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Anchoring Asheville’s arts community
The space will include classrooms, galleries, and shared maker spaces. | Rendering via River Arts District Artists Foundation
The River Arts District Artists (RADA) Foundation is under contract to transform a 4.32-acre Lyman Street site into the RAD Creative Campus, a permanent, flood-safe cultural anchor and hub for artists and visitors.
The project gained momentum during the Unified RAD Visioning Charrette, where more than 1,200 artists, business owners, and civic leaders gathered after Helene destroyed roughly 80% of workspaces and displaced more than 500 artists, refocusing planning on long-term stability.
“This campus is about protecting what artists built and ensuring they can stay, work, and belong here for generations,” said RADA Foundation president Jeffrey Burroughs.
Plans call for a black box theater. | Rendering via RADA Foundation
Painting a picture
The campus encompasses the buildings at 123 and 135 Lyman Street, adjacent to Ultra Coffeebar and behind Asheville Middle School, lying above the area’s floodplain.
Beyond office space and a welcome center, plans include:
40 affordable artist studios
A fully equipped shared maker space (think kilns, metalsmithing tools, and tech)
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Axeville Axe Throwing Club on New Leicester Highway announced the final day of throwing will be on Sunday, March 22. “This was not an easy decision, but it feels like the right time to write the final chapter of our incredible eight-year story,” the team shared on social media.
Development
The proposed Costco in Enka was set to appear before Asheville’s Planning and Zoning Commission this week, but the bulk retailer’s development team requested another delay “to allow additional study of the site design.” (828NewsNow)
Environment
Buncombe County Commissioners approved a resolution to join the NC Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure Program, which helps commercial property owners finance energy-efficient improvements.
Older Adults
Registration is open for the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts competitions, inviting residents 50+ to show off their athleticism and creativity during the weeks-long events. See the schedule and sign up.
Featured
Vacation rental company HomeToGo ranked Asheville as one of the top astrotourism destinations in the US based on nightly rates and proximity to stargazing locations. Here are some stellar sites to visit when the sun goes down.
Community
Asheville’s water resources department has launched WaterSmart, a new online tool to help monitor your water usage and manage your bill. Thirsty to know more?Make an account and explore the site.
Read
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Event Spotlight
You butter believe it
Time to stock up. | Photo via Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn
Score 25% off everyday flavors and special Valentine’s bags, plus $5 holiday bags and $10 holiday tins.
Bring your reusable bags and stop by 12 Gerber Rd. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to shop til you pop.
Bonus: Expect complimentary hot chocolate, Valentine’s gift bags, and the chance to win each popcorn of the month for a whole year.
The Buy
It’s almost time for the perfect holiday to tell your friends how you feel: Galentine’s Day. Treat the bestie in your life to a February 13 gift that says, I’m grateful for you.
This feels like the perfect time to reshare yet another way to support the RAD. Asheville’s River Arts District is a finalist in USA TODAY’s 10Best Awards for Best Arts District in the Nation, and you can vote daily through Monday, Feb. 16. Go ahead and cast your ballot for the day.
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