Downtown/Center City Issue: Retail Development

Fourth Street Retail

Retail has returned to Downtown primarily in the Arts District on Trade Street and along Fourth Street (considered the “Core District” in the Downtown Plan), but continued growth is needed for this area to be seen as an urban shopping alternative to outlying areas. Currently there is about 300,000 square feet of retail in Downtown. Urban anchors such as cinemas, restaurants, theaters and sports facilities, as well as a strong residential component to Downtown, are vital to attracting a retail base. A grocery store for Downtown is also cited as a needed anchor for the Center City. Retail space should be incorporated on the ground floor of new buildings to provide neighborhood services and encourage a pedestrian-oriented feel. Development opportunities also exist around the new BB&T Ballpark area southwest of Downtown and the Piedmont Triad Research Park area.