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. March 2010 Newsletter 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.

Downtown Scavenger Hunt On Saturday, March 20 search for 13 special leaves in 13 downtown stores. Participants who find all 13 leaves will have their names entered into a grand prize drawing—$150 worth of downtown gift certificates will be awarded. HERE'S HOW IT WORKS: Pick up a scavenger hunt board at the Wake Forest DRC office between 10 am - 2 pm. Find the hidden leaf in each participating store—have an employee sign your board each time you find a leaf. Return your board by 6 pm. Click here for details.

Convenient Parking in Downtown Wake Forest As you arrive into the historic business district you'll find plenty of free parking. Two public parking lots are available directly off South White Street. One is the depot parking lot in the 100 block of South White Street. The other is accessible by a small alleyway between Creative Shears (125 South White Street) and Wake Forest Art & Frame (139 South White Street). In addition to these two lots, there are over 200 curbside parking spaces on or near South White Street. Some businesses also offer spaces for their customers in privately owned lots (The Cotton Company, The Forks, banks, etc.) To see a map of all public parking areas, download the Parking Guide. Artist Application Now Available for Autumn Arts Festival The 7th Annual Autumn Arts Festival will be held in Downtown Wake Forest on October 9, 2010. Exhibiting artists can receive a discounted booth rate by registering on or before June 1. Artist Application 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 LEDE STUDIO: Opening June 2010. Metal studio of Ginger Meek Allen Metalsmith. 504 South White Street. www.ledestudio.com. THE LEMON TREE: Now open. Hand-made products from local artisans. Café to open in Spring 2010. 113 South White Street. 919.521.5806. THE VILLAGE PHARMACY OF WAKE FOREST: 900 South Franklin Street at the Hwy 98 Bypass (Calvin Jones Boulevard). 919.556.2757. SEW PERFECT DRAPERY DESIGN: 216 East Jones Avenue. By appointment: 336.413.4189. TUXEDO JUNCTION: A space for ballroom dancing, big band, blues and jazz. 405 South Brooks Street in the Renaissance Plaza. 919.556.2038. GENERATION INK: 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.