The Pearl, a new innovation district in Charlotte, celebrated its grand opening on June 2, 2025, and will house the Wake Forest University School of Medicine - Charlotte, the region's first four-year medical school, set to open in summer 2025.

Developed through a public-private partnership between Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology, The Pearl aims to enhance economic growth and attract biotech firms, fostering collaboration in medical training and health technology.

The project is projected to create over 5,500 on-site jobs and contribute to more than 11,500 jobs regionally, with an estimated annual economic impact exceeding $800 million.

Key figures in North Carolina's government and health sector, including Governor Josh Stein, praised The Pearl as a significant investment in healthcare and economic development for the region.

The Pearl is located in the historic Brooklyn area, honoring its legacy as Charlotte's largest Black neighborhood before urban renewal efforts in the 1960s and 70s.

Dr. Mike Lin, a Wake Forest medical school graduate, expressed excitement over the opening of The Pearl district, a $1.5 billion mixed-use development focused on healthcare and STEM education.

The complex, situated at the intersection of Baxter and McDowell streets, integrates medical education, surgical training, and health technology innovation, serving as a hub for advanced surgical training.

IRCAD, a prestigious surgical training network based in France, will establish its North American headquarters at The Pearl, offering advanced surgical training programs starting in September 2025.

The development is seen as the beginning of a significant transformation in Charlotte's midtown area, with plans for additional infrastructure and amenities.

The Pearl district will feature retail spaces, offices, apartments, a parking structure, and an outdoor plaza, with plans for affordable housing as well.

Companies like Siemens Healthineers and IRCAD are setting up operations in The Pearl, contributing to the area's growth as a medical technology hub.

County commissioner Mark Jerrel emphasized the long-term impact of this investment, anticipating significant transformation over the next two decades.