Proud to be a North Carolina Main Street Community

If you haven't been downtown lately we welcome you to rediscover the heart of Wake Forest. Revitalization is taking root—from lively festivals to charming boutiques there's a growing number of things to see and experience. Find out what's happening this month in the current issue of Downtown Matters. February 2010 Newsletter Fall in Love with Downtown VALENTINE'S WEEKEND FEB 12-14: Plan a romantic outing with your loved-one in downtown Wake Forest. A charming setting, great local art, music, a tasty meal followed by coffee or gelato. On Friday evening, entertain your date with artist studio browsing, a free horse-and-carriage ride and wine tastings during Art After Hours. On Saturday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. a strolling tenor and his accompaniment will serenade visitors along South White Street and in a few of the businesses (The Cotton Company, Old Magnolia and the Wake Forest Coffee Company). SHOPPING & DINING: Looking for a place to eat in Downtown Wake Forest? The Dining Guide identifies all the downtown eateries and their locations. To see a listing of all downtown shops and galleries, check out the Shopping Guide. And for easy places to park, see our Parking Guide.

Renaissance Ball—February 20 It’s time to pull out the Mardi Gras mask and make a date for downtown’s signature black-tie event benefitting the Wake Forest Boys and Girls Club. The 5th Annual Renaissance Ball is Saturday, February 20 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Crossroads Entertainment, 413 S. Brooks Street in the Renaissance Plaza. The event features live music, dancing and Cajun cuisine. Tickets are $55 per person and can be purchased by calling (919) 570-1372 or place your ticket order online at the Wake Forest Junior Woman's Club website. Ticket price includes a catered dinner, dancing and traditional king cake. The Coastline Band will entertain guests with a mixture of jazz and other favorites. Sponsored by Connect2 Communications. Produced by the Wake Forest DRC and the Wake Forest Junior Woman's Club.

Wayfinding Signs: Phase 1 Complete Visitors will have an easier time finding their way around downtown Wake Forest with the newly installed wayfinding signs that will help point the way. Wayfinding was identified as a key issue for downtown merchants and a top priority for the Wake Forest DRC. The project was funded by an MSD (Municipal Service Destination) grant from the Town of Wake Forest. Planning for Phase 2 of the project is underway. It will include gateway signage and directional signs on major roads outside the Renaissance Area. Two Downtown Projects Win Awards Two Wake Forest DRC projects were recognized for their excellence and received top honors in the 2009 N.C. Main Street Awards competition. In the category of Best Innovation, the Wake Forest DRC's weekly project updates during the sidewalk enhancement project earned an Award of Merit. In the category of Best Printed Promotional Item: Graphics, the Wake Forest DRC's shopping and dining rack cards also received an Award of Merit. Read Press Release Ann Ayers Honored as Main Street Champion On Thursday, January 28, Ann Ayers was honored as Wake Forest's 2009 Main Street Champion. She was selected in appreciation of her exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. We are pleased to honor Ann as she has worked tirelessly for Downtown Wake Forest by providing technical planning advice and support. Read Press Release Improving the Face of Downtown We are happy to report that the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners has allocated $15,000 to the Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program. This marks a $10,000 increase over what was available in previous years. FIGs offer downtown property owners a 50% match up to $5,000 on eligible building improvements. Grant applications are managed by the Wake Forest DRC Design & Appearance Task Force. Be a Downtown Sponsor You've seen some of the great changes downtown—now is the time to consider making a contribution toward revitalization. The Wake Forest DRC has taken on an aggressive Program of Work through its task forces. Your contribution (no matter how big or small) goes directly toward accomplishing these specific goals. From annual sponsorships to event specific donations, you can select a level that fits you perfectly. Sponsorship Packet and Application New Downtown Businesses TWISTED VINE WINE SHOPPE: Bottled wine and accessories, wine tastings and classes. www.twisted-vine.com. 156 South White Street above Wake Forest Coffee Company. 919.816.7657. CROSSROADS ENTERTAINMENT: Music and entertainment—Nashville's top acts performing on stage. mimi@crossroadsmusicnc.com. 413 South Brooks Street in the Renaissance Plaza. 919.556.3777. THE LEMON TREE: Now open. Hand-made products from local artisans. Café to open in Spring 2010. 113 South White Street. 919.521.5806. TUXEDO JUNCTION: Now open. A space for ballroom dancing, big band, blues and jazz. 405 South Brooks Street in the Renaissance Plaza. 919.556.2038. GENERATION INK: Now open. Gallery-style body art studio—tattoo and piercing. 158 South White Street.

For more information about any of our upcoming events, visit our Calendar of Events page or contact the DRC downtown manager, at 919-441-9551.