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Table of Contents
You’ve seen them in passing. Maybe even walked by without a second glance. But behind some of Winston-Salem’s most familiar buildings are stories of secret tunnels, architectural firsts, and a coffee pot the size of a Smart car.
From Moravian craftsmanship to skyscraper prototypes, this list uncovers the wild, surprising, and often overlooked history hiding in plain sight.
Skyscrapers That Shaped The Skyline
Winston-Salem’s skyline tells the story of its ambition. From Art Deco towers to modern glass giants, these buildings weren’t just built tall; they were built to impress.
Some made national headlines, others quietly claimed state records, but all helped shape the city’s architectural identity.
R.J. Reynolds Building
Before the Empire State Building touched the New York skyline, Winston-Salem had already set the stage. The R.J. Reynolds Building was completed in 1929 and designed by Shreve and Lamb, the same architects who later created the Empire State.
On the Reynolds Building’s 50th anniversary, the Empire State team sent a letter of recognition with an opening line that read, “Happy Anniversary, Dad.”
Although the building is closed to the public, its Art Deco details are worth a stroll by. Look for the tobacco leaf carved above the entrance and peek through the windows to spot the original mural inside the lobby.
Quick Facts: R.J. Reynolds Building
- Located on 4th Street in downtown Winston-Salem
- Built in 1929 by Shreve & Lamb
- 314 feet tall, 21 stories
- Awarded the National Architectural Association’s Building of the Year in 1929
- Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014
Winston Tower
When it opened in 1966, Winston Tower became the tallest building in North Carolina. Known then as the Wachovia Building, it served as the bank’s headquarters and a symbol of the city’s rising skyline.
Standing 410 feet tall with 29 floors, it’s now the second tallest building in Winston-Salem. Its mirrored facade and grid of windows remain a defining feature of downtown.
Winston Tower is considered the leading example of International-style architecture in North Carolina. The clean lines and steel-and-glass exterior reflect the minimalist aesthetic of the era.
It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated Forsyth County Historic Property. Even without its height record, it continues to stand out as a modernist landmark.
Quick Facts: Winston Tower
- Located in downtown Winston-Salem
- Built in 1966 as the Wachovia Building
- Designed by Cameron Associates
- 410 feet tall, 29 floors
- International-style architecture with steel-and-glass design
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Designated Forsyth County Historic Property
Wells Fargo Center
The tallest building in Winston-Salem—and the tallest in the Carolinas outside of Charlotte—is also one of the most distinct. The Wells Fargo Center was designed by architect Cesar Pelli, who called it his best building. He described it as a “rosebud ready to bloom.”
Pelli incorporated Moravian themes throughout the design. The granite dome and arched entrance evoke the Moravian arch, while the marble mosaics in the lobby reflect the Moravian star. It remains the only granite-domed skyscraper in the world.
Quick Facts: Wells Fargo Center
- Located in downtown Winston-Salem
- Completed in 1995
- Designed by architect Cesar Pelli
- Tallest building in Winston-Salem and tallest in NC outside Charlotte
- Features a granite dome and Moravian-themed lobby mosaics
Nissen Building
The Nissen Building was the city’s original high-rise hero before Winston Tower and Wells Fargo Center rose above it. Built in 1927 using profits from the Nissen Wagonworks empire, it stood as one of the tallest buildings in the Southeast at the time.
It was also the first air-conditioned building in the region. Over the years, it housed everything from U.S. Air Force offices to the Office of Flying Safety headquarters.
Today, it’s home to restaurants, residences, and a rooftop pool—with views once reserved for its original owner, W. M. Nissen, who lived on the 20th floor.
Quick Facts: Nissen Building
- Built in 1927
- Designed by New York architect William L. Stoddart
- Neo-classical high-rise funded by Nissen Wagonworks
- First air-conditioned building in the Southeast
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Historic Homes & Estates
Winston-Salem’s grand homes aren’t just beautiful—they’re windows into the city’s industrial boom, creative spirit, and artistic legacy.
