Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Javara’s Continued Partnership
Javara, Inc. is an integrated research organization headquartered in the Innovation Quarter. Together with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Javara is working to achieve better patient outcomes by pairing those in need with clinical trials. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, they helped organize a community-based research study to help the medical community better understand the virus’ regional infection patterns. We know their efforts are helping to transform the future of clinical research—and we’re excited to see them grow!
Biotech Place’s 10th Anniversary
Biotech Place does double duty for the Innovation Quarter. While its primary role is a hub for cutting-edge biotechnology research, it also serves as a community asset for events of all kinds. It opened its doors in 2012 after a facelift and interior renovation and quickly became a prime location within the Innovation Quarter for blood drives, yoga sessions, conferences and more.
Class of 2022
Over 1,800 degree-seeking students make their way to the Innovation Quarter to attend classes, conduct research and learn their trade. We look forward to seeing another class of graduates leave the Innovation Quarter and make their mark on the world.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We’re always trying to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment in the Innovation Quarter and know that words aren’t enough to affect change. We’re committed to addressing racial inequity and advancing opportunities for marginalized people and groups in our community through our actions. We’re having transparent discussions about our long-term diversity and inclusion strategy, supporting and partnering with organizations advancing inclusive innovation and continuing to learn from our community how we can help fight racial injustice.
“Escape the City” Bike Rides Hosted by Cycle Your City
Cycle Your City is a relatively new addition to the Innovation Quarter, but their goals haven’t changed since they started in 2014. In addition to supporting fun and healthy recreation and a logical way to move through our city, Cycle Your City wants to get more people on bikes and raise awareness of our local greenways, bike routes, parks and mountain bike trails.
This summer, Greg Waddell and the Cycle Your City team will host an “Escape the City” event series. This is a series of mountain bike rides for new riders (or anyone new to the area) to learn about our local trails and connect with other cyclists.
“Ultimately, we really just want to move the iQ in a fun and healthy way!” —Greg Waddell, owner at Cycle Your City
Fitness Fridays with F45 Training
What better way to start the weekend than joining F45 Training for their Fitness Friday series? This is a free, high-intensity interval training session that will run every second Friday of the month from April to October. Just show up at the Coal Pit with a towel, water bottle and willingness to sweat.
Gelato, Chocolate Treats and Drinks from Black Mountain Chocolate
Black Mountain Chocolate moved from Trade Street to Bailey Power Plant in 2021. Despite having to learning to service customers and clients in a COVID environment, they’ve been solidifying their chocolate treats, gelato and drinks as Winston-Salem staples. We’ll be on the lookout for fun events hosted by Black Mountain Chocolate as they work to expand the “play” aspect of the iQ.
“We are happy to be a great ‘play’ destination in the Innovation Quarter’s live-work-play model. We hope to provide even more fun experiences to make the iQ a great place to call home.” —Brent Peters, chocolate maker and owner at Black Mountain Chocolate
Ice Cream from Lill Dipper
Although its walk-up service window is small, Lill Dipper is hard to miss—just look for the rainbow of colorful umbrellas along N. Patterson Avenue. This ice cream shop serves up classic and vegan vanilla soft serve, ten dips and 20 toppings. Grab a friend or two and head to Lill Dipper when they reopen in the spring.
Juneteenth Festival in the iQ
Winston-Salem’s annual Juneteenth Festival, organized by Triad Cultural Arts, celebrates African American traditions and freedom. This all-day festival features music, dance, food, panel discussions and arts and crafts, allowing the community to learn about and enjoy rich African American cultural traditions. Head to Biotech Place or Bailey Park on June 18 to join in!
Krankie’s Coffee and Their Famous Biscuits
Krankie’s Coffee customers have become accustomed to a few things: the blaring train horn, well-sourced and well-prepared coffee and an extensive list of biscuits sandwiches. We’ll take a Nashville Hot, Dirty Bird and Krankies Classic, please!
Lunch with Friends in Bailey Park
Thanks to the Innovation Quarter’s signature Food Truck Fridays event series, there are no compromises on where to go for lunch—just grab some friends or coworkers and head to Bailey Park. Food Truck Fridays will start each Friday at 11:00 am from May to October.
Meat and Seafood from The Butcher’s Block
With the Butcher’s Block arrival in the Innovation Quarter in 2020, you don’t have to go far to find quality meat and a knowledgeable butcher. The Butcher’s Block serves high-quality meats and fresh seafood and other local North Carolina products.
“We look forward to our continued growth with the iQ by offering the highest quality products and outstanding service to make the Innovation Quarter a top destination in the Triad.” —Eric Everhart, owner at The Butcher’s Block
New Partners Moving to the iQ
Whether you’re a restauranteur, retailer, entrepreneur or researcher, we invite you to find your spot in the Innovation Quarter. We’re currently home to a broad mix of companies and institutions and welcome new partners with open arms!
