City of Winston-Salem

The committee held an election for a temporary Chair and welcomed the new Sustainability Strategist. Key discussion topics included the upcoming Community Roots Day event as part of the Fruit Arbor Trail project and the announcement of solar installations at two fire stations. Staff presented findings from the ICLEI Municipal Investment Fund Grant regarding a solar feasibility study. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the upcoming publication of an RFP for the hydroponics facility at Kimberley Park, the status of nominations for the 2026 Sustainability Awards, the planning of subcommittees for outreach and resilience, and the preparation process for the annual report due to the city council.

The meeting included discussions on welcoming a new PAC member, updates on Submittable for posting calls, and community requests such as the 1201 N Liberty Street Mural where a motion was made to allocate $150,000 of CNI funds for a Community-Led Project Call. Updates were provided on the Waughtown Facility and the QRC Mural request. The Commission also reviewed a residency call from Alexandria, VA and discussed project updates including Rupert Bell Park Basketball Pavilion & Courts, Brown School Lofts Shade Structure, Brunson Elementary Sculpture, MLK Community Center Mural, Boston Thurmond Projects, 6th-Cherry-Trade Parking Deck, Open Call 2025, Dandelion Community Project, All ways, Always, and the Downtown Community Meeting.

The committee discussed future community outreach projects, including walking tours for Walkertown. There was also discussion of events for 2026 Historic Preservation Month, including the Civil Rights Trail and Forsyth County America250 marker unveilings. The committee decided to cancel the November 17, 2025, meeting.

The committee reviewed 73 applications for an artwork to be placed in the front atrium of the new Brunson Elementary, with a preference for ground-based structures. The committee narrowed down the pool of applicants in multiple rounds, considering the professional finish, aesthetic appeal, and kid-friendliness of their past work. Artists whose work relied on additional lighting were dismissed. The committee selected three finalists: Christopher Fennell, Studio WOWHAUS, and Peyton Harshfield. The next steps involve Ms. Palmiter collecting information from the school representative and architects on a proposed timeline for the artists and compiling a packet from the artists providing them with information on the building site and additional information from the architects on the current plan for the atrium. The artists will be given six weeks to create a proposal and will be given an opportunity to collect additional information from the architects as needed.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several Certificate of Appropriateness applications. These included requests for installing a stucco retaining wall, solar panels, signage, and an addition to a rooftop bulkhead, each evaluated for their congruity with the character of the respective historic districts or landmarks. The commission also received updates on the Historic Marker and Heritage Neighborhood programs, and discussed the Bethania Local Historic Landmark Walking Tour Brochure. Additional updates were provided on a CLG Grant for the Bethabara Distiller House roof project, Old Salem Historic District Design Review Standards, and hazardous tree removal at Hanes Park.