Some were built by tobacco magnates. Others were architectural playgrounds for eccentric designers. All of them offer a glimpse into a very different era of local life.
Graylyn Estate
Tucked beside Reynolda Village, Graylyn looks like something out of a European fairytale. Built in 1932 for Bowman Gray, Sr.—founder of Wachovia Bank and R.J. Reynolds chairman—the 60-room French Norman manor spans 46,000 square feet and once served as a private psychiatric hospital.
Rumors swirl about hidden tunnels and secret rooms from its early medical days. Some guests report flickering lights, cold spots, or the feeling of not being alone. Staff won’t confirm ghost stories, but they don’t deny them either.
In the 1980s, a fire gutted parts of the estate. Instead of tearing it down, Wake Forest University restored it with care.
Today, Graylyn is a boutique hotel that hosts weddings, conferences, and occasionally curious tourists chasing presidential trivia or paranormal activity.
Quick Facts: Graylyn
- Located at 1900 Reynolda Road
- Built in 1932 as the estate of Bowman Gray, Sr.
- Designed by the architectural firm Northup and O’Brien
- French Norman architecture with 60 rooms and 46,000 square feet
- Restored after a fire in 1984
Cedarhyrst
Once the home of Dr. Nathaniel and Eleanor DeSchweinitz Siewers, Cedarhyrst sits on South Main like a Victorian daydream. Built in the 1890s, the Queen Anne-style home is known for its rounded turret, patterned woodwork, and wraparound porch.
While not open to the public, it’s a favorite for photographers and architecture lovers who know where to look.
Quick Facts: Cedarhyrst
- Located on South Main Street
- Built in the 1890s
- Queen Anne-style architecture with decorative gables and turret
- Private residence not open for tours
Körner’s Folly
They don’t call it “The Strangest House in the World” for nothing. Körner’s Folly was built in 1880 by artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner as both a home and a showcase for his interior design business. It’s a dizzying maze of seven split levels, 22 rooms, and 15 fireplaces.
The ceilings range from soaring to bizarrely low. Staircases twist in ways that defy logic. And a theater on the top floor once hosted puppet shows for local children.
Touring the house feels like stepping into a puzzle—and yes, it’s just as weird on the inside as it looks from the street.
Quick Facts: Körner’s Folly
- Built in 1880 by Jule Gilmer Körner in Kernersville
- Known as “The Strangest House in the World”
- Features 7 levels, 22 rooms, and 15 fireplaces
- Originally a home and design portfolio
- Includes an upstairs theater used for puppet shows
- Tours available year-round
Zevely House
This restored 1815 home now serves as a Southern bistro, but it was once the residence of Moravian cabinetmaker Vannimmen Zevely. The structure is one of the few remaining Federal-style buildings in the city and was moved to its current spot on Fourth Street to save it from demolition.
The low ceilings, handmade brick, and symmetrical facade offer a rare glimpse into early 19th-century life in Salem.
Quick Facts: Zevely House
- Designed and built in 1815 by Vannimmen Zevely
- Federal-style architecture with original brickwork
- One of the oldest residential structures in Winston-Salem
- Relocated to Fourth Street to preserve it
- Now operates as an upscale restaurant
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Built in 1917, Reynolda House was the home of R.J. and Katharine Reynolds, designed to reflect both comfort and ambition. The 64-room estate was part of a 1,000-acre working model farm and community, extending Katharine’s progressive vision.
Today, the restored home serves as a museum with a nationally recognized collection of American art: the surrounding gardens, walking trails, and Reynolda Village shops round out the experience.
