The City Project Creating an Urban Style of Living for High Point, NC

Targeted Neighborhoods & Districts

The City Project encourages community involvement and grassroots initiatives in each of the targeted districts. Neighbors should work together to develop the most appropriate strategies for development, as well as branding the identity and character of their individual localities.

College Village

Vision For Lexington And Centennial This strategic location - in close proximity to High Point University, surrounding neighborhoods and heavy through traffic - will translate into high real estate value. High Point University will continue to expand and attract national attention. The existing commercial areas will be physically enhanced through landscaping and exterior architectural improvements. New retail shops and restaurants will be attracted to the area and the surrounding neighborhoods will become increasingly attractive places to live.

East Green Drive

Vision For Green Drive The mixed income Clara Cox housing development will spur the revitalization of this area. Better retail and restaurant options will be a draw for the Market District and government employees. Where possible, the older buildings will be adapted and reused for housing, except for along Green Drive where they will be reused for commercial purposes. New retail and service buildings will be constructed along the south side of Green Drive, and be architecturally compatible with the surrounding area. Sidewalks will connect the Macedonia and East Central neighborhoods to local retail and services.

Five Points

Vision For 5 Points Long recognized as a commercial district, the excellent access off US 311 By Pass will complement the existing residential market and through traffic on Lexington/Greensboro Road. Non historic properties will be redeveloped in a more urban, pedestrian manner, with new buildings located close to the streets. Higher density housing will be developed to transition between commercial uses and single family housing.

Institutional Districts

High Point University Growth High Point Regional Hospital, High Point University and Guilford Technical Community College make up the Institutional Districts. Each institution has its own architecture and character which will be preserved and enhanced.

Market District

Downtown High Point High Point's traditional downtown has transformed itself into a Showroom District, inclusive of the Theatre and convention venues. Future showroom uses will be targeted to this district, but other uses will be welcome and encouraged such as residential, retail, dining and offices. A diversity of traditional downtown services (restaurants, shopping, offices and housing) will be located adjacent to the Market District.

Oak Hill

Vision For Oak Hill Sidewalks on Ward Avenue and Prospect Street will connect the well maintained bungalows and cottages to a mix of shops and restaurants providing neighborhood goods and services. Housing will be developed on vacant lots that will be compatible with the existing neighborhood. The area's commercial buildings are largely single story and brick – and simple in their design. Street improvements and the development of a park will increase the desirability of the area.

South Main/GTCC

Vision For Main The gateway to the Market District from Business I-85, South Main/GTCC will be a regional destination for ethnically diverse restaurants and shopping - a place that capitalizes on the Latino influence and where more than 10,000 GTCC students will find goods and services. The adjoining Southside and Macedonia neighborhoods will offer affordable housing opportunities, ample recreational activities and a safe business and education environment. The pedestrian-friendly streets will offer access to jobs, parks, transit, schools, and businesses.

Uptowne

Vision For Uptowne As the "defacto" downtown, this is the place where High Point gathers for good dining and shopping and where local businesses thrive. This area will offer an urban style of living that is inviting to walkers and bikers and non-vehicular traffic. The surrounding neighborhoods are historic, stable and safe and offer close proximity to exciting events in High Point.

Much progress has already been made in this area with the formation of the Uptowne Association and the support of local retailers, residents and community members. A-framed signs have helped to create a sidewalk presence for merchants along Main, attracting new businesses to relocate to the vacant spaces realestate between Ray and State Streets. Last fall, Uptowne played host to the widely successful Ilderton Beach Music Festival and will continue to be the central location for future events to promote the wealth of dining and retail options in this area.

Washington Drive

New Vision for Washington Drive The historic buildings will be rehabilitated and compatible new buildings will be constructed on vacant or underdeveloped property. New businesses will be recruited such as shops, restaurants and entertainment venues to leverage the John Coltrane name and the strong African-American heritage, making the Washington Drive District a destination both locally and nationally. The vintage homes in the adjacent neighborhood will be rehabilitated where possible, and a mixed income neighborhood will be encouraged.

The revitilization of the Washington Drive District is one of the top priorities included in the Core City Plan. This district represents a historical landmark in the African American heritage of our city. After an extensive study performed by the Walker Collaborative, which was the principal consultant for the Core City Plan, the High Point City Council adopted the Washington Drive District Proposal in Dec. 2008. One year later, in Oct. 2009, the city of High Point received a Marvin Collins Outstanding Planning Award in the Community Development category from the American Planning Association for the work done on the Washington Drive plan.

West End

Vison For West End The historic commercial buildings have retained a high degree of structural integrity and will be rehabilitated for a variety of uses; restaurants, retail, and residences. The two-story buildings that front English and Kivett will have a mix of services - restaurants and retail downstairs and residences and offices upstairs. In addition to a revitalized mixed use hub, the surrounding neighborhood will benefit from its proximity to jobs and services at the High Point Regional Health System. Streetscapes and sidewalks will strengthen the connection of the neighborhood to Ferndale Middle and High Point Central High School.