Building blocks: Economic developers in the Triad are revitalizing downtowns with major projects and working to attract high-paying jobs in industries such as aviation and aeronautics.

• Author: Wood, Suzanne
• Position: REGIONAL REPORT TRIAD

In the Triad region of North Carolina, the economic wheels are in motion to attract high-tech industry, create new jobs and make the area even more livable than it already is. In this special section, you will learn about Whitaker Park, Winston-Salem's second major renovation project--the first was Innovation Quarter. Whitaker Park will use buildings donated by R.J. Reynolds to attract light industrial tenants. The Catalyst in High Point is expected to revitalize that city's downtown with a ballpark and more. A public-private partnership generated $136 million to build the stadium along with other attractions that the city hopes will drive visitors to High Point. Interest is picking up for office space in downtown Greensboro, and a six-story building is going up near the minor-league ballpark. The first tenant, a large law firm, has already signed on. And a developer is planning to build a downtown office tower that would be the tallest building in the city. Already a state leader in aerospace manufacturing, the Triad has its own aviation and aeronautics recruiter who is trying to lure more companies in the industry to the areas around Piedmont Triad International Airport. Things are happening in the Triad.

Transforming High Points downtown

From concept to reality in 24 months. That's the pace at which a new project in downtown High Point is taking off. Fittingly referred to as the Catalyst; the project is a public-private effort that leaders say will transform the center city into a magnet for tourists, shoppers, new residents, sports fans and businesses.

The 11.5-acre development between Elm Street, Lindsay Street, Gatewood Avenue and English Road will be anchored by a new stadium that will host a team from the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball 70 days a year and be available for other sporting and cultural events at other times.

The city of High Point is footing the $36 million bill for development and construction of the stadium with the help of local bonds. What sets the project apart from some others of its kind is that economic developers and government officials secured advance commitments from the businesses and organizations that will surround the stadium.

"It's not, 'If you build it, they will come,'" says Loren Hill, president of the High Point Economic Development Corp. "It's been an amazing collaborative effort to secure $100 million in private investment" for the development of amenities such as a hotel, a residential...