Broadway Street circa 1976, when PSABC was formed. | Photo via Center for Craft
The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC) was formed in 1976, when pressure to develop was weighing heavily on Asheville. And as Asheville has grown considerably since then, so has the PSABC.
It now offers many programs to preserve and protect historic properties and share the history of our area. To celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary, we’re diving into the work the society does and how you can get in on the action.
Preservation programming
One of the cornerstones of the PSABC’s work is facilitating preservation easements, which permanently protect property through a legal agreement that restricts development or changes to privately owned property.
Previous easements include the Manor Inn Apartments, which have a storied past and were protected from demolition by the PSABC in the 90s.
The historic grant program disperses funding from $500 to $5,000 for projects that fall into three categories: brick-and-mortar (think repairs for structures 50 years or older), public education, and survey, planning, and designation.
Wake Executive Insights | 3-4:30 p.m. | Asheville Chamber and Visitor Center | Free | This special preview of the Wake Forest Executive Education experience includes a one-hour “Leveraging a Growth Mindset” workshop, plus networking with faculty + peers over complimentary coffee.*
Friday, Jan. 23
Dinner Under Dinos | Friday, Jan. 23, Saturday, Jan. 24, Saturday, Feb. 21 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Asheville Museum of Science | $35+
Sleek design elements and floor-to-ceiling views await. | Photography courtesy of Reese Real Estate, Inc.
This just in: You no longer have to choose between sweeping mountain views and the walkable convenience of downtown. This luxury two-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo has both — plus so much more.
Asheville Restaurant Week begins today, Jan. 20, running through Monday, Jan. 26. See the list of deals and delicious dishes from the 40+ participating restaurants. Bonus: You’ll have another chance to dine on these deals when Asheville Restaurant Week returns for seconds: Tuesday, Feb. 17 through Monday, Feb. 23.
Opening
The Walgreens on Tunnel Road is reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. It’ll be the first time the store has opened its doors since Helene.
Regional
All 29 NC and VA counties along the Blue Ridge Parkway have passed resolutions supporting the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. Led by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the initiative advances collaborative travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation strategies and is backed by a $5 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant.
Arts
Sow True Seed has issued its annual call to artists to create the brand’s 2026 seed packet and catalog artwork. Let inspiration start blooming, because submissions are open from Sunday, February 1 to Sunday, March 1.
Announced
There’s a new executive chef at the helm of Annie’s Cafe & Produce in Black Mountain. Chef Colleen O’Hare recently joined the plant-focused cafe after cooking at top restaurants across Dallas and Charlotte and even making several Food Network appearances on shows like “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” and “Guy’s Grocery Games.”
Plan Ahead
Asheville Parks and Recreation will celebrate Black History Month with a series of free community events, including art shows, history discussions, neighborhood gatherings, and meals. See the full schedule and register to attend events.
Family
Buncombe County Health and Human Services has partnered with Foster Family Alliance of NC to improve recruitment, training, and retention of foster and adoptive families. The yearlong contract embeds nonprofit staff in DSS operations to reduce delays and help children reach permanent homes faster. (Mountain Xpress)
State
Did you know? When you file a state tax return, you can donate all or a portion of your refund to the NC Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. The money helps survey and monitoring efforts for animals like the bog turtle, eastern hellbender, and northern gray treefrog.
Located on a large, level lot with a fenced-in yard, this spacious home includes a warm sunroom near the cozy kitchen, plus a multi-level porch featuring its very own covered gazebo. Browse all 20+ pics.*
Featured Deal
Looking for a pilates, yoga, or fitness studio that gets you moving in 2026? Get one month free of ClassPass and build your perfect workout routine — balance weight lifting with meditation, or HIIT with hot yoga, all under one membership. Hurry, offer available for a limited time only.*
The Fine Arts Theater is showing two one-night-only screenings of two of David Lynch’s most renowned movies — “Eraserhead” and “Mulholland Drive” — honoring one year since the visionary filmmaker’s death.
Get tickets for the 9:30 p.m. showings and stick around for a discussion after the movie.
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If you’re looking for something new to soundtrack your week, local singer-songwriter Tyler Ramsey and My Morning Jacket’s Carl Broemel just released a lovely, tranquil, and almost entirely instrumental guitar album, “Celestun.” Give it a listen.
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