Ailey Young House Heritage Site/Northeast Gateway Park

The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of developing a conceptual site plan for a new park in the Northeast Community anchored by the Ailey Young House, 400 N. White St.

Community input will be the cornerstone of the effort to produce a concept plan that respects the unique history of the site, celebrates the rich history of the Northeast Community, and provides park space for the community.

The Ailey Young House and Northeast Gateway Park is a Town of Wake Forest-funded project that aims to share the history of the Young Family and the Northeast Community. Upon completion, the revitalized site will serve as an outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.

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On June 26, Wake Forest hosted a public meeting (drop-in style open house) at the Alston-Massenburg Center, 416 N. Taylor St., and invited attendees to share their thoughts on two concept plans and the name of the park.

Open House Presentation Boards

Park Concepts

Now, the Town is asking residents to complete a short survey about the project. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open to everyone, including those who attended the June 26 open house. The survey will remain open until Tuesday, July 29.

Take the Survey

The park design team will use the responses to refine the concept plan for the future park.

Timeline

• Public Survey to receive feedback on the two concepts open until July 29.
• Presentation of the two concepts at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting July 22 (open to the public)
• Presentation of the two concepts at the PRCR Advisory Board meeting July 28 (open to the public)
• Refine the design based on the feedback
• Approval in September 2025
  
  

About the Ailey Young House

The Ailey Young House is a circa 1870, saddlebag form house that is the oldest known African American historic resource in Wake Forest and a Local Historic Landmark. The Town of Wake Forest owns the Ailey Young House and the land on which it sits totaling over three acres. The Northeast Community Plan Update (2021) and the Historic Preservation Plan Update (2022) recommended that the Town should develop the site as a gateway into the Northeast Community and a place to celebrate the African American heritage of Wake Forest.

Share Your Feedback

You're also invited to submit any questions or concerns you have using the "Share Your Feedback" form below.