💬 The Grounds Q&A
You asked, they answered. A few weeks back, we collected your questions about The Grounds — from parking (of course) to public art. Here are your top 5 questions, answered.
Jane D. from Front Street Capital and team member Christy
What is the projected annual property and other tax revenue to the city/county from this development?
The short answer: a lot. Phase I alone will bring in more than $1.36 million a year in city and county property taxes, climbing to around $3.1 million at full build-out. Construction adds another $26.1 million in state and local tax revenue, and the first 10 years of operation are expected to generate roughly $60 million in other state and local taxes.
When will information regarding residential leasing be available?
Creekside at The Grounds is leasing now, open to enrolled undergrad and grad students of any local university or college. The condos (called The Herald) above the retail village are for sale, not rent. Only a few remain, with pricing in the 7 figures. Interested? Email [email protected].
Is there intent to install a tunnel or pedestrian overpass over University to connect campus with The Grounds or just a crosswalk? That new intersection at University and Cherry is already causing traffic.
The plan is a new signalized pedestrian crossing at University Parkway, designed with NCDOT, the City of Winston-Salem, project engineers, and Wake Forest University. A tunnel or overpass isn't part of the project right now, but the team will continue evaluating infrastructure as the district grows.
Will there be public art?
Absolutely! As plazas and gathering spaces come together, art celebrating the history, culture, and creativity of our community will be part of the mix. Details on artists and timelines are coming. Know someone whose work would be a great fit? Email [email protected].
Will we have to use the pay-to-park system?
Nope. Retail Village visitors will park free in the 2 new lots south of Deacon Boulevard, except on major event days. The goal through every phase: keep parking easy and plentiful as the district grows. More details before each phase opens.
🏠 Three homes we're loving this week from Leonard Ryden Burr:
Washington Park: Character, charm, and natural light throughout, plus an updated eat-in kitchen. Bonus: a sunlit den you'll never want to leave.
Sherwood Forest: Move-in-ready updated ranch with a finished basement and spacious backyard. Bonus: new HVAC and roof.
Pfafftown: Beautifully maintained brick home on 1.28 acres, just minutes from Reagan High School and C.G. Hill Memorial Park. Bonus: gorgeous wood beams in the living room.
Whether buying or selling, LRB is the go-to group in Winston-Salem! Chat with an agent.*
🗓 Events
Saturday, July 11
Stitch Club - Working on a needlepoint project? Bring it to Coffee Park Airstream’s lounge and stitch alongside fellow crafters. No registration required. 11:30 AM
Art Day - Grab paint and graffiti markers and create abstract art with NCMA WS in Winston Square Park. All ages welcome. 11 AM - 2 PM
Storytime - Bookmarks turns 9 years old! Join them for a special read-aloud of "K-Pop Demon Hunters: For the Fans," followed by a K-pop dance party, fairy hair, and family-friendly activities. 10 AM
Movie Night - Watch Disney/Pixar's "Elio" at Main Street Park and treat the kids to ice cream from Scoops on Main before the movie starts. 8:30 PM
Sip & Swap - Trade gently used clothes and purchase fresh flowers at Sayso Coffee! 2-4 PM
Sunday, July 12
Pokémon Fest - Gotta catch 'em all! Kaleideum transforms into a Pokémon adventure with battles, hidden cards, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt. 12-5 PM
Vintage Market - 20+ vintage vendors bring classic tees, denim, and retro gems to Wise Man Brewing, with a DJ spinning tunes and Kuya Bear serving up authentic Filipino food. 12-6 PM
Cocktail Class - Spirit, citrus, sugar, flavor. Learn how to make the ultimate summer sours at easytalk! 2 & 4 PM
Monday, July 13
Soul Sessions - Catch local musicians Tyler Dodson and Elizabeth McCorvey at Mossy Hill Farm and stay after the performances for an in-depth interview with the artists. 6:30 PM
🗞 Other News
🐧 Rebrand: Radar Brewing is now Southern Drift Brewing Co.! They chose the penguin as their new mascot for the way penguins gather together, just like the community Southern Drift is building. The new brand officially launches July 18 with live music, food vendors, and giveaways!
🥚 Food: Shop for fresh fruits, veggies, eggs, and dairy at H.O.P.E.'s Neighborhood Produce Market every Tuesday from 3-5:30 PM in their Boston-Thurmond facility. We love how H.O.P.E. is keeping fresh produce accessible and affordable in an area considered a food desert.
🤝 Networking: Strong communities are built one connection at a time. That's the idea behind Second Fridays, United Way of Forsyth County’s new monthly gathering launching this week at 500 W 5th. Free to attend, registration encouraged.
🥙 Save the Date: Mooney’s is popping up at Krankies July 17 & 18! The beloved Mediterranean cafe closed during the pandemic and hosted a popular pop-up earlier this year. This round’s menu includes falafel, their famous Jezebel pita, and baklava gelato from Cafe Gelato.
💙 Volunteer: 75 kids are in need of positive role models! Local nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for adult mentors to meet with youth for weekly hangouts over the course of a year, building relationships that leave a lasting impact.
🎶 Concerts: Music lovers, your Saturday is stacked. West End Mambo brings Latin dance grooves to 4th Street, Camel City Yacht Club takes the stage at Shallowford Square, and Back to the Start performs a Coldplay tribute at the Coal Pit.
🫐 Farm Fresh, Right Here
Willow Ridge Farmstead is a 14-acre urban farm bringing the country experience to Winston-Salem!
Willow Ridge Farmstead
The Farm: Jeanne and James Giordano planted their first few blackberry bushes in 2022 after graduating from Forsyth County Urban Farm School. Four years later, they grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs and even have goats and chickens you can feed and pet!
When to Visit
Open Mic Night | Thursdays from 5-9 PM | Listen to local talent and dig into a farm-to-table dinner and rotating homemade ice cream flavors for dessert.
Farm Stand | Saturdays from 9 AM–12 PM | Stock up on fresh produce, local honey, homemade sourdough, goat milk soap, and more. Make sure to try their farm-fresh breakfast plate, too.
U-Pick Berries | Summer | Blueberries daily from sunrise to sunset all July; blackberries in limited quantities Saturdays, 9 AM-12 PM.
Our Take: “It’s so awesome that they’re right there, part of a little neighborhood community. Great spot for the whole family or a fun date with a partner!” - Team member Stevie
💤 How often do you take naps?
👀 Poll results: Did you lose power during Sunday’s storms?
Yes - 19%
No - 81%
Amy H. shared, “Our power was out for 10 hours, but fortunately there was no damage to our house.”
SPONSORED
Upcoming Events
Evening in the Atrium - “America’s Got Talent” finalist DaShawn Hickman takes the stage at 500 W 5th on July 16, with complimentary bites from Twisted Pine Catering.
Jewelry Trunk Show - Art you can wear. The Elizabeth Locke Jewels Trunk Show comes to Windsor Jewelers on July 17. Explore an expanded collection of her distinctive handmade pieces, crafted in lustrous 19 karat gold.
Beat the Heat 5K - Run in this popular evening race on July 18 at the Fairgrounds and celebrate your finish with free pizza, subs, and beer!
Junior League Recruitment Event - Meet current members and learn how they volunteer, train together, and tackle local causes at Medaloni Cellars on July 26.
🌀 The Wrap
🍨 Team member Christy took her son to Bobo’s Deli and Grill and discovered that their kids' meal includes a free scoop of ice cream. She’ll definitely be back.
🌻 This is the final weekend to visit Fryes Creek Family Farm in Clemmons for U-pick sunflowers and wildflowers!
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
* denotes sponsored content