WINSTON-SALEM | Development Guide

[DCMetroWinston]

Originally Posted by yadkin

Interesting. Gotcha.

[DCMetroWinston]

The Crossing at North Ridge is a 147-lot residential development planned on 46.9 acres in northwest Winston-Salem. The project site is located off Ziglar Road at its intersection with Tommys Lake Road and the eastern terminus of Marty Drive.

Project Details: 147 residential lots on 46.9 acres.
Location: Northeast side of Ziglar Road, extending to Tommys Lake Road near Northwest Middle School.
Approval Status: The Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Planning Board approved the preliminary subdivision plans for the development in mid-2026.
Density: The community is designed for a density of 3.13 lots per acre.

[Winstonwalker]

I still think of that whole road from Winston to High Point as 311 but understand what you’re saying about an “orphan”. When you drive northwest from High Point, the most efficient way to shift to westbound 40 or 421 is to veer left at the new intersection instead of following the new 74 north (and a little east).

I agree that it would be helpful to have that tiny piece signed as an interstate. Perhaps as a spur off of 40 instead of 74?

[yadkin]

" Perhaps as a spur off of 40 instead of 74?" Maybe, I 640 is the only 3-digit even avaialble. It is important to sign it as a 3-digit even of 74 or 40.

[DCMetroWinston]

The more I see that Beltway map, the more I am frustrated that it won’t be a full loop. Why build it if through-traffic on US-52 can’t use it to completely bypass the City? At least complete the loop farther south to include 109 South and 52 South.

[B-V-R]

Originally Posted by DCMetroWinston

The more I see that Beltway map, the more I am frustrated that it won’t be a full loop. Why build it if through-traffic on US-52 can’t use it to completely bypass the City? At least complete the loop farther south to include 109 South and 52 South.

Completely agree. While not ideal, I think you could probably do without the southwest section, but not having the southeast section connecting 74 to 52 almost defeats the purpose of having an urban loop.

[DCMetroWinston]

Our talk this week must have conjured up good news on Beltway and other road construction. According to the WSJ:

"Five projects with $1.5 billion in value were picked up in the Winston-Salem (area) out of a total $4.5 billion statewide," he [NCDOT Official] said.

Those include widening parts of U.S. 52 to interstate standards, he said, "and three additional sections of the Northern Beltway, specifically the western side.

"This is the first time that these western sections have scored highly enough to get funded at the statewide mobility level stage of the STIP since at least prioritization 4.0, which was 10 years ago.

https://journalnow.com/news/local/column...36c25b6.html#tracking-source=mp-homepage

[yadkin]

From the article - “Those include widening parts of U.S. 52 to interstate standards” All is great news, but this is very important, which is funding for I 285 being extended through the city to I 74 as it heads north.

Never mind that all Interstate designation in W-S (signage) is contrary to the Interstate numbering schemes, but it’ s better than not having it and hey NCDOT must know best since they are transportation for the State.

I do hope someone with responsibility reads this suggestion for I 474 and how important it is. It only needs signage - maybe a “go fund me.”

[DCMetroWinston]

Cone Health announced Monday it has filed a certificate of need application with the state to build a new $320 million hospital in Forsyth County.
The proposed 198,593-square-foot facility would be built on Cole Road in southeastern Forsyth County, west of I-74/U.S. 311 near the Northern Beltway.

https://www.wunc.org/2026-06-15/cone-health-proposes-new-forsyth-county-hospital

[LynnAikens]

Originally Posted by DCMetroWinston

The more I see that Beltway map, the more I am frustrated that it won’t be a full loop. Why build it if through-traffic on US-52 can’t use it to completely bypass the City? At least complete the loop farther south to include 109 South and 52 South.

I74 was never meant to be a loop, but instead a continuation of an Interstate. The western portion is only a spur that carries a even number three digit because it intersects with I40. The I-285 is only a spur that connects I-40 and later I-74. So the numbering system is corrects. I-40 will serve highway 52/I-285 as a mini loop connecting to the north and south of I-74. This is the best Winston-Salem can hope for because it brings a major highway straight through the Innervation Quarter and downtown.

[LynnAikens]

Originally Posted by DCMetroWinston

The more I see that Beltway map, the more I am frustrated that it won’t be a full loop. Why build it if through-traffic on US-52 can’t use it to completely bypass the City? At least complete the loop farther south to include 109 South and 52 South.

I74 was never meant to be a loop, but instead a

[yadkin]

I must disagree, courteously.

As with the other Federal Highways, even numbers trend east-west while odd numbers trend north-south to which, of course, there are many exceptions.

