The Loading Dock's Neighbor

The South White Street makeover continues. Trendy is a word typically reserved for places like Midtown Raleigh or downtown Durham. Hip. Cool. Trendy. Now words being used for downtown Wake Forest. Wake Forest residents already know how quaint that little town on the north side of Wake County is. With the addition of The Loading Dock - Wake Forest, Power House Row and what will soon become of the old Welsh Warehouse....South White Street in Wake Forest is quickly becoming TRENDY! HIP! COOL!

The Loading Dock - Wake Forest recently enjoyed an incredibly successful grand opening. With newly sprouted townhomes behind this area, Wake Forest residents have witnessed a revival of epic proportions!

Atlas Stark Holdings was founded in 2017 and has had quick impact on the market. A commercial management, leasing and development company...they saw an opportunity in Wake Forest and I am glad they did. Not new to redevelopment, they are very involved in Raleigh redevelopment projects between Peace Street and Wade Avenue. In addition to reuse spaces in Clayton including the Crawford Cookshop! In burgeoning Wendell a former warehouse is becoming the Bearded Bee! A true partner in the communities they serve - always looking for opportunities to bring economic spikes to areas in need.

Right there in Wake Forest they have added the 1.75 acre property that is a neighbor to the Loading Dock - Wake Forest. The former Welsh Warehouse is over 16,000 square feet and has been there since 1962. It has seen some changes during its time. It brings to mind how many changes Wake Forest homeowners have seen over the years. Where in the process are they? Early in the stages ... site-plan development is happening now. From what Jason Canon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership, shared they are anticipating submitting these plans to the town in the next 60 days. Through multiple conversations and articles it appears that the intention is to redevelop the property in such a way that it enhances The Loading Dock. Considering many options to include a beer hall, a food hall, a brewery, maybe small offices or restaurant.

This author recalls when a one time event was held at this facility. A wonderfully attended event that I sure wish was held annually. Oktoberfest! The day was wonderful. German bands, food, beer, dancing, fellowship. Something the residents of Wake Forest really enjoyed.

Have the re-developed locally before? Yep. Take a look at Raleigh's East End Market near Mordecai. A food and beverage destination now! Coolest part? They seem to preserve the character of the existing neighborhoods nearby. That should excite Wake Forest homeowners that moved here for that "Wake Forest Feeling".

Attracting Atlas and others to downtown Wake Forest recently show how successful the town has been at creating a place that people want to come visit and possibly move. "Someone once said that if you're not growing, you're dying." Our Wake Forest town leaders have found a way to grow that continues to enhance the already wonderful town.

Atlas was most impressed with the town of Wake Forest and their investment into the sidewalks, pedestrian access, streetscape improvements, and parking. This along with the ease of working with the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership and Jason Canon have been pointed out as additional reasons for wanting to do business in Wake Forest.

While they are moving as quickly as possible ... the one question that you all are asking or wanting to ask us is, When will this project be built and completed? Good question. All indications are that they hope to break ground on this project sometime in the fall of 2022. Yep, later this year! But a project this Trendy (see what I did there?) takes time and they project or hope that the building will be ready for the public sometime in quarter 3 or quarter 4 of 2023.

Til then, you can get a great view of the building if you take a stroll down S. White Street or stop in at the Loading Dock - Wake Forest to enjoy some fellowship, a little work and maybe a kombucha?! In any case, I look forward to see you there.