Downtown Edge Area The Downtown Edge surrounds the Downtown Core and is primarily made up of residential uses and community facilities. Higher density residential options should continue to be promoted within the Downtown Edge to provide attractive, diverse, and equitable housing options near the Downtown Core and its amenities. Increasing living options in this area would also support business success within the Downtown Core Area with a greater customer base nearby. Buildings should be oriented towards the street, adjacent buildings, and attractive vistas to support a pedestrian- friendly environment. Pedestrian and bike connectivity should be prioritized to ensure residents can conveniently walk or bike to the Downtown Core. Conventional Residential Existing single-family detached areas should be maintained by reinvesting in roadway and utility infrastructure as needed. Higher density infill development, such as duplexes and accessory dwelling units, should be supported to match the area’s existing character and further diversify housing choices. Mixed Residential Existing single-family attached homes should be maintained and reinvestment in roadway and utility infrastructure should occur as needed. Existing examples include the Retreat at Renaissance Townhomes, Avondale Townhomes, and Heath Ridge Village. Traditional neighborhood formats, with rear parking garages that are accessible by an alley, should continue to be encouraged to improve the character of the neighborhood streetscape. If front-loaded garages are included, garages should be paired to increase room for the entryway/ porch area and front yard.
Downtown Wake Forest National Register Historic District Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the Downtown Wake Forest National Register Historic District is the center of the Downtown Core Area concentrated around S White Street. It contains historically significant buildings that contribute to Downtown’s historic character and heritage, like the Wilkinson Building, the Old Library Building, the Brewer Building, and the old cotton warehouse. Buildings in the Historic District date from 1890 to 1949, range in height from one to three stories, and are primarily brick construction. Façade features include metal cornices, corbeling and other decorative brickwork, and storefronts with display windows and recessed entries. The historic character of the buildings and the district should continue to be preserved by implementing the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to renovations and new construction. New development should match the character and scale of the district’s historic buildings.
Transit-Supportive Residential Multifamily areas should benefit from reinvestment in roadway and utility infrastructure as needed. New higher density residential development should be encouraged within undeveloped areas, such as along the western side of S White Street. This includes apartments, multiplexes, and townhomes, which provide smaller-unit affordable rental and owner options near Downtown. Neighborhood Commercial A standalone commercial use (Village Pharmacy of Wake Forest) currently exists at the corner of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway and S Franklin Street. The commercial use should remain, and safe multimodal connectivity should be prioritized at the intersection of S Franklin Street and Sugar Maple Avenue and across Dr. Calvin Jones Highway by providing continuous sidewalks and highly visible crossings. Community Facilities Community Facilities and Utilities in the Downtown Edge Area include existing community facilities like the Wake Forest Community Library, Franklin Academy, and Wake County Northern Regional Center. Future improvements, expansions, or buildouts of facilities should be accomplished through close coordination with respective agencies and governmental entities. Redevelopment of the Post Office or an outparcel addition should be considered to better activate the large vacant area located at a prime Downtown corner (E Holding Avenue and S White Street). This could include a three- to four-story building that is located near the street.
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COMMUNITY PLAN | TOWN OF WAKE FOREST
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