On June 24, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson marked a significant milestone by commemorating the 750th Brownfields site in North Carolina. The event took place at the Brown School Lofts at Legacy Heights in Winston-Salem.
Brownfields sites are properties that have been abandoned or underused due to potential environmental contamination concerns. The DEQ Division of Waste Management’s Brownfields Redevelopment Section aims to reclaim these sites for community benefit.
“The Brownfields program is a shining example of how a cleaner and healthier environment goes hand in hand with economic growth,” stated DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “Redeveloping a Brownfields site is a win-win-win for the community. It’s great for the environment, the community’s quality of life and the economy.”
Bruce Nicholson, NCDEQ Division of Waste Management Brownfields Redevelopment Section Chief, expressed his surprise at reaching this milestone: “I never thought I’d see the day when we had facilitated 750 properties coming back to life.” He highlighted that these sites represent approximately 15,000 acres and over $30 billion in private investment, creating tens of thousands of jobs.
The historic site was once home to Brown Elementary School, later known as Woodland Avenue Elementary School for African American students. After closing in 1984, it operated as a daycare until a fire in 2016 led to its demolition. Redevelopment began in 2023 with cooperation from McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc., the City of Winston-Salem Housing Authority, and DEQ’s Brownfields Redevelopment Section.
Kevin Chesire, ASPIRE CEO and General Counsel, expressed gratitude: “We’re so honored to have been able to celebrate the 750th brownfields award at our Brown School Lofts development.” He emphasized the importance of partnerships with entities like the City of Winston-Salem and the State of North Carolina.
The new development, Brown School Lofts, is a high-density residential apartment complex featuring market-rate housing with all 81 units currently occupied.
Laura Kinsell-Baer from McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc., remarked on their commitment: “McCormack Baron recognizes the critical importance of brownfields redevelopment in creating opportunities for healthier living by replacing brownfields with investment in clean, sustainable, and affordable communities.”
For more information about the Brownfields redevelopment program, interested parties can visit their website.
