The Grounds Launches First Housing Project with Creekside Groundbreaking
Carter and Front Street Capital have officially broken ground on Creekside at The Grounds, a landmark student housing development that marks the inaugural vertical construction within The Grounds—a transformative 100-acre mixed-use district being developed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Situated adjacent to Wake Forest University and overlooking the newly restored Silas Creek, Creekside represents not just the first residential project within the master plan, but also the beginning of a broader reimagining of the city’s sports, entertainment, and lifestyle infrastructure.
This purpose-built student apartment community is poised to set a new standard in student living, offering both immediate benefits to Wake Forest students and long-term value to the city. As the first major step in a much larger vision, Creekside reflects the bold ambition of The Grounds to become a walkable, integrated community that brings together living, recreation, education, and commerce.
A Purpose-Built Vision for Student Living
Creekside at The Grounds has been meticulously planned to meet the unique needs of upperclassmen and graduate students, combining the independence of off-campus housing with the convenience and quality of modern residential amenities. The development will include 229 units and provide housing for 521 students. All residences will be fully furnished, with each bedroom offering a private bathroom, ensuring privacy, comfort, and functionality for its future residents.
Multiple floor plan options are available, designed to reflect the diversity of student preferences and lifestyle needs. All units will feature contemporary high-end finishes, aligning with the high design and construction standards envisioned for the entire Grounds master plan.
Residents will also benefit from access to a variety of on-site amenities, including:
- A modern clubhouse with study rooms and collaborative workspaces
- A fully equipped fitness center tailored for student life
- An outdoor swimming pool, complete with a kitchen and entertainment zone
- Direct access to Silas Creek and a newly built multi-use pedestrian and cycling path, which seamlessly links Creekside with The Grounds’ retail village and Wake Forest University
“This is the first of several transformative projects that will define the future of The Grounds,” said Adam Parker, Senior Vice President at Carter. “With Creekside, we’re not only meeting the housing demand of today’s students, we’re creating a residential experience that anchors a broader lifestyle community designed for long-term vibrancy.”
Strategic Location Meets Expanding Market Demand
Creekside is strategically positioned to serve one of the region’s most consistent and growing demographics: students. Demand for quality, off-campus housing in Winston-Salem has steadily increased, driven in part by the ongoing expansion of Wake Forest University and the city’s rising profile as a destination for education, research, and innovation.
Creekside is uniquely suited to meet that demand. Located directly adjacent to Wake Forest, the project offers unmatched convenience for students, faculty, and university staff. But its location also places it at the heart of Winston-Salem’s sports and entertainment corridor, granting residents walkable access to a range of year-round activities—from football games and concerts to parks, restaurants, and retail experiences.
This combination of proximity and programming makes Creekside a cornerstone not just for students, but for the overall growth strategy behind The Grounds.
“Creekside is unlike anything else in our market,” said Coleman Team, President and Managing Partner of Front Street Capital. “It represents a bold first step for the residential vision of The Grounds, offering students walkable access to everything from football games and concerts to trails and retail to campus and class. We’re proud to launch this next phase of development with a project that directly supports and connects Wake Forest students and the broader Winston-Salem community.”
Connectivity, Sustainability, and Long-Term Impact
A key feature of Creekside—and of The Grounds as a whole—is its commitment to pedestrian connectivity and sustainable design. The newly constructed multi-use path running along Silas Creek is a central part of this vision. Not only does it promote healthy, walkable lifestyles, but it also reconnects natural spaces that had been underutilized for decades.
This infrastructure will eventually tie into a broader network of trails, sidewalks, and public gathering spaces throughout The Grounds. The integration of green space and mobility options supports a holistic community model—one that balances residential density with environmental stewardship and accessibility.
The remediated Silas Creek, which Creekside directly fronts, has become a symbol of this shift. Once a neglected and overlooked waterway, it is now restored and reimagined as a centerpiece for life and activity at The Grounds.
Development Team and Timeline
Construction of Creekside is already underway, with initial sitework and grading launched this week. The project is scheduled for delivery in Fall 2027, aligning with the academic calendar and the larger rollout of The Grounds’ first development phase.
The project is designed by The Preston Partnership, known for its innovative and community-oriented architectural approach. Brasfield & Gorrie, a nationally recognized construction firm, is serving as the general contractor, while Stimmel Associates is the engineer of record, contributing civil and site design expertise.
On the financial side, Creekside is supported by leading institutional investors:
- Kayne Anderson Real Estate, a national leader in alternative investments with a strong track record in student housing
- Truist Financial Corporation, a top-ten U.S. commercial bank providing robust financial backing to support long-term success
The involvement of these high-caliber financial partners underscores both the strength of the market and the confidence in The Grounds as a long-term asset and community anchor.
A Catalyst for What Comes Next
Creekside is just the beginning. The overall Phase One vision for The Grounds now exceeds $215 million in planned investments. In addition to Creekside, the phase will include a new office building and a vibrant retail village, both of which are currently in design and scheduled to break ground in early 2026.
As these projects come online, The Grounds will evolve from a promising concept into a thriving reality—a destination that reshapes Winston-Salem’s identity and fosters a new era of live-work-play possibilities.
From new student apartments to retail spaces, offices, trails, and gathering places, the district’s integrated master plan ensures that every element works together to support a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive community.
