What do you think of Winston's plans for downtown? (Charlotte: condos, incomes)

[NCis4me]

There seem to be a lot of plans in the works for downtown W-S including a ballpark, New Life Center (for the homeless) and Civic Plaza. Do you think these projects are going to be a success? How do you think they will change the view of downtown in the eyes of Winston-Salem residents not currently living or working downtown?

[silverwing]

Originally Posted by NCis4me

There seem to be a lot of plans in the works for downtown W-S including a ballpark, New Life Center (for the homeless) and Civic Plaza. Do you think these projects are going to be a success? How do you think they will change the view of downtown in the eyes of Winston-Salem residents not currently living or working downtown?

It would be nice if some of the plans included building high rises along the lines of being affordable to people with less than 6-figure incomes We drove by one of the Wachovia data centers and noted the new dwellings going up. IIRC, units start at 600K. There have been some complaints that the city is not yet a walkable place as far as reaching amenities. Hopefully the recent news that an enterprising person is going to open a grocery downtown will bring more interest in that type of business.

We like W-S; I'd much rather stick around that city than Charlotte (*puke*); but it needs to work on making itself accessible and affordable.

[househunter]

There are several 'new' condo's in W-S that are affordable. There is one on West End Blvd that runs about 100,000, on Chestnut St. you can get a condo for less than $130,000. There is a new bldg going up in the arts district that will have 32 condos with 3 retail spaces on the ground floor, those are running about 165,000. You can also get one at The Gallery for under 170,000 that has wonderful upgrades. I think WS is doing a great job revitilizing the city. Just look at what has been done on 4th Street alone in the past 4 years. The city is helping small business owners be able to afford to come into the city. I think they will follow through with their plans and WS will have a new face soon.

[silverwing]

Originally Posted by househunter

Just look at what has been done on 4th Street alone in the past 4 years. The city is helping small business owners be able to afford to come into the city. I think they will follow through with their plans and WS will have a new face soon.

Yeah, Spouse works in that area; has for some 10 years. He said he sees fewer hookers and drug deals going on there, now. The high price condos I noted were in that area; I'm pretty sure it's on the parcel where the failed Krispy Kreme project was to be. I guess the developer is trying to make his investment back now that the KK idea plotzed