Little
Grove 98
Retail Shopping Center
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Project Type
Mixed-use, Specialty Retail
Size
42,000 Square Feet
Design Services
Architecture, Engineering, Site Design
Grove 98 is a 42,000+ square-foot retail destination strategically located within a mixed-use development in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Designed as a bustling lifestyle hub, it seamlessly blends retail, dining, and wellness with curated outdoor spaces and architectural variety. Anchored by a 100,000-square-foot Wegmans and positioned at a key town gateway, Grove 98 delivers a unique, engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
Design Awards
- Triangle Business Journal SPACE Awards, Top Mixed-Use Development 2024
PROJECT GOALS
The vision for Grove 98 was to create an integrated community hub that brought shopping, dining, and recreation together in one dynamic environment.
Little partnered with developer Stiles Corporation and civil engineer Bolton & Menk to shape a flexible, future-ready destination that could adapt to the evolving needs of Wake Forest. Flexibility was a key objective, ensuring the site could accommodate a diverse tenant mix and respond to changing consumer preferences.
The project also served as a strategic investment in reinforcing the town’s emergence as a premier location for high-end retail and hospitality. With a phased development approach, Grove 98 was intentionally designed to grow organically, welcoming new businesses as demand increased and supporting the long-term vitality of the district.
Objectives
- Integrate outdoor amenities, landscaping, and walkable public spaces.
- Introduce architectural variety to enhance visual interest.
- Use quality materials for a timeless, welcoming environment.
- Ensure flexibility to accommodate a diverse tenant mix.
SOLUTION SUMMARY
Grove 98’s design strikes a balance between structure and spontaneity. Organized into quadrants with flowing pathways and rich materiality, the site fosters both order and vibrancy. Development was phased—starting with anchor tenants and expanding to include residential and commercial uses—ensuring responsiveness to market demand. At full buildout, Grove 98 is a complete mixed-use ecosystem, blending retail, dining, housing, wellness, and greenways into a unified, livable destination.
OVERALL DESIGN STRATEGY
Where community pride feels like home
Grove 98’s design is deeply rooted in community, reflecting the character of Wake Forest through a vernacular approach that feels both familiar and intentional. Scaled and styled with intention, the layout promotes walkability and connection, with shops part of a true neighborhood center and a greenway that brings nature into daily life. The result is a place that supports civic pride and comfort, resonating with local residents while inviting discovery from the surrounding area.
MATERIAL PALETTE
Honest materials for a rich experience
The material palette at Grove 98 is intentionally honest and tactile—composed of real materials with pleasing textures that invite interaction. Research shows that people respond positively to environments that engage the senses, not just through sight and touch, but even through imagined experiences. By using familiar patterns and textures, the design creates a subtle emotional connection. The simplicity of the palette is balanced by its richness in sensory detail, making the environment feel grounded, approachable, and intuitively human.
“Grove 98 is adding significantly to Wake Forest’s inventory of high-end consumer businesses and national retail and restaurant brands. The result is convenient community amenities, new jobs, and expanded municipal tax-base.”
— Jason Cannon
President, Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership
Results
Now a defining presence in Wake Forest, Grove 98 has attracted national brands, generated local jobs, and expanded the area’s retail and tax base. Its diverse tenant mix and community-focused design have made it a popular everyday destination. With two phases fully leased and the final phase nearing completion, Grove 98 continues to demonstrate strong momentum and lasting regional impact.
