07.27.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

42º | Cloudy | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

🏠 Missing the middle

Understanding the Missing Middle Housing Study

the asheville city skyline with mountains in the distance

The study focuses on residences that sit at the center of the housing spectrum. | Photo by @nathan_metcalf_photo

You’ve likely been hearing about the Missing Middle Housing Study since it first appeared on the City of Asheville’s agenda in 2022. But if you’re not familiar with the term or the study’s scope, its purpose might be elusive. So let’s dive into its goal and the community’s contribution.

Start with a definition

Daniel Parolek, founder of Opticos Design, a consultancy firm that’s working with the city, coined the term Missing Middle Housing in 2010. It describes building types that are in the middle of a spectrum between detached single-family homes + mid- and high-rise apartment buildings — think duplexes, townhouses, and courtyard buildings. They’re generally no higher than three stories, with multiple units and in walkable neighborhoods.

The types are called “missing” not because they don’t exist anymore but because these housing models were abandoned and, in some cases, illegal for about 70 years because of zoning regulations. In Asheville, two-thirds of the neighborhoods only allow single-family homes.

Understand the study

The Department of Planning and Urban Design and the Department of Community and Economic Development are conducting the Missing Middle Housing Study to identify barriers to the production and diversification of housing. When everything is wrapped up, the team will give a report with recommendations for promoting housing choices and aligning regulations with Asheville’s housing goals.

The project plans to review current policies, regulations, and zoning standards. The team will analyze barriers, create Missing Middle Housing and Displacement Risk Assessment reports, and gather input from the community.

Get involved

That’s where you come in. The city is conducting a survey to understand the challenges faced by Asheville’s renters. The deadline for this Renter’s Survey is Friday, Aug. 11.

The public is also invited to attend a free workshop on Friday, Aug. 4 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville Banquet Hall any time between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. You can visit interactive stations where you’ll be able to give feedback that will contribute to the study’s final report.

Events

Thursday, July 27

“Some Notes on Dating During Outbreak” | Thursday, July 27-Saturday, July 29 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St., Asheville | $15-$20 | Don’t miss the last weekend of Travis Lowe’s dark comedy, “Some Notes on Dating During Outbreak.”
JuneBug Creek Lounge Open Mic Night | Thursday, July 27 | 4-8 p.m. | JuneBug Asheville, 355 Clarks Chapel Rd., Weaverville | Free | With drinks, bar snacks, and charcuterie boxes from Maggie B’s, enjoy the inaugural open mic night, hosted by Corey Bowers.

Friday, July 28

The Poetry & Paint Experience, Episode 3 | Friday, July 28 | 7 p.m. | STM Multimedia Studio, 3861-A Sweeten Creek Rd., Arden | $7.50-$10 | This immersive, interactive event lets attendees participate in group painting, freestyle poetry, scavenger hunts, games, and a whole lot more.
Silent Disco: Eric v. Erik: There Can Be Only One | Friday, July 28 | 9-11:30 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $5 | It’s a battle between DJ Erik Mattox and DJ Eric Camaro — that none of the neighbors will mind.

Saturday, July 29

Vienna Light Orchestra: Magical Movie Scores | Saturday, July 29 | 8 p.m. | First Congregational Church of Asheville, 20 Oak St., Asheville | $65-$85 | Hear some of cinema’s most iconic music performed by a live string chamber orchestra, including scores from Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more.
Whale in the Pool | Saturday, July 29 | 8-9:30 p.m. | East Asheville Recreation Club, 40 Bell Rd., Asheville | $20 | Celebrate the summer with beer + burgers at this adventure-filled evening pool party.
Foundy Street Full Moon Party | Saturday, July 29 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Wedge Brewing at Foundy Street, 5 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Shop mystical offerings from local vendors, and dance the night away under the stars.

Sunday, July 30

The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament | Sunday, July 30 | 2 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course, 75 Club View Rd., Asheville | $40-$700 | Grab your clubs for a day of golf, games, food, drinks, and fun — proceeds support the local nonprofit, RiverLink.
Game Day: Perspective Café | Sunday, July 30 | 2-5 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free | Bring your friends for an afternoon of board and card games as well as a few snacks, cocktails, beers, and ciders.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

$3.7 million. That’s how much design firm Ewing Cole will receive to plan and oversee McCormick Field’s redesign. On Tuesday, July 25, Asheville City Council approved the contract for this Philadelphia-based firm, which also oversaw the field assessment needs study for the Tourists in 2016. (WLOS)

Civic

The five members of the Buncombe County Board of Elections have officially been sworn in for their two-year terms. The board will conduct local elections, run voting sites, and handle election administrative tasks, among other duties. The first meeting for these new members will take place on Aug. 1.

Shop

An evening of shopping never sounded so sophisticated. Join Garden Party + Playdate for a little Summer Soirée — complete with pastries, wine, and lots of lovely goods from local businesses (not to mention a sale). Swing by with your shopping bag in hand tonight, Thursday, July 27 at 6-9 p.m.

Plan Ahead

Time to break out your best recipes and finish up your quilt’s final stitches. The NC Mountain State Fair is now accepting exhibit entries — like livestock, art, wood carving, veggies, and more — until Friday, Aug. 25. Online registration must be submitted, but general exhibit entries are free to all NC residents. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Edu

The National Council on Teacher Quality recognized the Education Department at UNC Asheville as one of the best schools in the country for preparing elementary teachers to teach reading. To receive their A+, UNC Asheville exceeded the Council’s standards in the core components of science-based reading instruction.

Fun Fact

Did you know that UNC Asheville is a Liberal Arts School? Read: All UNCA students are exposed to a range of subjects and ideas that can be applied to their own major. See why this is important.*

Health

Celebrate your baby’s birth-day with a team who strives to provide the best care during one of the most memorable days of your life. From supportive to minimal intervention, Mission Health offers a safe and healing environment for both mom and baby. Learn more about their state-of-the-art Labor and Delivery facility.*

Share AVLtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_6}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

A wrestling match on a brewery’s production floor is something I really never thought I’d see — but Hi-Wire Brewing had other ideas. Namely, the Plenty of Heat Summer Series with Urban Combat Wrestling. Big personalities, over-the-top storylines, and even rap performances will all go down on Sunday, Aug. 20. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting my tickets now.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY