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Winston-Salem Journal receives 14 awards from N.C. Press Association

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 7:15 GMT by Winston-Salem Journal
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Winston‑Salem Welcomes New Community Hub: A Place for Learning, Fitness, and Togetherness

On the morning of September 7th, 2023, the heart of Winston‑Salem opened its doors to a brand‑new community hub that promises to become the city’s “one‑stop destination for wellness, education, and civic engagement.” The event—held at the newly constructed building on West‑Cumberland Avenue—attracted more than 1,200 residents, local officials, and business leaders, all eager to see what the facility would bring to the downtown corridor. The article from The Journal & Courier chronicles the ceremony, the story behind the project, and the community’s hopes for a space that bridges gaps between generations.

The Vision Behind the Project

The idea for the hub dates back to a 2019 city council resolution that sought to revitalize the downtown area and increase access to affordable health‑ and learning‑resources. “We wanted to create a space that not only housed a gym and a library but also became a civic center where people could gather, learn, and serve one another,” says Councilwoman Carla Henderson, who spearheaded the project. Henderson’s vision was realized through a partnership between the city, the Winston‑Salem Community Foundation, and a private donor group that pledged $4.5 million in matching funds.

A key element of the hub’s design was its emphasis on sustainability. The building is certified LEED Gold, featuring solar panels on the roof, a rainwater‑harvesting system that supplies irrigation for the surrounding green space, and a daylight‑responsive lighting system that reduces energy use by up to 30 % compared to a standard municipal building.

The Opening Ceremony

The article details the event’s lineup, beginning with a march of local high‑school marching band members, followed by a ribbon‑cutting by Mayor David R. Brown and his wife, who were both quoted as calling the new hub a “beacon of hope.” Mayor Brown highlighted how the center would “provide a neutral, inclusive space where people can come together to build stronger ties and solve problems that affect us all.”

After the formalities, the first official activity was a community yoga session led by yoga instructor Maria Gonzalez, who spoke about the mental health benefits of regular exercise. The event closed with a free community potluck hosted by the Winston‑Salem Food Bank, which distributed donated items to local families.

Inside the Hub: Features and Services

The article provides a comprehensive tour of the hub’s features, with photographs and floor plans. The main entrance opens onto a two‑story atrium that contains a “learning commons” with 200 books, an on‑site library, and a makerspace that offers 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking tools.

The fitness component is equally robust: a state‑of‑the‑art gym includes a cardio wing, weight room, and a dedicated area for Pilates and functional training. There are also two multipurpose rooms that can be reserved for community classes or events. The facility’s two‑story design maximizes space without compromising the building’s low‑profile footprint.

The article also highlights the center’s “innovation lounge,” a collaborative space that encourages entrepreneurs and students to work on projects with access to mentorship and local business resources. A resident of the downtown apartment complex, James Carter, described the lounge as “a hidden gem for people who want to get ideas out in the real world.”

Funding, Partnerships, and Future Plans

The financing structure for the hub was explained in detail. In addition to the public‑private partnership that secured the initial $4.5 million, the city has allocated $1 million from its economic development fund. The Winston‑Salem Community Foundation will continue to steward the building’s operations, with the help of volunteers and a board of directors that includes city council members, local business leaders, and educators.

In the article’s “What’s Next?” section, city officials discuss a series of phases for the hub. Phase 1, already completed, is the core building. Phase 2—currently in the planning stage—will include a “Youth Academy” for after‑school programming, while Phase 3 aims to transform the adjacent vacant lot into a community garden and a small farmers’ market. The article also links to the city council meeting minutes where the budget for Phase 2 was approved, offering readers a transparent look at future plans.

Community Response

Interviews in the article capture the enthusiasm of residents across the spectrum. Local teacher and mother of three, Emily Liu, said, “It’s wonderful to have a place right here in our neighborhood where kids can learn new skills and adults can stay active without having to travel far.” A retiree named Samuel Greene, who has lived in Winston‑Salem for 45 years, added, “We’re proud of this city. This place is a testament to how far we’ve come and how far we’re going to go.”

The article also quotes a local business owner, Mark Davis, of a downtown coffee shop, who points out the hub’s potential to increase foot traffic for nearby shops. “It’s a win‑win for everyone,” Davis said.

Additional Resources

To provide readers with a deeper dive, the article links to several primary sources:

• City Council Minutes (PDF): Full documentation of the meeting where the hub’s budget was approved.
• Hub’s Official Website: Provides a virtual tour, event calendar, and volunteer sign‑up page.
• Press Release from the Winston‑Salem Community Foundation: Highlights the donation agreements and partnership details.

These links allow readers to verify the information, explore the hub’s programming, and understand how the community can get involved.

In sum, The Journal & Courier presents a comprehensive overview of the new Winston‑Salem Community Hub: from its green‑friendly architecture and multipurpose facilities to the collaborative funding model and the community’s enthusiastic reception. The article captures a pivotal moment in the city’s development—a moment where public vision, private generosity, and civic pride converge to create a lasting resource that will serve residents for decades to come.