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The Pearl dazzles as Charlotte’s new innovation district

Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, businesses, and restaurants are set to transform Midtown into a hub for medical innovation.

A collection of two buildings connected by a walkway and a sign that reads "The Pearl is a place where excellence lives, and excellence is learned."

Wake Forest University School of Medicine at The Pearl is expected to welcome its first class of medical students by July 2025.

Photo by CLTtoday

Charlotte’s first-ever medical school is here: Wake Forest University School of Medicine at The Pearl is welcoming students this July and preparing to become an innovative, mixed-use development in Midtown.

Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology partnered on the new innovation district, breaking ground in 2023, and promising a mix of housing, offices, labs, retail shops, and academic spaces.

Fun fact: While third- and fourth-year medical students have rotated in the Queen City for their clinical education, this will be the first time Charlotte welcomes a full four-year class.

A large lobby area with seating and a latticework-style pillar.

The lobby of the Howard R. Levine Center for Education was designed to be bright and airy.

Photo by CLTtoday

Fast facts

  • 7,200+ surgeons trained annually
  • 1,900 students, residents, and fellows
  • 1,000+ active clinical trials

What’s next

Recently, Siemens Healthineers announced its investment of $141 million in The Pearl and is building a 60,000-sqft, two-floor building to help healthcare providers digitize and transform care delivery.

IRCAD, a world-renowned surgical-training institute, will set up its North American headquarters with programs slated to begin in September.

Over the next 15 years, The Pearl is expected to create 5,000+ jobs and more than 11,500 across the region.

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