Over the years, Reynolda House has hosted numerous notable guests, including President Harry Truman, who visited the estate during his time in office. The house’s rich history and cultural significance continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Quick Facts: Reynolda House
- Completed in 1917 for the Reynolds family
- Designed by architect Charles Barton Keen
- 64-room home set on a 1,000-acre estate
- Now a museum featuring American art from the 18th to 20th centuries
- Located near Wake Forest University and Reynolda Gardens
Churches With Character
Winston-Salem’s churches are more than places of worship; they’re architectural landmarks that reflect the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. From the Tudor Revival elegance of Augsburg Lutheran to the Classical Revival grandeur of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion, these sacred spaces showcase a variety of styles and stories.
Each church is a testament to the community’s faith, resilience, and artistic expression, inviting worshippers and visitors to appreciate their unique beauty and significance.
Augsburg Lutheran Church
Tucked in the West End neighborhood, Augsburg Lutheran Church looks like it was lifted from an old English town. Built in 1926, its Tudor Revival architecture includes heavy stonework, steep gables, and arched doorways.
Some of its stained-glass windows date back to the late 1800s, saved from the original church structure and carefully installed in the newer sanctuary.
Quick Facts: Augsburg Lutheran Church
- Built in 1926 in the West End
- Designed by Winston-Salem architecture firm Hall Crews
- Tudor Revival style with distinctive stone detailing
- Includes late-1800s stained-glass windows from the original church
Trinity Moravian Church
With its red tile roof, arched cloisters, and Mediterranean feel, Trinity Moravian is one of the city’s most unique church buildings. Constructed in the early 20th century, it blends Romanesque and Spanish Revival influences that set it apart from the Gothic norm.
The Moravian community’s design traditions often favor clean lines and function, but Trinity proves they could lean dramatic when they wanted to.
Quick Facts: Trinity Moravian Church
- Built in the early 1900s
- Features red tile roofing and Romanesque arches
- Blends Moravian simplicity with Spanish Revival flourishes
- One of the most visually distinctive churches in the city
First Baptist Church
Modeled after the Roman Pantheon, First Baptist Church is one of the most classically inspired buildings in the city. Completed in 1925, it features a soaring domed ceiling, grand Corinthian columns, and a spire that rises 140 feet into the air.
The building was designed by Dougherty & Gardner to project both strength and serenity. It still does.
Quick Facts: First Baptist Church
- Built in 1925 at 501 W. Fifth Street
- Designed by Dougherty & Gardner
- Roman Neo-classical style, inspired by the Pantheon
- Seven-story spire and domed ceiling
Centenary Methodist Church
This massive stone church looks like it belongs on a university quad or in a Gothic novel. The current structure was completed between 1920 and 1931 after the merger of two congregations.
Designed by New York architecture firm Mayer, Murray & Phillips, the building was meant to reflect the Methodist denomination’s 100th anniversary in America. And it does—on a monumental scale.
Quick Facts: Centenary Methodist Church
- Located at 646 W. Fifth Street
- Built 1920–1931 by Mayer, Murray & Phillips
- Gothic Revival with heavy stone construction
- Commemorated 100 years of Methodism in the U.S.
Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church
This Classic Revival church was completed in 1924 and originally known as East Fourth Street Baptist. In 1964, it became a part of civil rights history when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech from its pulpit.
It remains a powerful symbol of Black religious and political leadership in Winston-Salem.
Quick Facts: Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church
- Located at 1435 E. Fourth Street
- Built in 1924 in Classic Revival style
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke here in 1964
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Formerly East Fourth Street Baptist
Industrial & Media Buildings
Winston-Salem’s industrial and media buildings are more than relics of a bygone era; they’re enduring symbols of the city’s innovative spirit and adaptability. From textile mills that once hummed with machinery to power plants that fueled entire districts, these structures have been thoughtfully repurposed, blending historical significance with modern functionality.
Today, they are vibrant spaces housing offices, residences, and cultural venues, reflecting the city’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing the future.
Winston-Salem Journal Building
Before news went digital, Winston-Salem’s daily headlines were hammered out on typewriters—by the hundreds. The Winston-Salem Journal building once buzzed with editors, reporters, linotype operators, and presses printing thousands of papers daily.
