A Place Where Everyone Finds Common Ground
Now building Winston-Salem’s next chapter
The Grounds is a 100-acre mixed-use district taking shape in the Deacon Boulevard area, surrounded by some of North Carolina's most iconic event venues. Backed by Carter, Front Street Capital, Wake Forest University, and the City of Winston-Salem, it's under construction now — retail, dining, office, walking trails, and new residential living, all converging into one year-round gathering place opening in Fall 2027.
We’re Under Construction
As of the end of August 2026, we’ve broken ground on retail, have exterior and interior finishes going up on office and multifamily, and have completed the new multi-use trail – all while watching the restored Silas Creek continue to thrive. We’ll announce our first wave of retail tenants this fall, and will have the multi-use trail open to the public for sneak peeks during select major events. Check out photo galleries below, and follow @visitthegrounds on Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
What’s Happening at The Grounds
We’ve broken ground on the Retail Village, and leasing is exceeding expectations – with more than half the village square footage committed. Retail announcements will come early this fall, so stay tuned!
The five-story office building at the corner of Deacon Blvd. and Piccolo Ln. topped out with its final steel beam in mid-May, one major milestone closer to being the home for non-academic Wake Forest University offices.
The University Pkwy and N. Cherry St. intersection is fully flowing in its new form, with the new pedestrian crosswalk now operational as well. Drivers should use caution with that pedestrian component as new traffic patterns in the area take shape.
The multi-use trail is complete, and while access must stay limited given construction dynamics, it will be open to the public for select sneak peek windows – more info here. The newly reimagined Silas Creek is flowing beautifully, with landscaping and wildlife continuing to grow.
Creekside at The Grounds exterior brickwork and interior finishes are going up, with the resort-style pool nearing installation as well. Interested students (eligible juniors, seniors and grad students) can check our floor plans, renderings, rates, and leasing options at CreeksideattheGrounds.com.
Phase I at The Grounds
Stream & Trails
Over 200 new trees planted
Removal of invasive species and hazards
Rebuilding degraded and eroded stream banks
Multi-purpose path and bridge threaded into nature
Boulder cascades and in-stream structures to manage stormwater
Retail Village
We’ve broken ground on 42,000 SF of experiential retail, exciting restaurants, and community gathering places.
Space is still available, contact leasing@visitthegrounds.com with inquiries.
Delivering 2027
229 units // 521 bed modern, highly amenitized furnished apartments
Delivering 2027
22 luxury loft-style condos uniquely situated in the heart of the retail village
Delivering 2027
Office
Class-A, 5-story office building
130,500 square feet
Single-tenant: leased by WFU for non-academic staff offices
Delivering 2027
Infrastructure
Revamping of Deacon Blvd. to change shape, path, lane, and parking structure
Reorienting University Pkwy and N. Cherry St. intersection, adding single signaled crosswalk
Laying utility and infrastructure groundwork for 100 acres of multi-use development
Project Updates
University Parkway & Cherry Street Intersection Improvements Complete
Construction is now complete on a major connectivity improvement at the intersection of University Parkway and North Cherry Street — a key step in how The Grounds will be safer, more accessible, and more seamlessly connected to Wake Forest University and surrounding neighborhoods.
In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the project reconfigured what had historically been a complex and fast-moving roadway into a simplified, signalized intersection designed with pedestrians in mind. The redesign eliminated the un-signaled Cherry Street fork and creates a single, clearly marked crossing with a dedicated pedestrian signal phase, allowing walkers to temporarily stop traffic in all directions for safer passage.
The improvements also expanded space for the multi-use trail and greenway network, creating a more intuitive connection between campus, The Grounds, and the broader community. By slowing vehicle speeds, enhancing visibility, and improving traffic flow predictability, the project prioritizes safety while supporting the long-term vision for a walkable, welcoming district.
Drivers and pedestrians should use caution as traffic patterns in the area continue to evolve.
