Through the collaborative effort of civic leaders, designers, and residents, the Fred & Barbara Wilson Plaza in High Point, North Carolina, has become a centerpiece for renewal, proof that thoughtful design can do more than enhance aesthetics - it can restore civic pride.

The Fred & Barbara Wilson Plaza at Truist Point acts as a welcoming gateway to the heart of High Point's revitalized downtown. More than just a functional space, it blends hardscape design with local identity and a strong sense of place. With its thoughtful design and positive community impact, the plaza plays a major role in advancing High Point's vision for a lively, inclusive, and economically strong urban center.

Part of the High Point Stadium Area Redevelopment Plan, the plaza is located between the stadium and Elm Street and connects major downtown destinations, including the Amtrak station and retail corridors. The layout encourages walking and provides a comfortable route for residents and visitors alike, making it an important link in the growing neighborhood around the stadium.

Process
This transformation started in March 2016, when the High Point City Council approved a bold plan to breathe new life into underused land downtown. Backed by a $210 million public-private partnership between the City of High Point, Forward High Point, High Point University, and private developers, the redevelopment aimed to bring energy and opportunity to the city core through new housing, businesses, and entertainment. Today, that vision is visible in the connected mix of public spaces, commercial activity, and lively gathering spots that make up the downtown district.

 

Stimmel Associates from Winston-Salem, North Carolina - the Landscape Architect and civil engineering firm behind Fred & Barbara Wilson Plaza - played a key role in shaping both the infrastructure and the public experience. Their responsibilities ranged from grading and stormwater management to detailed hardscape layout. Throughout the process, they worked closely with architects, contractors, and city staff to ensure the design was both functional and inviting. Using durable materials - like concrete pavers - and low-maintenance finishes, the design team sought to create a resilient space that would endure the wear of daily use while requiring minimal upkeep. Every detail, from the direction of the paving joints to the framing of sightlines, was considered with purpose.

Collaboration was central to Stimmel's approach. The team held regular meetings with project stakeholders to review goals, assess design decisions, and adapt as the development evolved. This iterative process allowed the plaza to remain responsive to both the surrounding architecture and the city's shifting needs, without compromising the original vision. Ray Gibbs, a retired Landscape Architect and the previous director of Visit High Point (then Forward High Point), was instrumental in keeping the team focused on the vision, the city's history and culture, and the quality of design and detailing. While Gibbs brought many great ideas to the table, the argyle paving pattern may be one of the most prominent. While some amenities, a custom sculpture, and lighting were 'value engineered,' the paving pattern offered aesthetic value with minimal impact to the budget.

Story in Design
The design itself tells a story. Paving patterns nod to the city's proud textile legacy, referencing argyle sock designs once manufactured in High Point. These touches add depth and meaning, transforming the space from a simple entry plaza to a place rooted in the city's cultural memory. PDC, Inc., the hardscape installer, is a premier contractor with years of experience installing high-quality hardscapes in the Southeastern U.S. The argyle pattern includes four paver colors, with another color for the soldier course borders.

Plaza Features
Named in recognition of local philanthropists Fred and Barbara Wilson, the plaza serves as the primary entrance to Truist Point, home of the High Point Rockers baseball team. But its role extends as a year-round community destination. Events like the High Point Holiday Party - featuring a market, craft vendors, and a 44-foot Christmas tree - turn the plaza into a lively gathering space that supports connection and celebration. Knowing ahead of time that the city was purchasing the Christmas tree for this plaza, Stimmel was able to obtain the detail drawings and work closely with the vendor to determine the best location for a below-grade electrical box within the planned location.

Nearby, The Bedrock development, finished in 2022, adds even more activity to the area. It includes 36,000 square feet of Class A office space and a 14,000-square-foot food hall. Designed to feel like a historic renovation, it reflects the city's industrial past. The adjoining hardscape continues the textile-inspired pattern, tying it visually and thematically to the plaza. Stimmel Associates collaborated closely with architects at Hord Coplan Macht and Freeman Kennettas well as with engineers and contractor Kirkland Inc. to align site design with architectural goals and programming needs.

Adjacent to the Fred & Barbara Wilson Plaza, Blessing Park offers a green space for relaxation and play. Donated by Ronnie and Molly Millis Young, the park includes a splash pad with 14 custom water features, a seven-foot climbing rock, a dog run, shaded picnic spots, and a gazebo with rocking chairs. This space is open to the public all year and allows families and visitors to unwind away from the more active plaza nearby. Stimmel Associates worked closely with the stadium design team and High Point University on the design for this amenity within the stadium.

Art and sculptures strategically placed throughout the plaza highlight gathering areas and open view corridors. These creative touches elevate the space, reinforcing civic pride and giving visitors something memorable to connect with. Whether arriving by train, heading to a game, or grabbing lunch at the food hall, the design invites plaza guests to be part of the story.

Outcome
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents have embraced the plaza as a space for both everyday life and milestone moments. It's become a backdrop for everything from farmer's markets and food truck festivals to casual lunches and impromptu performances. With its flexible design and durable construction, the plaza adapts to new uses and new generations.

Ultimately, the Fred & Barbara Wilson Plaza demonstrates how hardscape design - when grounded in history, executed with care, and shaped by a broader vision - can drive urban transformation. Through its connection to public art, cultural storytelling, and resilient infrastructure, the plaza anchors High Point's new development while honoring its past. It stands as a lasting model for how cities can create meaningful, multi-functional public spaces that are built to endure, adapt, and bring people together for generations to come.

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2025.