Since original Federal Highways began with lower numbers in the east (U.S. Route 1), higher numbers in west (U.S. 101), lower numbers in the north (U.S. 2), and higher numbers in the south to which, of course there became numerous exceptions the reverse was used for Interstate Highways to avoid confusion.

So, for Interstate Highways lower numbers are in the south (Interstate 10) and higher numbers in the north (Interstate 90). As the decades passed certain exceptions became required. By the way, there is no Interstate 50 because it would have been in the center (east-west) of the U.S., which would be confusing with U.S. 50 also in the center of the U.S.

The AASHTO numbering schemes are the same as Federal Highways generally with east-west being even and north-south being odd. Interstate 2-digits are regular Intestate Highways trending either north-south or east-west and (originally anyway) passing through cities with 3-digit even being a loop of one Interstate or connecting two Interstates (neither of these are spurs). The 3-digit odd are spurs from a 2-digit Interstate into and dead-ending in a city. Obviously, there have been many exceptions, especially in W-S where I 40 was moved south of the city-center (though not much). Interstate 74 (originally, I 73 before the route was changed (hijacked) by Virginia), and which was to be coincidental with U.S. 52 through W-S until moved to the Eastern Beltway each of which violated the original naming scheme. By the way, the W-S Beltway should have been I 640 in compliance with naming nationwide (and the only remaining 3-digit even for I 40 remaining in NC). I 285 is correct as is and will be when extended to I 74 except for passing through the city – 3-digits even are supposed to be loops or beltways but I 285 does and will connect two Interstates even though passing through W-S. Further, as mentioned I 777 will connect two Interstates and so should have a 3-digit even designation such as I 877 maybe – the part from I 77 west to North Wilkesboro or eventually to Boone could be I 777, but better have I 777 all the way than nothing.

[DCMetroWinston]

Winston-Salem’s Pride Parade and Festival has become massive. It is one of the area’s largest festivals and parades, now approaching 75,000 people in attendance.

[DCMetroWinston]

The Grounds construction update

[DCMetroWinston]

I really wish The Grounds developer would reconsider their decision not to build a pedestrian sky bridge over University Parkway. If this development is to be the transformative center of an exciting, expansive entertainment district, it needs to be pedestrian-friendly. Developers are apparently gobbling up adjacent property along University Parkway for complementary development, so the entire area needs to be transformed from unsightly pedestrian-hostile sprawl to a walkable district.

I know money has been cited as a reason why they aren’t building a pedestrian bridge, but why build something so grand and go chintzy on this? How about doing something like this lovely pedestrian skywalk over and along US 50 in Arlington?

[yadkin]

Well said. A pedestrian bridge here is not only necessary but should be an NCDOT, city, and county safety requirement. It is inexplicable that here is no pedestrian bridge.

[DCMetroWinston]

Originally Posted by yadkin

Well said. A pedestrian bridge here is not only necessary but should be an NCDOT, city, and county safety requirement. It is inexplicable that here is no pedestrian bridge.

Exactly! Didn’t the City give The Grounds developers $4 million to install infrastructure upgrades? Even if that amount is not enough to cover all the cost of a classy pedestrian bridge, it should defray other costs greatly so that they can absorb the cost of a bridge.

[DCMetroWinston]

Burger chain Jaggers is preparing to open a new location in Winston-Salem. The upcoming restaurant is expected to take over the former Twin Peaks space at 1915 Hampton Inn Court near Hanes Mall Boulevard, with plans pointing to an October 2026 opening. The second new building is reportedly going to be a Panda Express.

[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. I don't make any money from this and these updates are to share, with both locals and out-of-towners, what is happening in the city they love. Many people reading this are far-away and this allows them to see the projects. If you can, please support any local businesses or follow social pages sharing photographs and thank them.

This is one of the most exciting updates we've had in a while! We could soon have a new luxury hotel proposal for downtown's IQ District, an interesting buyer has emerged for downtown's Nissen Castle, a new hospital proposal, could the new Freischlag Tower add floors, renderings for the proposed Fourth Street Bridge, renderings of the skate park and public park DWSP talked about two or three years ago, an amphitheatre update, and more! Lets get updated!

• Video Link

Innovation Quarter Hotel:
The previous proposal for this site is now officially cancelled and that developer hasn't renewed their option, releasing the site for new developers. Advocate Health and an Atlanta hotel consultant are seeking new proposals for an upper-upscale lifestyle hotel on the downtown Innovation Quarter's P7 parking lot (Fourth Street at Patterson Avenue, across the street from Bailey Park). Developers are asked to present proposals by September 23, 2026. The hotel must have active ground floor uses, meeting space, food and beverage offerings, and contemporary architecture. Closing will be 90 days after the developer is selected and the site will be repurchased after two years, if work on the hotel doesn't start.