The original headquarters at 418 N. Marshall Street was designed with early 20th-century modernity in mind. Brick masonry, tall windows, and wide-open interiors gave the newsroom function and style.
At its peak, the building housed over 1,000 typewriters across its departments. Some for writing, some for editing. Some for retyping entire pages by hand when the layout didn’t fit.
Today, the building stands as a reminder of the city’s print legacy—even if most of its machines have long gone silent.
Quick Facts: Winston-Salem Journal Building
- Located at 418 N. Marshall Street
- Designed by architect Harold Macklin
- Former headquarters of the Winston-Salem Journal
- Tall industrial windows and brick construction
- Central to the city’s newspaper operations for decades
Sawtooth Building
It’s hard to miss the jagged silhouette of the Sawtooth Building on Marshall Street. Built in 1911 by Hanes Hosiery as Shamrock Mills, its distinctive “sawtooth” roofline wasn’t just for looks. The angled roof and large windows were designed to maximize sunlight—an essential feature before electricity was widespread.
After decades as a working factory, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It found new life in 1982 as the home of the Sawtooth School for Visual Art.
A major renovation in 2010 transformed the space again, integrating the historic mill with a sleek new addition on Spruce Street. The result? The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, a modern hub for creativity that debuted with a performance by Tony Bennett.
Quick Facts: Sawtooth Building
- Located on Marshall Street in downtown Winston-Salem
- Built in 1911 as Shamrock Mills by Hanes Hosiery
- “Sawtooth” roof design maximized daylight for factory workers
- Became Sawtooth School for Visual Art in 1982
- Renovated and expanded in 2010 to form Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978
Contemporary Culture Hubs
Winston-Salem’s historic buildings aren’t the only ones turning heads. Several new or reimagined spaces have brought bold architecture and modern design to the city’s cultural scene in recent years. These venues don’t just house exhibits—they make a visual statement all their own.
NCMA Winston-Salem (Formerly SECCA)
Initially built in 1956, this North Carolina Museum of Art campus showcases Mid-Century Modern design with clean lines and Bauhaus influences. A major renovation in 2010 by Thomas Phifer and Partners introduced minimalist glass facades that blend old and new.
Once home to the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA), the building now functions as a modern outpost of the state’s art museum, featuring innovative exhibitions in a striking architectural shell.
Quick Facts: NCMA Winston-Salem
- Located on Marguerite Drive
- Built in 1956, renovated in 2010
- Mid-Century Modern design with contemporary updates
- Home to the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Winston-Salem campus
- Formerly SECCA (Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art)
Kaleideum
Kaleideum’s new downtown campus, opened in 2024, is a bold architectural addition. With geometric forms, large glass panels, and a central staircase that spirals inside a bright atrium, the building encourages exploration through design.
Created from the merger of the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem and SciWorks, the space now hosts STEAM-driven exhibits in a space as innovative as its programming.
Quick Facts: Kaleideum
- Located on West Third Street in downtown Winston-Salem
- Opened in 2024
- Designed by Gensler
- Dynamic architecture with large glass walls and playful interior design
Civic & Institutional Buildings
These buildings weren’t just built to serve—they were built to last. From early 20th-century libraries to grand city halls, Winston-Salem’s civic architecture blends function with style.
Some were gifts from steel tycoons; others housed major milestones in the city’s public life. Together, they tell the story of a growing city shaping its identity through stone, symmetry, and civic pride.
Carnegie Library
At the corner of Third Street and Cherry, a Renaissance Revival library stands quietly with Roman-style symmetry and carved limestone details. Built in 1903 with a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, it was one of only ten libraries funded nationwide between 1901 and 1917.
After closing as a public library in 1954, the building was acquired by Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and now operates as the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima. Though its purpose has shifted, the historic structure remains one of Winston-Salem’s most charming architectural gems.
