University in Talks with Developer and Tenant

WINSTON-SALEM, NC-Several unnamed sources have confirmed in a published article that the university is in talks to purchase the 88,000-sf One Technology Place, the centerpiece building from developer Samet Corp., for an undisclosed price. Winston-Salem is 60 miles north of Downtown Charlotte.

If the deal comes to fruition, Wake Forest plans to sign a lease with Targacept, a recent R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. spinoff, a move that could spark the biggest company recruitment effort to date at the young research park, according to the article.

Targacept, viewed as one of the most promising startups in the Triad, would be starting up with about 50 employees and millions in venture capital. The company is seen as an important tenant if the research park is to build credibility.