Construction has officially begun on Creekside at The Grounds, a purpose-built student apartment community and a milestone in the revitalization of Winston-Salem’s sports and entertainment district. The project, developed by Carter and Front Street Capital, is the first vertical development within the larger 100-acre mixed-use master-planned community known as The Grounds, adjacent to Wake Forest University.
A New Era in Off-Campus Living
Creekside at The Grounds is specifically geared towards upperclassmen and graduate students and will contain 229 units and 521 fully equipped beds. Every bedroom will contain an enclosed bathroom, and residents can choose from a variety of distinct floor plans with high-end contemporary finishes. Community amenities will consist of a clubhouse with study rooms and fitness center, outdoor entertainment area and pool, and direct greenway access point and newly rehabilitated Silas Creek.
Positioned just steps from Wake Forest’s campus, Creekside aims to meet growing demand for quality off-campus housing while anchoring what will become a walkable, integrated community. “This is the first of several transformative projects that will define the future of The Grounds,” said Adam Parker, Senior Vice President at Carter. “We’re delivering an unprecedented residential experience in Winston-Salem, designed to meet student needs while anchoring this sports and entertainment mixed-use community.”
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Project Partners, Cost, and Timeline
The Creekside project team includes architectural design firm The Preston Partnership, general builder Brasfield & Gorrie, and engineering firm Stimmel Associates. Funding for the development is being provided by Kayne Anderson Real Estate and Truist Financial Corporation. Which is an indication of strong investor faith and the long-term viability of the project.
Sitework and grading started this week, with Creekside finishing up by Fall 2027. The project is part of Phase One of The Grounds, which has exceeded $215 million in investments committed. Other features of this first phase is a retail village and an office building. They are under design and preparing to break ground early in 2026.
The Grounds: A Vision for the Future
While Creekside is the first building to arise, it is only one part of The Grounds’ overall vision. Designed as a vibrant, all-season center, The Grounds will include residential units, retail shops, restaurants, office buildings, and community amenities, all connected by an accessible, pedestrian-friendly design.
Led by Carter and Front Street Capital in association with Wake Forest University and the City of Winston-Salem, The Grounds will be a new iconic presence in the area. Its location in the middle of the city makes it within walking distance of major venues. Such as the LJVM Coliseum, Allegacy Stadium, David F. Couch Ballpark, and the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.
“The Grounds is a courageous reimagining of what is possible here,” said Coleman Team, President and Managing Partner for Front Street Capital. “Creekside is the tip of the iceberg—interweaving students, events, trails, retail, and community in a way that has not occurred in Winston-Salem to this point.”
A Community for Living, Learning, and Leisure
Essentially, The Grounds aims to create a community in which an individual can live, work, and play. By its linked trail systems, cutting-edge infrastructure, and proximity to education and entertainment, it is ready to spur economic growth and solidify Winston-Salem’s reputation as a regional destination for students, professionals, and visitors alike.
As the initial above-ground sign of this ambitious endeavor, Creekside at The Grounds sets the tone—a student living experience founded on connection, comfort, and convenience, all within an energetic and evolving neighborhood.
Read also: UC Merced and Merced College team up to build joint $100M Student housing complex
Creekside at The Grounds: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Target Market: Upperclassmen and graduate students
Units: 229 units / 521 fully furnished beds
Features: Private bathrooms in each bedroom, high-end modern finishes
Timeline: Construction began 2025, completion Fall 2027
Amenities
Clubhouse with study areas and fitness center
Outdoor pool and entertainment area
Direct connection to greenways and restored Silas Creek
Multiple floor plan options
Development Team
Developers: Carter & Front Street Capital
Architect: The Preston Partnership
General Contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie
Engineering: Stimmel Associates
Financing: Kayne Anderson Real Estate, Truist Financial Corporation
The Grounds Master Plan
Investment: Phase One exceeds $215 million
Vision: Vibrant, year-round destination with residential, retail, office, and public amenities
Layout: Walkable, pedestrian-first design
Partners: Carter, Front Street Capital, Wake Forest University, City of Winston-Salem
Additional Phase One Components
Office building (design phase)
Retail village (design phase)
Expected groundbreaking: Early 2026
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