On Nov. 13, Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter revealed updated plans for the site’s latest expansion.
Documents released on the Innovation Quarter’s website outline updated details for Phase II, a new 28-acre site between downtown Winston-Salem and U.S. 52, south of the current property.
While the expansion was initially announced in 2021, the Phase II “master plan” has been updated to accommodate eight new buildings with over 2.5 million total square feet of retail, scientific, healthcare and residential space. The plan also includes 12 acres for communal and green spaces, plus parks and pavilions to host outdoor events and public art.
“This catalytic step marks a major milestone in the continued evolution of Innovation Quarter, setting the stage for accelerated industry growth in the development and manufacturing of patient therapies,” Jason Kaplan, associate vice president of Innovation Quarter Operations, said.
The Innovation Quarter is a regional economic hub at the edge of downtown Winston-Salem. The 330-acre mixed-use development includes office, laboratory, classroom and residential space used by 100 organizations, including Wake Forest University and its School of Medicine.
According to Innovation Quarter tenant Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the current facility supports over 4,000 jobs and generates an estimated $2 billion in annual economic impact plus $60 million in tax revenue.
“The establishment and growth of the Innovation Quarter over the last 20-plus years has been exciting to watch. This new master plan continues that momentum,” Annette Scippio, Winston-Salem city councilor, said. “I am encouraged about what this new phase means for the continued vitality of our great city and the jobs and resources it will bring to our community.”
New infrastructure will also join the Innovation Quarter to nearby neighborhoods and downtown districts. The plan amends surrounding city streets for better pedestrian and bike access, including a segment of 3rd Street near the current site and perpendicular to Patterson Avenue. It also calls for a multi-purpose trail connecting the Innovation Quarter across U.S. 52 to neighborhoods in eastern Winston-Salem.
The Innovation Quarter’s current facility is operated by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Their parent group, Advocate Health, says they have already contributed $25 million to the site’s groundwork, including a half-mile of new streets, lighting and landscaping that have already been installed on the property.
“This updated plan was inspired by the extraordinary momentum and investment the Innovation Quarter has experienced in recent years – driven by Advocate Health’s commitment to both the enterprise and the Winston-Salem community,” Executive Vice Chief Academic Officer of Administration for Advocate Health Terry Hales said.
The Innovation Quarter says it is partnering with Wexford Science & Technology and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for Phase II’s latest infrastructure projects.
