On June 24, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) marked a significant milestone with the commemoration of the 750th Brownfields site in the state. 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. The DEQ Division of Waste Management’s Brownfields Redevelopment Section aims to revitalize these areas 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, Chief of NCDEQ Division of Waste Management’s Brownfields Redevelopment Section, 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 noted that these sites represent approximately 15,000 acres and over $30 billion in private investment, creating tens of thousands of jobs.
The celebrated site was once home to Brown Elementary School, later known as Woodland Avenue Elementary School for African American students. After closing in 1984 and operating as a daycare until it was demolished following a fire in 2016, redevelopment began in 2023 with partners including McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc., the City of Winston-Salem Housing Authority, and DEQ’s Brownfields Redevelopment Section.
Kevin Chesire, ASPIRE CEO and General Counsel, remarked on their involvement: “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 North Carolina State.
The newly developed Brown School Lofts is now a high-density residential apartment complex featuring market-rate housing with all 81 units occupied.
Laura Kinsell-Baer from McCormack Baron Salazar highlighted 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 further details about the Brownfields redevelopment program, interested parties can visit their website.
