Announcement about Baity Street redevelopment

In August 2023, Wake Forest announced it was exploring the redevelopment of University-owned property adjacent to Allegacy Stadium, Couch Ballpark and the Joel Coliseum. Working with the City of Winston-Salem, Carter and Front Street Capital, this redevelopment effort aims to reinforce Winston-Salem’s position as a tourism, sports and entertainment destination by creating a lively mixed-use development with plans for new retail, restaurant, experiential and/or residential spaces.

Carter and Front Street Capital have worked on many projects throughout the country, including the redevelopment of Summerhill (former home to Atlanta Braves) in Atlanta, Georgia, and Bailey South in Winston-Salem. The Carter and Front Street Capital team have held multiple listening sessions with students, staff, and the wider Winston-Salem community since last fall to help inform the project’s direction.

Creating a new entertainment, retail, sports and dining district is an exciting opportunity that will benefit students, residents and visitors alike. Exact plans for the project are still being finalized, but particular attention will be paid to how it will enhance the student experience. The current conceptual plan includes creating greenway pathways for WFU students, faculty and staff to commute easily.

In March 2024, the Winston-Salem City Council approved $35 million in state funding for infrastructure enhancements needed to support economic development. To do this work necessitates the closing of and major construction on and under Deacon Boulevard. As part of the comprehensive redevelopment and infrastructure improvement plan, The Last Resort bar property will need to be demolished to facilitate work in the area. While a timeline for the demolition is not set, it will likely occur later this year.

Recognizing the importance of the Last Resort to students, the University is actively considering the need for social spaces and ways to connect. Campus leaders will be working on plans to enhance student gatherings and social spaces during the development of the Baity Street area.

The planning team will keep students informed as plans take shape. The University will continue to prioritize creating a sense of belonging among all students and student organizations so members of our community have spaces in which they can live, learn, grow, be challenged, and celebrate – both on campus and in the surrounding areas.