Five years ago, on January 16, Winston-Salem lost a tireless advocate for developing the local arts scene, and a champion of the city's downtown revitalization.
Winston-Salem native and longtime Hanes Dye and Finishing Company CEO R. Phillip Hanes Jr. passed away at the age of 84. Hanes was a visionary leader, and during the last decade of his life, he was the major catalyst in establishing an Arts District in his hometown. By harnessing his own creative spirit and that of those around him, Hanes played a large role in transforming what for years had been a bleak business district with little night life into a vibrant downtown where today people come together to enjoy arts events, new restaurants, cafes, clubs and bars.
Charlotte Hanes, his wife of 26 years, says that she and her husband were always looking forward. In February of 2011, David Ford traveled to their farm in Grayson County and began by asking what they were planning together in the last years of Phil Hanes' life. David also spoke with Krankies Coffee managing partner, and West End developer John Bryan.
January 16th will mark the fifth anniversary of Phil Hanes' death. The visionary leader is gone, but not forgotten, and, under the guidance of the next generation of civic leaders, many of the plans Hanes had for Winston-Salem are on their way to being realized.