Work is underway to create an additional million square feet of clinical, lab, and office space in Innovation Quarter. You’ll soon see additional street lights, new trees, and site grading on either side of Research Parkway. The majority of the 28 acres where improvements will happen is south of Third Street and north of Salem Parkway.
“The improvements we are beginning today will lay the foundation for a whole new era of excitement for downtown Winston-Salem,” said Jason Kaplan, who leads Innovation Quarter’s planning, design, and operations.
This project marks the second phase of major development in Innovation Quarter. It’s not clear when the work is expected to be complete but here’s a breakdown of what contractors will be doing:
- Expanding the Long Branch Trail greenway four tenths of a mile
- Planting 140 new trees
- Installing 131 new street lights
- Installing 46,830 feet of new electrical and fiber conduit
- Relocating 10,000 dump truck loads of dirt for site grading
Nearly $9 million dollars in funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 will go toward the infrastructure improvements. Some contracts have already been awarded. Total participation from minority and women-owned business enterprises in the construction process is projected to be at 36%, above state and federal thresholds.
Innovation Quarter has already earned the distinction from Preservation NC as the largest redevelopment project in the history of NC. The district is currently home to 100+ businesses in different economic sectors. Mark Owens, the president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. says phase two creates additional opportunities to draw companies to the area — creating more capital investment and jobs.
“Having this infrastructure in place is critical in giving a green light to companies looking to invest here — we’re ready to welcome them,” said Owens.
