Groundbreaking Signifies New Chapter of The Grounds

Leaders, partners, supporters, and fans gather to celebrate the start of construction, officially turn page for new world-class development and community destination

Winston-Salem, NC

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, Carter and Front Street Capital hosted more than 200 guests for a groundbreaking ceremony for The Grounds, kicking off construction for the transformative 100-acre mixed-use development created in partnership with Wake Forest University and the City of Winston-Salem. 

The event was a celebration of the vision, diligence, and collaboration that brought The Grounds to this stage, and a turn toward the exciting, vibrant future of and for the space, the university, the city, and the state. The success to date and the promise of what’s ahead wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable degree of public-private partnership, values-aligned teamwork and shared vision, all represented at the groundbreaking by the energy of the morning’s speakers:

  • Donny C. Lambeth, Representative, North Carolina House of Representatives

  • J. Allen Joines, Mayor, The City of Winston-Salem

  • Denise D. Adams, Council Member, North Ward, and Mayor Pro Tempore, The City of Winston-Salem

  • Gloria Whisenhunt, Vice Chair, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners

  • Susan R. Wente, Ph.D., President, Wake Forest University 

  • Jacqueline A. Travisano, Ed.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Wake Forest University

  • John Currie, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Wake Forest University

  • Mark Owens, President & CEO, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.

  • Adam Parker, Vice President, Carter

  • Coleman Team, President & Managing Partner, Front Street Capital

As construction officially begins, the next phase of teamwork and excitement is already underway, building a vibrant and robust community hub featuring:

  • Pedestrian-friendly retail village: 42,000 square feet of local and regional shops, chef-driven restaurants, and outdoor gathering spaces.

  • For-Sale Condos: approximately 25 loft-style residential units will be situated above retail buildings, adding density and activity to the central plaza area. 

  • Modern residential living: A 229-unit, 521 bedroom community with elevated amenities and access to the retail village.

  • Class-A office space: A 127,000 square foot building intended to be leased by Wake Forest University.

  • Enhanced infrastructure: Road improvements, restoration of Silas Creek, and a paved walking trail for improved connectivity.

Speakers also celebrated the crucial value of key phase one partners, including:

Leaders who made The Grounds a reality gather prior to the official groundbreaking.

Project leads Coleman Team (President and Managing Partner, Front Street Capital) and Adam Parker (VP, Carter), celebrate the day’s milestone.

Jane Duncan