How well do you know the Innovation Quarter? Here are some noteworthy numbers and facts worth sharing.
5 Hand-painted Murals
From pandemic projects to 15-foot paintings renewed annually by local students, artists have adorned the Innovation Quarter with five new murals since 2014. Several stand tall telling stories of the rich history, diversity, adversity and change that define the surrounding community. Public art is part of our commitment to convening partnerships within the community and aligning with social innovation efforts to allow all voices to express themselves.
6 Renovated Spaces with Tobacco Roots
History meets modernism in many of the Innovation Quarter’s spaces, especially those with ties to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The former tobacco factories and power plants have been reimagined into mixed-use facilities.
- Wake Forest Biotech Place was the first to undergo renovations into spaces for offices, labs and events.
- 525@vine houses the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education and Wake Downtown, providing space for offices and educational programs.
- Bailey Power Plant, Bailey South, and the Morris building once served as a coal-fired power plant. They now make up the Bailey Power Plant block and round out the last of the reclaimed and renovated historic R.J Reynolds buildings.
- The Coal Pit is the open area behind Bailey Power Plant and Bailey South that was used as storage for the factory’s coal. It’s now a communal gathering space surrounded by restaurants and retailers.
15 Applications of Cell/Tissue Therapy Technologies
As the world’s largest regenerative medicine facility, the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) aims to lead the global transformation from treatments to cures. Its applications of cell/tissue therapy technologies that have been used in humans include skin, urethras, cartilage, bladders, muscle, kidney and vaginal organs. The institute collaborates with 400+ entities and institutions worldwide and is known for its many “first in history” achievements.
23 Tech Companies (and Counting)
Regenerative medicine. Support for clinical trial patients. Utility-scale solar power projects. Intelligence data platforms. These companies contribute to the innovation ecosystem that has redefined Winston-Salem’s economy and trajectory through scientific advancements and commercialization. As Phase II of development gets underway, we expect even more tech companies to settle in soon.
81 Miles to Our Sister Innovation District
The Pearl innovation district in Charlotte is part of a larger vision to develop the region into an area that leads innovation through research and new business. The concept comes months after Charlotte officials toured the Innovation Quarter. Leaders discussed the potential behind coordinating and enhancing research and technology between the two cities. The area is also being developed by Wexford Science & Technology, LLC and will become home to a new Wake Forest University School of Medicine – Charlotte.
200+ Acres of Space
This includes 20,000 square feet of biomedical and scientific research lab space, startup offices, restaurants, retail storefronts, green spaces, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and more. It’s everything you need to be able to live, work and play in the Innovation Quarter.
Up to 450 Additional Residential Units
As more companies create more jobs for people in the Innovation Quarter, Phase II of development will also support more living options. Up to 450 additional residential units are expected to coincide with 30,000 square feet of ground-level activation space, including restaurants and retail. This reflects the need to preserve the Innovation Quarter’s current mixed-use environment, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Ways to Learn More About the Innovation Quarter
We can’t put a number on everything there is to see, hear and do at the Innovation Quarter — but we can keep you informed. Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date on our latest events, stories and announcements.
Innovate Today, Transform Tomorrow
Establishing a successful innovation district takes a village. But with the right strategies and partnerships, it can manifest a vibrant community. From driving economic growth to fostering inclusive collaboration, there are some key tactics you don’t want to overlook.