Its carved limestone details and Roman-style symmetry make it one of the more unexpected architectural gems downtown.
Quick Facts: Carnegie Library
- Built in 1903 with a Carnegie grant
- Designed by architect Edward L. Tilton
- Renaissance Revival style with limestone features
- One of only ten Carnegie libraries built nationally in that era
- Now the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima (Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church) at 211 W. Third St.
City Hall
Winston-Salem’s City Hall is a textbook example of Renaissance Revival civic architecture. Built in 1926, the stately structure features symmetrical stonework, arched windows, and classic decorative flourishes that still impress nearly a century later.
It remains one of the few civic buildings in town listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and it’s still in active use today.
Quick Facts: City Hall
- Located at 101 N. Main Street
- Built in 1926
- Designed by the architectural firm Northup and O’Brien
- Renaissance Revival architecture
- Still serves as Winston-Salem’s government center
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
YMCA Building
Built in 1927, this Classical Revival-style structure served as Winston-Salem’s YMCA for nearly 50 years. Designed by local architect Harold Macklin—who also designed the Winston-Salem Journal building—it reflects the city’s investment in public wellness and civic life during the early 20th century.
Limestone Corinthian pilasters divide the four-story brick facade into three bays, each centered above arched entrances labeled “Men” and “Boys.” Above, the original ironwork balconies still display the YMCA initials. Today, the building houses offices and apartments but retains its architectural roots.
Quick Facts: YMCA Building
- Located at 315 N. Spruce Street
- Designed by Harold Macklin in 1927
- Classical Revival style with brick and limestone facade
- Original use: YMCA from 1927–1976
- Features labeled stone entrances and wrought iron “YMCA” balconies
- Now converted to mixed-use with offices and apartments
Union Station
Initially built in 1926 as a bustling rail depot, Union Station connected Winston-Salem to cities across the Southeast. Its grand arched facade and multi-story waiting room were designed to impress—and move people fast.
Today, the station has been thoughtfully restored as a modern transit hub. You’ll still see echoes of its past in the preserved ticket windows and architectural flourishes.
Quick Facts: Union Station
- Located in the Sunnyside neighborhood
- Completed in 1926 as a railway depot
- Restored for use as a modern transit facility
- Features original ticket windows and passenger halls
- Architecturally notable for its large archways and symmetry
Federal Building / Millennium Center
The grand Federal Building, now known as the Millennium Center, was built in 1906 in the Neo-Classical Revival style. Its ornate facade and columned entrance once housed the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the IRS, and the local Post Office.
Today, the building serves as a venue for weddings, galas, and film productions. Movies like Leatherheads and Susie’s Hope were filmed here, adding another chapter to its historic resume.
Quick Facts: Federal Building / Millennium Center
- Located at 101 W. Fifth Street
- Built in 1906 in Neo-Classical Revival style
- Formerly housed federal offices including IRS and Post Office
- Design features Beaux Arts and classical detailing
- Now used as an event venue and filming location
Moravian Roots, Lasting Impressions
Winston-Salem’s earliest architectural identity comes from the Moravians, a group of German-speaking settlers with a distinct style rooted in faith, order, and craftsmanship. Their buildings were practical, symmetrical, and deeply tied to community life. These historic structures still stand today as serene, well-preserved reminders of the city’s earliest days.
God’s Acre
Moravians believed in equality in life—and in death. Each gravestone is the same size and shape at God’s Acre, laid out in precise rows that reflect the community’s spiritual values and focus on unity.
The cemetery is still in use and maintained by the Salem Congregation. It’s particularly moving to visit on Easter morning when thousands gather for the sunrise service among the stones.