Outdoor Music in the Coal Pit
The area that once stored the coal used to fuel R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s factories and warehouses now serves as a multi-use outdoor gathering space for the Winston-Salem community. Flanked on one side by Incendiary Brewing, Cugino Forno and Black Mountain Chocolate, the open area of the Coal Pit is a convenient spot for outdoor music, wellness events and more.
Phase II of the Innovation Quarter
In June 2021, we announced our master plan for the Innovation Quarter’s phase II of development—and with 28 acres to fill, we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. Phase II will be developed along Research Parkway and will include space for 1 million square feet of clinical, lab and office space and 15 acres of urban green space.
Que Viva! Latin Street Grill
The Que Viva! Latin Street Grill food truck makes frequent stops in the Innovation Quarter. And a menu of arepas, jibaritos, empanadas and freshly-made salsas and sauces has us making regular stops at this family-owned and operated food truck.
Regenerative Medicine Hub and WFIRM
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) is intent on its mission to improve patients’ lives through regenerative medicine by pursuing multiple pathways and strategies to translate scientific discovery into clinical therapies. In 2021, WFIRM launched the Regenerative Medicine Hub, a growing intersection of biotechnology and business that brings together and draws upon the resources and talent available throughout the Innovation Quarter. The Hub has generated quite a bit of interest, and we expect to see more growth.
“WFIRM’s vision for the new year is to continue to work together with the iQ to promote the regenerative medicine knowledge community and continued growth in biotechnology. We are working together to create a regenerative medicine business landscape and economic driver for not only the city but the state and the nation overall.” —Bonnie Davis, Chief Communications Program Officer at WFIRM
Sparq Launchpad for New Ventures and Small Businesses
Sparq is the new “front door” to the Innovation Quarter. It will offer new ventures, small businesses and community members easy access to programming, coworking space and the vast resources the Innovation Quarter has to offer.
Taking Time to Explore the Innovation Quarter’s Art
Winston-Salem is known as the “City of Arts and Innovation,” and that moniker couldn’t be more fitting. In 2021:
- Leo Rucker completed his Depot Street Renaissance Mural near the corner of 7th and Vine Streets. The mural commemorates just a few individuals, businesses and institutions that contributed to the neighborhood’s rich history as a thriving hub for Black enterprise.
- Georgie Nakima unveiled her Aspire to Inspire mural on 5th Street, below the Long Branch Trail underpass. Nakima’s motivation to bring together the forces of innovation and creativity through art is reflected in this piece, meant to capture cultural diversity and optimism for our community’s future.
We invite all to take the time to explore more of the Innovation Quarter’s art.
Urban Street Grill
Urban Street Grill is a mainstay of Bailey Park’s food truck scene. Their sleek black truck makes its way to the Innovation Quarter at least once per week and offers hungry diners Korean barbecue, tacos, burritos and more. Their Bulgogi cheesesteak is a must-try!
Vinyasa Yoga with Lotus Yoga Studio
Neil Craver, co-owner of Lotus Yoga Studio, will host a free community yoga session every Friday through May 2022. Relax and unwind with his signature Power Vinyasa flow, featuring lots of breath-work, core-work, rhythm and flow.
Walks, Runs and Bike Rides on the Long Branch Trail
The Long Branch Trail is a 1.7 mile-long concrete path that starts at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and winds through the Innovation Quarter, passing behind the 525@vine building, over 4th Street via a wooden bridge, and through the phase II development sites. Along with benches, lighting, emergency call boxes, water fountains and bike racks, the Long Branch Trail offers walkers, runners and cyclists some of the best views of the Innovation Quarter.
Xtra Toppings on Pizza from Cugino Forno
A piping hot, Neapolitan-style pizza from Cugino Forno is the perfect lunch or dinner on a sunny summer Saturday. Actually—we’d take a slice from Cugino Forno any day of the week or time of year! You can order classics like a Margherita or Bianca pizza or make your own with extra toppings to suit your taste.
YOU, Making Your Way to the iQ
Whether you enjoy frisbee in Bailey Park, have a class at Wake Downtown or have to stop by Bailey South for a meeting, we love being a part of where the Winston-Salem community lives, works and plays. We look forward to seeing YOU in the Innovation Quarter soon.
Zoom Events with Our Partners
Even as in-person Innovation Quarter events start to pick up, we’re thrilled our partners will continue to offer training and workshops via Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms. Forsyth Technical Community College’s Small Business Center hosts regular sessions on career development and enrichment. Don’t miss the “Marketing Outside the Box” series, presented by HUSTLE Winston-Salem, to get marketing tips that every business should know. Browse our events calendar to find and register for an upcoming virtual event.
