Project Introduction
City Collective partnered with the Town of Wake Forest as a part of a consulting team to develop the Downtown Wake Forest Plan, a forward-looking framework aimed at preserving the town’s historic charm while embracing growth and innovation. Leveraging its expertise in urban planning and design, City Collective facilitated an inclusive process, engaging residents, business owners, and key stakeholders to craft a comprehensive vision for the town’s core. The plan reflects a shared aspiration for a vibrant, walkable, and dynamic downtown that serves as the cultural, civic, and economic heart of Wake Forest.
Key Project Challenges
The project faced several challenges, including balancing rapid population growth with the preservation of the downtown’s historic character. Traffic congestion, inadequate pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and limited affordable housing emerged as critical issues. Additionally, the arrival of the S-Line passenger rail posed both opportunities and logistical complexities, requiring careful integration into the existing urban fabric. Addressing these challenges demanded a nuanced approach to ensure equitable access, economic vitality, and sustainable development.
Key Project Innovations
City Collective deployed a range of innovative strategies to address these challenges. The plan emphasized mixed-use development, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and the creation of affordable housing options to maintain inclusivity. Streetscape enhancements, improved mobility options, and the introduction of multi-modal connections were prioritized to foster a walkable and accessible downtown. The plan also included the development of key catalyst sites, such as a future mobility hub and reimagined civic spaces, to activate the area and support its transformation into a regional destination.
Project News
Client
City of Wake Forest
Location
Wake Forest, NC, USA
Primary sector
Urban Design & City Planning
Value
$240M USD
Project years
2024
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, City Planning, Landscape Architecture
Project team
Principal-in-Charge – Justin Kearnan
Project Manager – Justin Kearnan
Design Lead – Tenecia Jones
Collaborators
Houseal Lavigne, Toole Design, Noel Consulting
Client reference
“City Collective brought vision and deep experience in urban design to the Wake Forest Downtown Plan, crafting a strategy that preserves its small-town charm while welcoming bold, walkable, mixed-use growth. Their ability to align urban design excellence with the unique character of Wake Forest — and to guide a process that created community consensus and actionable momentum — has positioned Downtown for transformative success in the years ahead.”
– Courtney Tanner, Planning Director, Town of Wake Forest
