We are just days away from 2021 and with the New Year comes new projects, plans, and amendments to our ever-changing skyline. And, after the year we just had, it’s no surprise that Asheville is jonesin’ for something new to look forward to –– development-wise that is. So without further ado, here are eight upcoming developments on the horizon this coming year right here in the 828.
Silver-Line Park | Riverside Dr., Woodfin
After a generous donation from Silver-Line Plastics, nearly five acres of multi-use recreational space has been made possible in Woodfin. Silver-Line Park includes access to the French Broad River + has a potential tie in to the Craggy Mountain Rail Line. Along with playgrounds, greenways, swings + more, the space will provide a boat ramp for local kayak aficionados. The final park design is still being developed + should be completed in early 2021.
Haywood-Page Project | Haywood Street
After three years of planning + gathering community feedback, the Haywood Page Project has been adopted by Asheville City Council + is heading into implementation consideration for 2021. The concept plan by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects features a central plaza, multi-story building, community garden space, seating area + the potential for public art. Check out the full narrated video for the concept plan.
S&W Market | 56 Patton Ave.
Ever wondered what’s inside the big S&W Cafeteria building? Soon, you won’t have to. Highland Brewing Company, Ellington Realty Group + James Beard award-winning Chef Meherwan Irani have partnered to revive the Art Deco building with the creation of the S&W Market. The new concept will feature four curated food stalls that display creative cuisine on the main floor, a bar on the main floor + full taproom on the mezzanine level. The next development phase kicks off in January, so stay tuned to see what’s going on.
Main Street at Enka Village | Located in Candler off of Smokey Park Hwy.
Planned by the FIRC Group, Main Street at Enka Village features a 148-room hotel, 180 multifamily condominiums + a 10,300-square-foot retail space planned by the FIRC Group, could be coming to Enka off of Sand Hill Rd. near Smokey Park Hwy. The retail space will also include a new restaurant, Café Verona, and the hotel would be a SpringHill Suites by Marriot. If approved, the new development could be completed by 2022.
Project Ranger I 100 acres in south Buncombe County developed by Biltmore Farms known as Biltmore Park West
One of the biggest developments announced this year was Project Ranger, a one million-square-foot manufacturing facility that includes a brand new bridge across the French Broad River near I-26. The brainchild of aerospace company Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp., Project Ranger will offer jobs in areas like engineering, technology, production + management for Buncombe County + the Asheville Metro Region. Hiring will start in late 2021 and is expected to create 800+ jobs through 2027.
Down Dog | 51 Sweeten Creek Rd.
Bar? Check. Hot yoga studio? Check. Off-leash dog park? Check. Could a place be more Asheville than Down Dog Yoga Studio & Dog Bar? We’re itching to find out. A hybrid of the three aforementioned elements, it’s slated to open in 2021 and will feature 10 local rotating taps, lots of vino + seltzer options, and plenty of adorable pups.
Bike Skills Park | Richmond Hill
In the coolest collaboration with the City of Asheville Parks + Rec. Department + Pisgah Area Southern Offroad Biking Association, you can expect a new biking experience for 2021. The bike skills park is a natural surface trail approximately 2,500 feet long. Whether you’re just starting out on your mountain biking journey or are a veteran rider, the park is designed to build specific mountain biking skills. Construction is set to begin at the end of July + should last for four weeks, weather permitting.
Roberson-Smoky Park Highway Retail + Residential Center | Smokey Park Highway
The Roberson-Smoky Park Highway Retail + Residential Center will feature five new buildings + house two existing structures on Smokey Park Highway. The development includes 20 residential units, 20,000 feet of retail space + 4,000 feet designated for a medical facility. The space is located next to Pristine Car Wash in Candler + is being developed in the space that previously housed Roberson Motors.
