Welcome! Whether you walked by our front window, follow us on Instagram or just stumbled upon this post on our blog, we are glad you are here! We are counting down the days to Christmas by celebrating exciting events that happened this year. Some are deals we were involved in, others are neighborhood events that we want to celebrate. Thanks for joining us and check back tomorrow for the next reveal…all the way to Christmas!
1. Sentinel Commons 
Back in June, plans were announced for a redevelopment project at the Winston-Salem Journal building on Marshall Street.
Located in the vibrant downtown core of Winston-Salem, Sentinel Commons is a mixed-use development that celebrates community by bringing people together. Here, unique office space, opportunities for co-working, arts, recreation, delicious food choices and entertainment come together in one convenient setting.
2. Scooters Returned to DTWS 
In October, electric scooters returned to the streets of downtown Winston-Salem. Zagster in partnership with Spin, put out 100 rental scooters for public use, which can be accessed through their app. These provide a fun way for residents, employees, and visitors to zip around our city. As you scoot from Innovation Quarter to Burke Street, keep a few things in mind: 1) Scooters cannot be used on sidewalks, on greenways, in Old Salem or in public parks 2) Scooters are considered vehicles and must obey stop lights, stop signs and all other traffic laws 3) Scooters must yield to pedestrians in the public right-of-way and 4) Scooters cannot be left where they will block sidewalks, driveways or curbside parking.
We are so excited the scooters have returned to our city. Be safe while scooting (wear a helmet!) and have FUN!
3. Yamas 
Yamas, which means “cheers to good health,” is downtown Winston-Salem’s newest Mediterranean restaurant. Opened in March, Yamas is located in what many long-time residents know as the Skippy’s Hot Dog space (you can even spot the old Skippy’s neon sign in the restaurant!). This fast-casual concept offers everything from salads, to grain bowls, to gyros, all of which is absolutely delicious! On any given weekday, there is a high likelihood that you will spot a LTP team member here around lunchtime. Be sure to swing by and try their spanakopita!
4. Cugino Forno 
In last year’s countdown, we celebrated the announcement that Cugino Forno was coming to Winston, but this year we get to reflect on and celebrate its opening! Cugino Forno, which opened its second location in March of this year, aims to provide an authentic Italian experience for its patrons. They cook their pizzas in two 7,000-pound wood-fired ovens, both of which were handmade in Naples, while most of their ingredients come from Naples or its surrounding areas as well. Next door to Incendiary Brewing, customers can enjoy a delicious pizza alongside a local craft brew – they will even bring your pizza to you in the brewery! Do yourself a favor and grab one of their pies ASAP!
5. F45Training 
F45training is one of the newest additions to Wake Forest Innovation Quarter! They offer 45-minute classes that focus on high-intensity circuit training. Once open, they will provide two early morning classes, one lunchtime class, and two evening classes every day. They utilize technology to ensure that classes are fun & upbeat and also to help ensure that participants are engaging correctly with the various moves! As of now, they hope to open early next year, be sure to welcome them to our community!
6. 500 W. 5th
In October, Winston-Salem had the pleasure of celebrating the Grand Opening of 500 West Fifth! In 2018, we celebrated that Flow Automotive and Winston Starts would be opening in this core downtown property, and 2019 has brought many more things to celebrate with this space! Tell Capital Partners and Flywheel are now among the tenants of the transformed building. At a recent Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership lunch, Don Flow shared his vision that 500 West Fifth be a gathering space for the community, bringing people and companies together to create a better community.
7. Radar Brewing 
Industry Hill’s newest addition will soon be Radar Brewing Company! So close to Wise Man Brewing and Fiddlin’ Fish, the group opening Radar hope to continue the formation of this “beer district.” When the brewers think about what they have to bring to Winston, they envision classic beers like IPA’s and wheats, but also hope to utilize interesting ingredients and surprise customers. In addition to innovating with their recipes, they have taken a creative approach to their process as well. They will implement a “clean” fermentation process and have an open fermentation room so customers can watch their beer being made!
8. Salem Parkway 
Business 40 renovations progressed a great deal this year! The entire project is slated to be completed in Summer 2020 and will ultimately result in a lengthening of the acceleration and deceleration lanes, the replacements of nine vehicular bridges and adding two pedestrian bridges, and an increase in the speed limit to 55 mph throughout, among other things. When all is completed, all of US-421/Business 40 will be renamed as Salem Parkway.