Cone Hospital - Winston-Salem:
Are you ready for another big hospital project! This proposal is for a $320 million hospital, with 56 beds in a 198,593-square-foot facility on Cole Road, near Interstate 40 and a short distance west of Interstate 74. They have already filed a Certificate of Need for this facility. In addition to the 56 beds, this facility will also have 18 emergency department bays, 10 observation beds, 4 operating/procedure rooms, imaging, intensive care beds, and a pharmacy. If approved, Winston-Salem will have three excellent hospital systems competing against each other. An advantage in attracting people and businesses and in getting the best care, as all three complete for best in the city.


Credit: Cone Health


Credit: Cone Health

• Video Link

New Data Center (Project Iron Spur):
The Rural Hall Data Center is now 2.1 million-square-feet in size and will cost between $3-6 billion! Interestingly, they now have support from the town of Rural Hall, which many believe is from requesting annexation into the town (a significant increase in their tax base!). Tax revenue and high paying jobs are often what convinces many cities, towns, and counties, dealing with potential tax increases and State restrictions on property valuations or tax increases, to say yes. The developer hired HKS as the architect and will use tilt-up construction with brick veneer. Instead of four buildings, the site will now have three buildings, reaching 80-84 feet/24.4-25.6 metres in height. Employment is now shown as up to 250 high-paying jobs and the tax revenue is now shown as $77.6 million. Yes, this project is still active and another meeting will be held on July 30, 2026, at 6 p.m., in the Forsyth County Government Center in downtown Winston-Salem.


Credit: Forsyth County


Credit: HKS Architects


Credit: HKS Architects

• Video Link

Freischlag Critical Care Tower Expansion:
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist submitted a certificate of need to add 103 acute care beds at its main university medical center campus in Winston-Salem. The proposal would cost $101.15 million and the university medical center campus would have 1,036 total beds when completed. It could be the last phase of this medical tower project, which would add a few more floors to the top of this tower.

The Grounds Office Building:


Credit: Carter USA

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Expansion:
Novant Health has proposed adding 63 beds at their Forsyth Medical Center's main campus as part of a $4.29 million expansion project.

Downtown Amphiteatre:
This is now a $45 million project.

A look at the proposed Artist Village at the Downtown Amphitheatre:


Interstate 285:
Construction will start on the project to widen and upgrade US 52 to Interstate standards, as I-285, somewhere between 2028-2037. It is funded in the 2028-2037 State Transportation Improvement Plan. This will give downtown an Interstate, which can encourage growth and add Innovation Quarter sites to more site selection lists. It may also help with development around the airport.

Loewy Building Apartments & Retail:

A look at this conversion of 1929 Art Deco office space to apartments and retail:

Credit: Ramon Valentin Lomeli


Credit: Benjamin Lin


Credit: Okey Shamblin Flooring & Renovation


Credit: Okey Shamblin Flooring & Renovation

Tanglewood Business Park:
Forsyth County has sold this 167-acre site for nearly $5 million to a housing developer. And I don't post on projects like these, so this is where I stop following this project and remove it from our list.

N.C. Museum of Art - Downtown Winston-Salem:
This downtown art museum will have two gallery spaces, a retail shop, a living room with immersive audio (along with couches and a TV), and a co-working space. They will sell sodas, beer, and wine and visitors can bring food into the museum. The museum will have artist talks, openings, workshops, and other events.


Credit: NCMA Winston-Salem

Sandbox VR Downtown:


Credit: David Swift

New Tenants/Leases:

An esport gaming facility and lounge could open at 410 West Fourth Street, above The Wrong Number bar. It's just being considered right now, but this is the leading space.

Nashville based Montecito Medical Real Estate has acquired the 145 Kimel Park Drive medical office building for $12,175,000.

Radar Brewing Company will change their name to Southern Drift Brewing Company.

Strickland Legacy Group signed a lease at Truliant Tower (301 North Main Street) for the 2100 space that expires on December 31, 2030. This lease has one five year (renewal) option.

Williams Development Group will soon complete their move from High Street to the former Wachovia Bank Branch at 916 West Fourth Street.

A vape shop will open at 7880 Broad Street in Rural Hall. Not many changes are expected and the business should open quickly, filling this former bank branch.

Restoring Wellness will open soon at 1411 Old Mill Circle.

Dance Your Truth will open a dance studio at 205 West Third Street, between One Park Vista and Mike's Vegan Grill.

It appears as if 5940 Germanton Road could become a car dealer? If so, it will be called Liberty Motors.

Honore Tapas will open in the former Sixth & Vine location, at 209 West Sixth Street.

