The city council amended its code enforcement ordinance on Tuesday to better protect housing conditions for residents.

The historic downtown building had been left vacant for over a decade.

A nonprofit has submitted a proposal to purchase Crystal Towers for $1. A committee that includes current residents is set to review the plan next week.

The announcement comes a day before newly-confirmed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is scheduled to visit the area.

The change comes as the county continues to experience significant growth.

Property owners in Guilford and Davidson Counties have recently received property tax revaluation notices for 2026. Property Tax Attorney John Cocklereece with Bell, Davis & Pitt Attorneys in Winston-Salem talks about the process of filing a successful tax revaluation appeal.

The development will bring more than 100 new, mixed-income housing units to the Northeast Ward in the city.

A study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows that all 50 states are experiencing this challenge.

The shift comes as the city moves away from its Doorway Project to sharpen its focus on addressing the challenge.

A virtual event led by Leadership Winston-Salem will explore the hurdles and opportunities shaping housing today.