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Building a masterpiece

Stevens Center embarks in planning stages of phase two renovations

WStoday: Conceptual rendering of the Stevens Center Lobby, Phase 1

Phase one includes a renovated lobby. | Rendering courtesy of UNC School of the Arts

Act Two is ready to begin. UNC School of the Arts has selected the design team for the second phase of renovations at the Stevens Center.

Jenkins Peer Architects and Steinberg Hart will work to redesign the interior of the performing arts center. UNCSA received a total of $80.8 millions in state appropriations to help fund the renovations, and the university is still working to secure private funding.

Here’s what will happen in phase two:

Improved audience seating and stage
Reconfigured balcony to improve sightlines
Installed state-of-the-art technology to give students and organizations equipment that meets industry standards

One of the architects who is part of the project has ties to the Triad. JPA principal Benjamin Benson says he is looking forward to enhancing the experience for visitors.

“Building on the planning started in Phase 1, this phase will provide the transformative interior renovation that allows the Stevens Center to be an innovative, modern teaching facility, as well as a cultural destination for Winston-Salem and beyond. As a native of the Triad, I could not be more excited about returning this gem to its place of prominence for the UNCSA community,” Benson said.

The renovation is expected to take at least three years. Construction for phase two is estimated to begin in fall 2025. A more detailed timeline and estimated reopening date will be set once the architecture team completes the design and the planning stages of phase two, which is expected to take about one year.

In the meantime, UNCSA is holding performances in other venues across the city. The box office is temporarily located at Watson Hall on campus at 1533 S. Main St.

Events

Monday, April 1

Happy Hour Game Night | Monday, April 1 | 7 p.m. | The Wrong Number, 408 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Free entry | Partake in a game night while sipping on drink specials, hosted by Bruce Maddox II.

Tuesday, April 2

Public Lecture with Bart Ehrman | Tuesday, April 2 | 7-8 p.m. | Wake Forest University Wait Chapel, 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem | Free, RSVP | The UNC-Chapel Hill professor will talk about the New Testament and the history of early Christianity.

Wednesday, April 3

Hook and Loop Group | Wednesday, April 3 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lewisville Branch Library, 6490 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville | Free, RSVP | Join yarn crafters who like to knit, crochet, and embroider — bring your own project or work on new patterns with supplies provided.

Thursday, April 4

House Portrait Watercolor Class | Thursday, April 4 | 6-8 p.m. | Fiddle & Fig Market, 403 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | $120 | Learn watercolor techniques from expert artist Elizabeth Myers and paint your own picture to take home.

Friday, April 5

Music in Merschel Park | Friday, April 5 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Merschel Park, 122 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Free | Grab your lunch and listen to local musicians perform at the downtown park.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Announced

Winston-Salem assistant city manager Patrice Toney is moving to serve as a town manager of Carrboro (about 90 minutes from Winston-Salem). Toney served in Forsyth County for 24 years. (Triad City Beat)

Ranked

26. That’s where Winston-Salem ranks among 44 metropolitan cities when it comes to downtown recovery after the pandemic. The Business Journals analyzed factors like population growth momentum, public-transit ridership trends, and the percentage of residents working from home. (Triad Business Journal)

Health

Charter Medical established its new hub in Innovation Quarter. The company focuses on supporting the biopharma industry’s cold chain logistics process and has 100,000 sqft of lab and office space.

Edu

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will use $20,000 from the state to enhance school bus safety. The grant will go toward “illuminated stop arms” for eight school buses — these accessories make buses more visible on the road. (WFDD)

Transportation

The process for booking an appointment at the DMV is changing. The NC Division of Motor Vehicles is requiring customers to confirm their appointment within 24 hours to avoid cancellation. This is an effort to reduce “no-shows” the agency has experienced. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Announced

Register for Bookmarks’s Latina Book Club interest meeting on Monday, April 8 at 6 p.m. The organization is hoping to create a space where Latina women and those who embrace the culture can celebrate their stories, connect over shared experiences, and discover new reads.

Wellness

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City

“Hidden gems” in Winston-Salem

WStoday: Streets of Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

A group of Moravians seeking freedom from religious persecution moved from Europe, and settled in Old Salem. | Photo by WStoday

The Twin City has a multitude of hidden gems. It was so hard for us to choose what to include — especially ones you’ve probably never heard about. Let’s have a rundown, shall we?

Old Salem Heritage Bridge: Located in the heart of Old Salem, this landmark attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. You can take a tour or register for a workshop and learn about Moravian culture.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art: The 170+ acre historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is hard to miss.
Innovation Quarter: The mixed-use hub of innovation is adding 2.7 million total sqft downtown with a public-private investment of more than $841 million. The hub features fun and family-friendly activities year-round.

Just kidding. Happy April Fools’ Day, WStoday. You knew that was coming.

The Buy

The Song of Everything Book to celebrate National Poetry Month. This poetic journey takes an adventure through South Carolina’s State Parks.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

A friend introduced me to Cody Fry’s performances with symphonies. I almost cried (happy tears) listening to it. It reminded me of how much talent we have here in Winston-Salem. I’d love to hear the most beautiful symphony performance you’ve ever listened to or attended — drop me a line.

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