NCDOT is working hard to keep everyone informed about where the project stands on the Winston-Salem Business 40 Website, which is dedicated to information about this project. Despite any inconvenience, this undertaking is necessary and so exciting for all the benefits it will bring to our downtown!
9. The Tasting Room 
Over the Summer, winos rejoiced at the opening of The Tasting Room on Trade Street. This new wine bar carries a wide array of wines from around the world selling both by the glass and by the bottle. With categories on their menu like Geeky Grapes and Adventurous Reds, they have something for everyone! On Wednesdays you can enjoy their “Winesday Pick Three” deal, which lets you try any 3 of their wines by the glass for just $7. They have another $6 tasting on Thursdays that usually included two whites and two reds and often features a specific region. This fun new spot is a wonderful addition to downtown’s Arts District!
10. Glass Door Salon 
Glass Door Salon & Spa is a full service salon and spa located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. Fun fact: it’s also downtown’s only full service salon & spa! Founded in 2007, this family-owned business offers a wide variety of services ranging from hair, nails, makeup, bridal, and spa packages. Currently, they are in the process of moving into the Twin City Lofts retail development, joining CycleBar and Village Juice Co.
11. Moji Coffee 
Here at LTP, we like our coffee with a little bit of sugar and a whole lot of joy – which means we are pretty obsessed with Moji Coffee! Located right on Trade Street, Moji doesn’t just offer delicious coffee, it provides a pathway for acceptance and opportunity for those in our community with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD). With over 80% of individuals with IDD unemployed nationally, Moji Coffee gives our IDD community an opportunity to have meaningful, fulfilling employment. So today we are feeling thankful for all the Moji Coffee and extra thankful for our IDD community. #CelebrateDifferences #JoltofJoy
12. Greater Winston-Salem Inc.
2019 was a big year for the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and Winston-Salem Business Inc.! The two organizations will be consolidating under the new name Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Mark Owens, who will be heading up the new organization said that the consolidation would take place on or before June 30, 2020. We are unbelievably excited to see how this consolidation helps move our city forward! Learn more about this exciting new announcement here!
13. Whitaker Park Development 
RJ Reynolds opened Whitaker Park in 1961 with a $32 Million investment, making it one of the leading and largest cigarette-manufacturing plants at the time. Today, Whitaker Park is taking on a new purpose thanks to the Whitaker Park Development Authority (WPDA). With a reported investment capital of over $200 million, WPDA’s mission is to position Whitaker Park for redevelopment by attracting new manufacturing, retail and residential developments. This June, Cook Medical announced its acquisition of an 850,000 SF facility and the subsequent move of 650 jobs into the developing business park with production beginning by late 2021 or early 2022. With investment coming from Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, The Golden Leaf Foundation, Cook Medical, and its proximity to downtown and the airport, Whitaker Park will be an economic asset to bring new jobs and industries to Winston-Salem.
14. Sir Winston Wine Loft & Hotel Indigo 
In April, Winston-Salem celebrated the opening of Hotel Indigo and the re-opening of the Sir Winston restaurant. Located in the historic Pepper Building, these two additions to downtown bring life to one of Winston’s most iconic properties. And we are excited to have new neighbors!
Hotel Indigo is full of Art Deco-inspired design, offering 75 guest rooms across six floors, meeting rooms, and unique space for special events. This boutique hotel is perfectly paired with the Sir Winston Restaurant, featuring flavorful options that highlight North Carolina’s farms and vineyards.
15. Buie’s Market 
In the heart of Buena Vista you can now make a quick run to the store for nearly anything you may need to grab in a pinch. Or, better yet, sit a beat and enjoy a craft brew or coffee while taking in the outside residential hustle and bustle. Either way, Buie’s has you covered with local produce and packaged goods, including everything from toiletries to charcuterie board necessities to grab-and-go meals for those nights when you just don’t have the time. And we love the homage being paid to the Buie’s Pharmacy from decades past which occupied the same exact space. Buie’s Market, you are a gem!
16. West End Station 
Adding to 2019’s growth in Winston-Salem is the brand new, 229-unit, luxury apartment complex: West End Station. The Station is downtown’s newest residential addition and also boasts a saltwater swimming pool, fitness center, two-story clubhouse and two elevated courtyards. It was designed by the Charlotte-based Axiom Architecture firm and offers a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. Oh and we can’t forget about the skyline views!
