11:34 Winston-Salem, NC USA
Discover the
Story of the
Innovation Quarter
The vision of the Innovation Quarter is rooted in a longstanding culture of innovation in Winston-Salem, NC, that 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 made the transition from “Camel City” to “the City of Arts and Innovation” at the end of the 20th century, the focus of innovation changed from tobacco to technology. In the midst of this transition, the idea for Innovation Quarter was born.
The vision for a research park district in Winston-Salem emerged from the community. A group of academic, business and government leaders created the North Carolina Emerging Technology Alliance—later re-named Idealliance—and developed a plan to transform downtown Winston-Salem.
Innovation Quarter, as it is today, grew from that seed, led by Wake Forest Health Sciences in partnership with city, county and state government, local businesses, developers and community members, all who participated in its development shared the vision of creating a thriving downtown that could sustain the region and beyond.
Read about some of our milestones below.
Though the roots of the Innovation Quarter lie with Wake Forest School of Medicine, it has found a real estate and development partner in Wexford Science & Technology that shares the same passion for collaboration, connectivity and community.
By partnering with universities, academic medical centers and research institutions, Wexford specializes in knowledge communities: vibrant, mixed-use, amenity-rich urban developments built on a foundation of research, discovery and entrepreneurial activity. Wexford stays with its partners through the formation, development and growth of these communities.
Together, Wake Forest School of Medicine and Wexford have 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.
Innovation Quarter leverages the unique environment of its downtown location to create an inviting, collaborative hub of innovators who explore personal and professional ambitions against an urban backdrop of a culturally varied and creatively rich community.
With a goal of bringing together multiple facets of Winston-Salem and the Piedmont Triad at-large, Innovation Quarter creates an inclusive environment that welcomes all citizens, encourages them to think innovatively and provides the resources to help bring their creative ideas to life.
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Creating proximity through shared spaces and diverse business clusters, we foster an intentional system where both individuals and companies can thrive—a nexus ripe for collaboration. It’s a culture where start-ups partner with global businesses and an academic enterprise finds synergy with a tech company.
Additionally, we recognize creativity doesn’t happen on an empty stomach. The Innovation Quarter is home to restaurants, bars and cafés, as well as specialty shops, and other retail stores to round out your experience. We also host a variety of events and programs to make sure your mind is well-fed, too. Anything you need to create community—find it here.
Since 2012, 1.7 million square feet of mixed-use space has been completed as a blend of new construction and 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.
Bring a Friend Friday, to F45 Training WSNC! Get the best High-Intensity Interval Workout (HIIT) in town on the first … Full Event Details
Join Urban Street Grill for delicious dishes inspired by Jin and Shawn Chang. Urban Street Grill specializes in Korean barbecue, … Full Event Details
Community yoga led by Neil craver! His signature Power Vinyasa flow featuring lots of breath work, core work, rhythm & … Full Event Details
Enjoy hot and fresh all-beef hot dogs from Buns on the Run, home of the best homemade chili and slaw! Full Event Details
Beers N Gears and Fiddlin' Fish Brewing Co. have partnered to bring you a weekly no-drop group bike ride in … Full Event Details
Zeko’s 2 Go joins us each Tuesday in Bailey Park to serve up delicious Italian, Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Their award-winning menu … Full Event Details
Join Urban Street Grill for delicious dishes inspired by Jin and Shawn Chang. Urban Street Grill specializes in Korean barbecue, … Full Event Details
Join HUSTLE for the final Marketing Outside the Box series of 2021! These sessions aim to bring some cheer to … Full Event Details
Que Viva! Latin Street Grill joins us each Tuesday in Bailey Park. The family-owned truck specializes in Latin America cuisine, … Full Event Details
Join Lobster Dogs for fresh Maine-style lobster, shrimp and crab rolls. Don't forget to try their stuffed avocados! Full Event Details
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Discover more of what the Innovation Quarter has to offer. Explore the variety of companies and people who call this place home and some of the things that make this place a good spot to work, live, learn and play. About Winston-Salem
