Deacon Boulevard closed for traffic until August between University Parkway and Piccolo Drive; Construction continues on The Grounds development
Part of Deacon Boulevard between University Parkway and Piccolo Drive will be closed starting Wednesday until August so construction on “The Grounds” development can continue.
Developers are planning to make the roadway more pedestrian friendly with expanded sidewalks, crosswalks, parking and two traffic lanes instead of four, according to an announcement from Front Street Capital, one of the developers on the project.
The closure will also affect people attending Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools graduation ceremonies this spring as construction work takes place.
An aerial view of site preparation work underway for Wake Forest University’s “The Grounds” on Monday. The project is a mixed-use development that will include residential and commercial buildings near the university’s athletic complex on Deacon Boulevard.
Walt Unks, Journal
An aerial view of site preparation work underway for Wake Forest University’s “The Grounds” on Monday. The project is a mixed-use development that will include residential and commercial buildings near the university’s athletic complex on Deacon Boulevard. Joel Coliseum is pictured in the center with University Parkway leading to the Winston-Salem skyline.
Walt Unks, Journal
“By prioritizing walkability without compromising event traffic flow, this redesign will encourage vibrant street activity and better accessibility across the development and existing facilities,” the company wrote.
The development updates will help promote “diverse modes of transportation”, reduce vehicle congestion and will support a stronger connection within the area between the community and the Wake Forest campus, according to Front Street Capital.
Deacon Boulevard, which connects with University Parkway to the west and Shorefair Drive to the east, borders both the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
The Grounds, a development announced by Wake Forest in 2023, is a plan for a 100-acre space with a retail village, residential living, and office space positioned near the LJVM Coliseum, Allegacy Stadium, the David Couch Ballpark, Wake Forest Tennis Center and the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.
The Grounds is a development effort from Atlanta-based development company Carter and Front Street Capital in partnership with the city of Winston-Salem and Wake Forest University.
The development is aiming to bolster economic growth in Winston-Salem by capitalizing on traffic generated by Wake Forest University sports and other events hosted at the city’s coliseum and stadium.
In addition to the closure announcement, Front Street Capital also detailed environmental improvements included in what the company called a revitalization of the natural landscape near the project.
“As we build The Grounds, we’re not just constructing buildings; we’re creating an integrated, walkable environment where nature, people and development thrive together,” said Coleman Team, president and managing partner at Front Street Capital.
The improvements include the restoration of Upper Silas Creek, which the company calls a “large-scale environmental initiative” which will reshape degraded stream banks, enhance green space and enable broader natural revitalization.
Developers are planning to eliminate severe erosion which has occurred over the last 80 years to stream banks and side slopes by stabilizing the banks, reducing their height and creating a floodplain bench in order to decrease the sediment entering the water, according to the release.
The project will also involve the planting of over 200 new trees and 30,000 shrubs, grasses and perennials. Developers hope to remove invasive species and also create a new multi-purpose nature path woven into the landscape with benches, seat walls and open grassy areas in a creek-side gathering area, the release read.
“This restoration will create new and improved habitats for wildlife, greatly improved stormwater management, and a serene oasis for residents and visitors,” said Dedee Delongpré Johnston, chief sustainability officer at Wake Forest University. “It’s creating a much-needed green space amenity that will be available to the entire community.”
The first phase of The Grounds is currently scheduled to open in “late 2026”, according to its official website.
The portion of Deacon Boulevard that will be closed will bisect the road halfway between University Parkway and Shorefair Drive.
Drivers are advised to use Reynolds Boulevard, Shorefair Drive and 27th Street to reach Wake Forest baseball, tennis and football facilities as well as other area businesses usually accessed by Deacon Boulevard while construction is ongoing.
The LJVM Coliseum and Fairgrounds facilities will be accessible through University Parkway and 27th Street as usual, according to Front Street Capital.
By: Connor McNeely