Wake Forest & The Loading Dock honored by NC Main Street

Wake Forest was one of nine communities to receive an award for excellence in downtown revitalization during the March 15 North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony in Statesville. Assistant Secretary of Rural Development Kenny Flowers, and Director of the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center Liz Parham presented the awards in categories that include economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. 

Wake Forest earned its award in the “Economic Vitality” category, Best Adaptive Reuse Project subcategory for The Loading Dock. The following individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the project: Bob and Elizabeth Johnson; Plus Architecture; Focus Design Builders; Philip Freeman; Benchmark Community Bank; Jason Cannon, Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership.

In 2017, a need for collaborative workspace for entrepreneurs and remote workers was identified in Downtown Wake Forest. The Loading Dock, a coworking company, was recruited to the community, and a former 1960s warehouse was transformed to accommodate this new use. The project goal was to find or redevelop an attractive building that welcomed Wake Forest residents into an inviting space that encouraged business collaboration.

Collaboration was a hallmark of this project, with more than six individual companies combining their influence and expertise to make the project happen. Owners Bob and Elizabeth Johnson transformed their 24,000 square foot former warehouse into 48 private offices, seven conference rooms, two training rooms, a restaurant space, a large coworking/event area, and a kitchen and outdoor seating area. The building’s original rafters and concrete floors were retained.

The project’s economic impact has been dramatic as more than 300 members have joined, representing more than 100 companies. Additionally, Downtown Wake Forest has realized a $4.1 million investment in downtown, while two adjoining properties are now poised for commercial development, essentially extending the downtown area.

“These projects are significant improvements to our rural communities,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “The Main Street program is helping communities identify their best assets for economic growth and prosperity, and I am pleased to honor them for the great initiative and work that they are doing to improve their downtown districts.” 

“Using private and public investments and historic tax credits, our Main Street communities are committed to revitalizing their downtowns,” added Flowers. “From new construction infill projects to local events and public space improvement projects, these honorees represent the vision of local governments, economic developers, and other private-public partnerships that communities need to thrive.”

The North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center works in regions, counties, cities, towns, downtown districts and in designated North Carolina Main Street communities, to inspire placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies that achieve measurable results such as investment, business growth and jobs.