for one of the smaller colleges that are often forgotten, like Carolina University. Another interesting idea: Establish a Viticulture and Enology School and Research Campus. Maybe have multiple wineries take part and benefit from the research, as well as training the employees/talent needed for their wineries. It wouldn't surprise me if the State was willing to include a few million for this in the budget, since it would help several rural counties, would benefit agriculture & agricultural tourism, and advance the state in this desirable agricultural field (maybe giving the state an advantage over its northern neighbor). This could be part of WSSU and/or a project multiple area schools can take part in. Maybe it could also have a museum to the Yadkin Valley Wine Region and a store selling wine and other merchandise? It could also include restaurant side of the business, such as training master sommeliers.

They could also demolish it for new single family homes, apartments and retail, or maybe industrial/warehousing.

[yadkin]

Good idea Matthew about the wine museum etc. I’ve always thought that would be a good idea and useful. But, it’s so out of the way, it would have to be heavily promoted as a destination with something to offer and be a stop on all wine tours. I do think Hanes should move to the IQ.

[Matthew]

Imagine a place where students are learning everything about grapes & wine and maybe even the restaurant side of the business and a place where research is done on pests and plant diseases that impact the industry. Mixed-in with that could be a restaurant, tasting room, store, one-day classes (no degrees or certification offered, just taken to learn about wine) for tourists, and a museum. Maybe also a starting point for Yadkin Valley Wine Tours?

[WSBornNBred]

A few additional details on the proposed Atrium surgical center from TBJ:

-Novant does not plan to oppose the cost overrun application.
-A decision is expected from DHHS by Jan, 28, 2024.
“The purpose of the additional operating rooms is to alleviate the demand on the existing operating rooms at [AHWFB], due to the growing surgical faculty at the [Wake Forest University] School of Medicine, and the long trend of increasing surgical cases at [AHWFB],” the health system wrote.
-AHWFB projects a need of 99 full-time or full-time equivalent employees, including nine surgical technicians, 53 registered nurses and 13 certified registered nurse anesthetists.
-The robotic surgery center will be used to help train surgical residents and fellows interested in robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgery and other minimally invasive procedures.