Quick Facts: God’s Acre
- Located in the heart of Old Salem
- Moravian cemetery with flat, uniform gravestones
- Laid out in symmetrical rows by choir groups (gender, age, marital status)
- Still active and used for annual Easter Sunrise services
- Emphasizes equality and community in design
Old Salem Museum & Gardens
Old Salem isn’t just one building—it’s a walkable living museum. With a single ticket, visitors can explore dozens of preserved and reconstructed structures, from shops and schools to homes and churches, all reflecting Moravian architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The area features costumed interpreters, working tradespeople, and original buildings like the Single Brothers’ House, making it one of the best-preserved examples of early American town planning.
Learn more about the venues included with your ticket.
Quick Facts: Old Salem Museum & Gardens
- Located in Old Salem Historic District
- Includes various preserved and reconstructed buildings
- Features 18th–19th century Moravian architecture
- Living history site with demonstrations and museum access
- Admission includes entry to multiple architectural venues
Single Brothers House
This half-timbered building in Old Salem dates back to 1769 and once housed unmarried men of the Moravian Church. Part dormitory and part workshop, it was central to Salem’s early economy.
It’s been carefully preserved and serves as a museum space today, offering demonstrations in woodworking, pottery, and more.
Quick Facts: Single Brothers House
- Built in 1769 in Old Salem
- Half-timbered construction typical of early Moravian style
- Originally used as living and working space for single men
- Now part of the Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Roadside Attractions
These landmarks weren’t designed to impress royalty or host religious ceremonies—but they still managed to stop people in their tracks. From a giant coffee pot to a seashell-shaped gas station, Winston-Salem has a thing for roadside weirdness.
Shell Service Station
If you spot a giant yellow shell on East Sprague Street, you’re not imagining things. This 1930s gas station was designed to look like a scallop shell as a bold branding move by Quality Oil Company, a local Shell distributor.
Built in 1930 by R. H. Burton and his son, Ralph, this Shell station was one of at least eight shell-shaped stations built around Winston-Salem, but it is the only one that remains today.
Preservation North Carolina stepped in to restore the shell-shaped icon, spending $50,000 to restore the station to its original condition fully. Today, it serves as a satellite office for the organization and a quirky roadside relic worth pulling over for.
Quick Facts: Shell Service Station
- Designed and built in the 1930s by Frank L. Blum Construction Company
- One of at least eight shell-shaped stations built in Winston-Salem
- Only surviving example in the U.S., located at Sprague and Peachtree Streets
- Restored by Preservation North Carolina for $50,000
- Now serves as a Preservation North Carolina satellite office
- Popular roadside photo spot and historic landmark
Bonus: A Coffee Pot Bigger Than Your Head
At the entrance to Old Salem sits one of the city’s most unexpected landmarks: a seven-foot tin coffee pot on a traffic island. Built in 1859 by tinsmith Julius E. Mickey, it was originally used to advertise his shop on South Main.
Today, this 160-year-old piece of local advertising has somehow become a historic icon and the most talked-about caffeine container in the city.
The pot is so large that it can hold up to 740 gallons, or roughly 11,840 cups of coffee. That’s according to Atlas Obscura, which calls the kettle one of the area’s quirkiest roadside attractions.
The giant pot survived rowdy Halloween pranks and decades of weather before the construction of Interstate 40 forced its removal. After years in storage, it was reinstalled in 1962 at its current spot where South Main meets Brookstown Avenue.
Legend has it that a Confederate soldier once hid inside the Salem coffee pot to evade Union soldiers during the Civil War. There’s no proof, but it’s just believable enough to keep the story alive.
Quick Facts: Salem Coffee Pot
- Built in 1859 to advertise Julius E. Mickey’s tin shop
- Measures 7 feet 3 inches tall and 5 feet 4 inches wide
- Originally stood on South Main Street in Salem
- Relocated in 1962 to the corner of Brookstown Avenue and South Main
Sleep In History
Some of Winston-Salem’s most memorable buildings aren’t just for looking but for staying. Whether it’s a grand former estate or a restored downtown hotel, these historic hotels in Winston-Salem offer more than just a place to sleep. They give you a front-row seat to the city’s story, with architectural details you won’t find in modern builds.
