The Grounds is a transformative 100-acre mixed-use development in the area surrounding some of northwest North Carolina’s iconic major event venues. Seamlessly blending retail, dining, residential, and office in one vibrant community hub, The Grounds will enhance Winston-Salem’s landscape and bolster its reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination. 

The Grounds will be situated among key venues including the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, David F. Couch Ballpark, Wake Forest Tennis Center, and Winston-Salem Fairgrounds & Arena. The Grounds’ amenities will provide new options to enhance the experience for the more than 750,000 patrons who attend events in the area each year. Existing attractions held over 260 event days per year include Wake Forest and ACC sports, the Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem Thunderbirds games, the ATP Winston-Salem Open, and numerous concerts and shows throughout the year.

The project is being developed and financed by Carter and Front Street Capital, in collaboration with Wake Forest University the City of Winston-Salem. Wake Forest selected Carter and Front Street Capital through a competitive RFP process to be the private, at-risk developer of the 100+ acres of Wake Forest-owned land.

Carter and Front Street Capital bring a nationally recognized track record of building similar, dynamic mixed-use projects both locally and around the country with Front Street Capital’s development of Bailey South in Winston-Salem and Carter’s projects The Banks in Cincinnati and Summerhill in Atlanta. Carter and Front Street Capital selected the national architecture firm Nelson to serve as the project’s architect based on their success leading similar large-scale, mixed-use projects. Nelson recently led the master development of The Battery, the new home of The Atlanta Braves and the nation’s first master-planned mixed-use development anchored by a professional sports stadium.

The groundbreaking for The Grounds is scheduled to take place in December 2024. This significant milestone will mark the official commencement of construction for what promises to be a transformative addition to Winston-Salem.

In the lead-up to this exciting event, more comprehensive updates will be shared on how construction will impact parking, tailgating, event traffic, and other logistics. We understand that these aspects are crucial for our community members, and we are committed to ensuring that you have all the information you need to navigate any changes smoothly.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we embark on this exciting project. Your understanding and support are vital as we work to enhance the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem experience for everyone.

If you’re interested in learning more about The Grounds, exploring leasing opportunities, or providing your feedback, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly. We value your input and want to ensure that everyone in our community has a voice in this transformative project.

Here’s how you can engage with us:

• Learn More: For detailed information about The Grounds, including project updates, development plans, and the benefits it will bring to our community, check this site and follow our social media for consistent project updates.

• Leasing Opportunities: If you are interested in leasing space within The Grounds—whether for retail, dining, office, or residential space—please reach out to us via email at Leasing@VisitTheGrounds.com. Our team will provide you with the necessary details and guide you through the leasing process.

• Provide Feedback: We value the input of our community members and stakeholders. Your feedback helps us refine our plans and ensure that The Grounds meets the needs and expectations of everyone involved. Please share your thoughts, suggestions, and questions by emailing Info@VisitTheGrounds.com. 

• Your engagement is crucial as we work to bring this exciting project to life. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make The Grounds a vibrant and successful addition to our community.Please reach out to Info@VisitTheGrounds.com.

Wake Forest owns the property where The Grounds is being constructed. Carter and Front Street Capital are developing and financing the project with outside capital, while coordinating all development with Wake Forest University and the City of Winston-Salem.

Construction will not impact parking or traffic in 2024. After the project groundbreaking, The Grounds will include ample parking options throughout construction as patrons attend community and athletic events. Details about parking availability, pricing, and accessibility will be communicated in advance to event patrons and changes to parking or traffic routes will be posted throughout the site on event days for ease of use and navigation.

The first phase of the project will include a robust dining, shopping, and gathering destination with proximity to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, LJVM Coliseum, the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds and all surrounding venues. Fans will have the opportunity to spend the day at The Grounds at a variety of restaurants, brewpubs, shops, and more that will invite guests from morning through the evening year-round.

The Grounds will also introduce a new community amenity, a greenway system that will provide connectivity to the area from surrounding nodes. More than two miles of paved, landscaped pathway being constructed as part of phase one of the project will provide an opportunity for visitors to enjoy views of the restored Silas Creek and greenbelt running through the property. 

Construction timelines and completion dates are still being finalized. Updates on the development progress and expected opening dates will be communicated through official channels and announcements from Carter / Front Street.

The Grounds is committed to enhancing accessibility.Information about public transportation options, such as nearby bus routes, shuttle services, or future transit expansions, will be provided as part of the development's transportation plan.

Silas Creek currently shows signs of severe erosion and stream bank degradation that if left unchecked can impact adjacent improvements including vegetation, utilities, roadways and drainage structures. As part of the project, Carter and Front Street Capital will restore Silas Creek through reshaping the stream channel, regrading the stream banks, and revegetating all areas disturbed. Invasive species encountered through our efforts will also be removed. This effort will improve the immediate area through the creation of a greenway amenity, preserve the surrounding infrastructure and improving conditions downstream by reducing sediment disposition and reduction of peak flows.