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A short history of downtown

Living Here Updated Jan 2026 Next review Jan 2027 Suggest a correction

From a college that left to a downtown that stayed. The buildings on White Street, in order of age.

1834

Wake Forest Institute opens. The town grows up around it.

The Royall Cotton Mill and the railroad make White Street a commercial strip.

The college moves to Winston-Salem. The seminary moves in. Downtown holds on.

The Renaissance Centre, the brewery, and a downtown that fills up on Friday nights.

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