In addition to opening this year, West End Station was also SOLD this year! Just last week, this apartment complex was purchased by EBSCO Income Properties of Birmingham, Alabama for a whopping $52.5 million. This sale is indicative of the incredible growth happening in our downtown!
17. HOPS BURGER BAR
It happened! In October, Hops Burger Bar finally opened a location here in Winston! Hops began in Greensboro and now has four locations. This restaurant is a staple on lists like “The Burger Joint Everyone is Talking About in Each State.” Hops is known for its creative burger menu and craft beer – and their new spot in West End is no different!
18. Bobby Boy & Caviste 
The new co-tenants of 1100 Reynolda Road are a match made in heaven: baked goods and fine wines; what could be better? Bobby Boy Bakeshop’s passion is clear in its product; flaky, puffy, unique, delicious artisan pastries and breads. Trust us when we say you’ll need the larger box. Caviste began in 2012 with a passion for European wines in a shopping center off Robinhood Road. In their new digs, you can visit with the expectation of being expertly guided to the perfect glass or bottle for you. Both Bobby Boy Bakeshop and Caviste are open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Give this dynamic duo a try, they do not disappoint.
19. Winston-Junction Market 
Winston Junction Market joined the Industry Hill scene earlier this year, officially opening their doors in March. With a focus on locally sourced produce, makers, and artists, we love how the Market celebrates all that is Winston-Salem. Shop for handmade goods of all sorts, blooms, bites, beverages, all while making a local artisan do a little happy dance! And when you’re finished, grab a picnic table and a bev and take in the downtown skyline. Winston Junction, you’re too good!
20. Courthouse Plans 
Forsyth County has been working on this plan since 2005; a bigger and better-designed courthouse, projected to be hugged by Chestnut Street, Patterson Avenue, and Second Street. The new digs, planned for approximately 250,679 square feet, will cost the county along the lines of $115.9 million, with an additional $13 million going toward a complimenting parking deck. The plans include 16 court rooms (with room for future expansion), a sunlit jury assembly space, and an inmate tunnel connecting the courthouse to the jail. The new courthouse is projected to be completed in 2022.
21. BB&T College Guarantee Program 
In November Mayor Joines announced the primarily-BB&T-funded grant that allows any Forsyth County student unable to afford tuition at Forsyth Technical Community College the ability to attend at no cost to them. The grant is designed to cover tuition, books, transportation, childcare, and everything in between. The grant requires that FTCC must reside in the county for at least two years after graduation, an asset to our local economy. Allowing those who otherwise may be unable to achieve higher education, this program is a wonderful gift to our students, and our future community.
22. Hoots Downtown 
A couple weekend’s ago, Hoots Beer Company opened another set of doors for us to enjoy their magically crafted local beer. The edgy brewers, dedicated to anonymity and creativity, fit like a glove in their new Trade Street location in the former Test Pattern space. If you’re not necessarily beer-forward, not to fear: Hoots has rotating mixed drink offerings. HBC’s Mill Works location is still alive and well; two locations just means double the opportunities to “enjoy the beer you were born to imbibe.” Three cheers for Hoots Satellite!
23. CRE Dealmakers Awards 
In June of this year, Triad Business Journal revealed a new award system: The Commercial Real Estate Deal Makers Awards. Designed to acknowledge those who work countless hours on the deals that grow our city, the Deal Makers award goes to the top producers in various commercial real estate categories. All honorees were deemed winners based on their hard numbers – total sales volume closed in 2018 in each category.
LTP’s very own Ben Bloodworth, Nick Gonzalez, and Tommy Adams were all award winners in this inaugural year; we could not be any prouder of these three and the impact they have on our city! You can read more about the award system and honorees here!
24. LTP Continues to Grow! 
In addition to the sales and leases that have marked this year for our company, 2019 has brought some exciting changes to LTP. We have welcomed two new team members, Sarah Beth Ruffin and William Blackwell! We have also continued our commitment to a partner-based culture by adding Tommy Adams and Meg Horvat to the LTP partnership. Teamwork is at the core of what we do here, and we continue to grow more and more excited about the team we are assembling. We are incredibly grateful for each and every team member, client, friend and family that has helped us get to where we are today!
Thank you for joining us this month as we celebrated some of the biggest news stories for Downtown Winston-Salem this year. It has been a wonderful year for us at Linville Team Partners and we are so grateful to be a part of such a vibrant community. We wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and exciting 2020.