A new 7 Brew will soon start construction in the Plaza North Shopping Center parking lot, at 5964 University Parkway.

7 Brew will open a location at 813 South Main Street in Kernersville. It will replace a former Hardee's at the Kerner Village Shopping Center.

Harlem Brewing South may be interested in potentially buying Nissen Castle, at 310 East Third Street, for an event center.

Blue Pearl Restaurant is said to be "close to opening" at 10 West Third Street, in what has to be among the longest construction projects I've reported on.

Mike's Vegan Grill is for sale. It's described as turn-key and yes, that means the kitchen equipment is included. For some reason, Vegan restaurants usually select these unusually low foot traffic locations and don't last long.

Plaza Building:

An update on the new signage:

Credit: Be Her Run Club


Credit: Benjamin Lin

We can now see what the new signage will look like:

Credit: SQ Bush

Nearing Completion:

Credit: David Swift

Lit on the skyline:

Credit: David Swift

Kernersville Medical Center Expansion:
Novant Health has proposed adding 40 beds at their Kernersville Medical Center as part of a $35.49 million expansion project.

Stevens Center Renovation:

This video has a view of the building's ground floor... notice what is missing:
• Video Link

Shallow Ford Historic Site:
This project will be completed next month. Construction was delayed by several months.

HiWatt Skatepark:


Credit: HiWatt Skatepark

• Video Link

New Jobs:
India-based Supreme Nonwoven will build a $26 million 200,000-square-foot facility and create 50 jobs. This project will receive a state grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund.

Conrad Hill Mega Site:
Philip Corriher, of Corriher Grange and Bradshaw LLC., the owner of nearly 1,200 acres off US 64, believes his megasite is one of the best sites in the state for a major economic development project, potentially employing thousands of people. The site is next to the new Nucor steel plant and has seen significant interest from site selectors/companies since Davidson County's $50 million investment in a new sewer line across site. Corriher said he has given tours of the site to more than 20 companies!

Creekside at the Grounds:


Credit: Carter USA

Interstate 274:
Most of Interstate 274 (Western Beltway) is included in funding from the 2028-2037 State Transportation Improvement Plan. Construction will begin in that time frame. Only the segment south of I-40 isn't funded.

Salem Bottling Works:

It appears to be still under construction? I guess just the retail/restaurant part is completed?

Credit: Preservation Forsyth


Credit: Preservation Forsyth


Credit: Preservation Forsyth


Credit: Preservation Forsyth

New Jobs:
Think-PLC is considering opening a manufacturing operation at 2975 Cole Road for their industrial automation systems.

First Baptist Church Restoration:

We haven't seen an update on this project in a long time! This is the new construction behind the church:

Credit: First on Fifth

Property Transactions:
Joel Ornstein has purchased the block of buildings between 622 and 632 Trade Street, in the downtown Arts District, for $2 million. This collection of buildings includes Silver Moon Saloon, Majestic Pour Art Gallery, and Miller's on Trade.

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Alternative Transportation:

Smith Reynolds Airport Projects:
The latest project at the airport would add new fuel equipment and systems for JET-A, AVGAS, MOGAS, and Diesel. Plans include separate unloading and loading stations for each type of fuel, bulk transfers, and ground service equipment fueling. Workers will install double-wall 200 gpm storage tanks for aviation fuels and standard dispensing for MOGAS and Diesel.

Creative Corridors:

A look at Fourth Street bridge concepts from a local architect... that appear to be created with AI?

Credit: Uncotecture

Fifth Street:

Credit: NCDOT

Rails-to-Trails Bicycle Commuter Highway Expansion:
An update on the Long Branch Trail Expansion project: The City has completed $1.3 million of work on studies, right-of-way acquisition, and design and would like to start construction in 2027. After a federal funding freeze (I think due to DEI?) in 2025, the City made unfreezing the $6 million Raise Grant a top priority and discussed it on the City's trip to D.C.,. After not receiving a response, the City is looking to the public for help. They are asking anyone to send letters to five people (The Secretary of Transportation, both N.C. U.S. Senators, and two local U.S. House members). They think letters of support from large local companies will get the most attention, but local citizens are also asked to write. The reality is: Most of the cities that had their funding released did so though the courts. Winston-Salem will likely have to do the same.

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Off-Subject:

• Video Link

What Others are Saying:
A German cycling magazine had this report on visiting (and cycling) in Winston-Salem: https://www.bike-magazin.de/en/tours/wor...the-german-team-s-base-in-winston-salem/

Random Photograph:


Credit: Benjamin Lin

Your City

[SpikedCoffee]

Is this the start? Heavy equipment at Byrum apartments project location.