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About the Innovation Quarter

One of the historic smokestacks from the renovated R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company factory.

The Roots of Innovation

The roots of the Innovation Quarter lie within a partnership formed by city, county and state governments, local businesses, developers and community members and a strategic partnership between Wake Forest University School of Medicine and real estate and development partner Wexford Science & Technology. Together, these entities share the same passion for encouraging greater collaboration, connectivity and the congregation of people and ideas.

Peer into the Past

Winston-Salem, NC’s long-standing culture of innovation has existed since the Moravians settled here. It continued with the manufacturing boom in the early 20th century, signaled by the exponential growth of companies like R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Hanesbrands. As Winston-Salem transitioned from “Camel City” to “the City of Arts and Innovation” at the end of the 20th century, the focus on innovation changed from tobacco to technology.

Cars lining up on what is now 5th Street in Winston-Salem.

A R.J. Reynolds Tobacco company building from 1916.

A panorama of downtown Winston-Salem from the 1920s.

An aerial view of downtown Winston-Salem from the past.

A pictures of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco smokestacks in 1956.

African American houses possibly at Belews Street in Winston-Salem in 1935.

The iQ of Today

The vision for a research park district in Winston-Salem emerged from the community. Innovation Quarter, as it is today, grew from that seed, led by Wake Forest Health Sciences in partnership with city, county and state governments, local businesses, developers and community members. All who participated in its development shared a vision of creating a thriving downtown that would sustain the region and beyond.

These partnerships have also shaped the evolution of the Innovation Quarter and set it on the path toward what it is becoming—a high-tech ecosystem that serves business, academic and societal needs.

The sunset over the 525@vine building in the Innovation Quarter.

A group of students pointing to a computer screen during a class held in the Innovation Quarter.

The Coal Pit in the Innovation Quarter is an outdoor hangout spot.

A woman painting the face of a young child at an event held in the Innovation Quarter.

The front entrance of Alma Mexicana, a restaurant in the Innovation Quarter.

A group of friends hanging out at an apartment in the Innovation Quarter.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Building an innovation district takes a city. Today’s Innovation Quarter is the result of a partnership among many public and private entities in and around Winston-Salem—but this is only the beginning.

Since 2012, 1.7 million square feet of mixed-use space has been completed, integrating new construction with revitalized historic buildings. And this is only the beginning. Totaling 330+ acres, the Innovation Quarter has more development to come, and you could be part of the next 2.4 million square feet.

See What’s Ahead