UNCSA acquires downtown building adjacent to Stevens Center to enhance renovation

UNCSA has announced the finalized acquisition of the property at 411 W. Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem, adjacent to the historic Stevens Center. The strategic purchase will enhance the current comprehensive renovation of the university’s largest performance venue and expand UNCSA’s downtown footprint.

The $5.4 million acquisition was made possible through a combination of public and private funding, including donations from the John Wesley and Anna Hodgin Hanes Foundation, the James G. Hanes Foundation, and Thomas S. Kenan, III. The North Carolina General Assembly allocated $4.5 million, which funded the remainder of the purchase price as well as costs associated with an expansion of the Stevens Center renovation to include the construction of a new loading dock on part of the property. This new loading dock will substantially expand the venue’s production capacity and wing space, allowing for a wider variety of productions by UNCSA, local arts partner organizations, and other national presenters.

In the near term, UNCSA will continue leasing the building to current tenants while also taking the space into consideration as part of its longer-term vision for the Stevens Center. The 12,441-square-foot building will serve multiple purposes, including leased office space, parking, and the construction of the new and expanded loading dock for the Stevens Center.

Several individuals descending a staircase, showcasing a mix of ages and styles in a public space.

Conceptual rendering of the Stevens Center Lobby, Phase 1. Little Diversified Architectural Consulting/UNC School of the Arts

"Acquiring this downtown property is not just about the renovation of the Stevens Center, it is about looking to the future of UNCSA and our community," said Chancellor Brian Cole. "This additional space will provide critical infrastructure improvements and allow us to expand the functionality of the Stevens Center, continuing to invest in our home in downtown Winston-Salem. We are grateful to all of our supporters and the state legislature, in particular Representative Kyle Hall, Representative Donny Lambeth, and Senator Phil Berger, for making this possible. We would also like to thank UNCSA Trustees Eric Flow and Ches McDowell for their leadership, advocacy and strategy with this project, as well as Don Flow, Rob King and Coleman Team. We also want to express our gratitude to the UNCSA Foundation Board and Executive Director Cynthia Liberty, for their support and continued commitment to our mission."

The Stevens Center closed for renovations in November 2023, and construction for Phase 1 is currently underway, focusing on improvements to the lobby and exterior of the building, while planning and design is taking place for Phase 2, which will include a comprehensive transformation of the audience chamber. UNCSA has received a total of $85.3 million in North Carolina state appropriations to help fund the comprehensive project. More information at www.uncsa.edu/stevens.

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May 16, 2025