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86º | Sunny | 8% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:55 a.m. | Sunset 8:09 p.m.
 

Five potential plans for a local landmark

Local leaders discuss $100-million plans for Thomas Wolfe Auditorium renovations
Local leaders discussed future plans for Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on stage at the ExploreAsheville.com arena.
Local leaders discuss future plans for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. | Photo by AVLtoday
Big plans could be in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium’s future after ArtsAVL’s Town Hall discussion on Monday afternoon. The panel brought together leaders from the City of Asheville, the Tourism Development Authority, the Asheville Symphony, and the Theatre Consultants Collaborative to talk through plans for renovations of the performing arts space.

A bit of backstory

The auditorium hasn’t undergone major renovations since the 1970s — although talks of upgrades aren’t new. In 2020, a $100 million redesign was proposed before the pandemic brought the project to a halt. But this May the building’s structural integrity took a quick turn for the worse when the main HVAC unit failed, followed by failures of the remaining units in July — which ultimately caused the space to close.

Future plans

The City is tasked with deciding to remediate the space with minor repairs or with a full-fledged redesign. Chris Corl, Director of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities for the City of Asheville, expressed that completing the minor repairs, which would cost $1.2 million, wouldn’t address the underlying issues within the facility.

Chris presented five options for major renovations to the auditorium, with building costs projected for 2028 when renovations are expected to begin:
  1. Large-scale renovation to host Broadway shows — est. $183-198 million
  2. Major acoustic-driven renovation — est. $130-150 million
  3. Improved raked floor arrangement for better sightlines — $105-125 million
  4. Flat floor arrangement for diverse programming — $90-110 million
  5. Basic code + infrastructure updates — $42-52 million
These hefty price tags beg the question, “Where will funding come from?” At the panel, Mayor Manheimer floated the idea of leaning on the Tourism Development Authority as a funding partner as well as bringing in funding from bond referendums and naming rights.

What’s next?

Repairs to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium are currently underway in hopes of reopening the space at limited capacity in October or November. Want to share your questions and comments about topics discussed at the Town Hall? Submit them through ArtsAVL’s online form.
Insurance Service of Asheville
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 23
  • Midweek Showdown: Game Night | Wednesday, Aug. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Put your game face on for a night of live game show challenges, board games, and pinball.
Thursday, Aug. 24
  • MANNA FoodBank’s 40th Anniversary Celebration | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 5:30-9 p.m. | The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville | $40 | The nonprofit’s accomplishments will be honored at this milestone anniversary presented by Biltmore with a dance party, snack table, and popsicles — one ticket provides 160 meals for neighbors facing food insecurity.
  • Beginner Full-Body Workout | Thursday, Aug. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St., Asheville | Free | Jump-start your fitness plan with this free class — advanced registration encouraged.
Friday, Aug. 25
  • Karen Cragnolin Park Greenway Dedication | Friday, Aug. 25 | 4-6 p.m. | Karen Cragnolin Park, 190 Amboy Rd., Asheville | Free | Join RiverLink and partners as they cut the ribbon on the newly paved path — expect snow cones, music + family fun, and speeches honoring Karen Cragnolin.
  • Grove Street Fish Fry | Friday, Aug. 25 | 3-5 p.m. | Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove St., Asheville | $5 | Enjoy a homemade fried fish sandwich while enjoying music + games and meeting new friends — orders must be placed today, Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Saturday, Aug. 26
  • 103.3 Asheville FM Record Fair | Saturday, Aug. 26 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Explore over 10,000 square feet of records, 45s, CDs, collectibles, and more.
Events calendar here
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The Biltmore
 
Travel

The cheapest US destinations to fly to, according to travel experts
A plane flying over a blue sky, possibly to a cheap US destination, with palm trees below.
Start dreaming of your next vacation. | Photo by Tom Cattini via Pexels
Our partners at Going search for cheap flights for a living (and then email you about them for free). Check out their list of the cheapest destinations in the US to fly to, including:

No. 3: San Francisco

  • Last year, the Going team found 89 flight deals here.
  • Fun fact: San Francisco International Airport has direct flights from 88 US cities.

No. 2: Los Angeles

  • Going finds ~10 deals per month to LA — like Chicago to LA for $138 roundtrip.
See the No. 1 cheapest place
News Notes
Civic
  • The City of Asheville is seeking input for the Reed Creek Greenway Expansion Feasibility Study. The study aims to explore routes to complete the greenway. Give your feedback on the proposed extension in this survey before Friday, Sept. 22.
Announced
  • The Asheville Symphony received a $50,000 grant from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to support community outreach and engagement. Funds from the grant will support the free Symphony in the Park concert as well as the upcoming ALT ASO series.
Number
  • $1.3 billion. That’s how much visitors of the Blue Ridge Parkway spent in communities near the park in 2022, according to a report from the National Park Service. The spending supported 17,824 jobs in areas along the 469-mile stretch. (Mountain Xpress)
Featured
  • Eda Rhyne was highlighted in a “Food & Wine” article for its locally distilled amaro varieties. Read how co-founder Chris Bower’s upbringing in rural Haywood County inspired his career as a distiller.
Environment
  • Since July 28, the newly opened Dr. Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Community Center has been producing renewable energy as one of six city-owned facilities to use solar panels. Want to follow along and see how much energy these facilities are generating? See it in real time.
Family
  • Have a resident car enthusiast in your house? Round up the fam to view a collection of classic, muscle, and sports cars on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center Car Show. Car owners will be by their vehicles, ready to answer any questions you have about their impressive sets of wheels.
Arts
Stat
  • Did you know the YMCA of WNC is the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare? Help your kiddo excel after the bell with one of the Y’s afterschool programs.*
Giveaway
Greybeard Realty
 
Pets

🥇 Going for gold

Going for gold at the West-VILLE-minster Dog Show
A dog winning an award at the westVILLEminster dog show
The pup-arazzi grabbed a shot of this winning dog. | Photo by Elliot Schwartz
Think your pup stands out from the pack? Sign them up to join the crowd of talented canines that will take the stage for the West-VILLE-minster Dog Show this Saturday, Aug. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at One World Brewing’s West Asheville location.

Your furbaby is welcome to compete for prizes in categories including best facial hair, best talent, most mysterious heritage, best underbite, and more. Fill out the form to register for specific competitions, with the $15 fee for each category benefiting the Asheville Humane Society.

Humans without participating pups are welcome to attend for a $5 donation but are asked to leave their four-legged friends at home. So whether you plan on leading your dog to victory or simply spectating, you’re in for a doggone good time.
Shop
Eat
  • Ready to tailgate? Our online shop, Six & Main, has you covered. Spice up your game-day burgers with Spicewalla’s 3-Pack Grill Lovers Collection.
Seasonal
  • Find your new favorite scents this fall from our candle brands such as Wixology and Corridor Candle Co. Shop now at Six & Main.
Active
  • Socks mysteriously eaten by your washing machine again? Yeah, us too. Try these women’s no-show socks — a bestselling sock with 50,000+ five-star reviews.
Kids
  • These pop-up soccer goals make the most of time outdoors with the kids or grandkids. Easily set them up, then just as easily put away and store.
Home
  • The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.
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The Wrap
 
Grace Powers.JPEG

Today’s edition by:
Grace
From the editor
You’ll surely find me at the West-VILLE-minster Dog Show on Saturday. And if there was a category for smushiest face, my pup would be taking home the hardware.
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