ICYMI – a major redevelopment could be coming to the former Sears, an anchor store of the Asheville Mall (1 S. Tunnel Rd.). The $45 million plan, proposed by the developer Seritage – which bought Sears stores across the country for redevelopment – would bring mixed-use commercial + residential space to the 15.88-acre site at the mall. 🏗️
What’s included in the plan
- 341,000 square feet
- Six new buildings in a contemporary architectural style
- One existing building – the former Sears Auto Center – will be renovated + adapted for a new use
- Five stories of 205 residential units (1, 2 + 3 bedroom) with 10% designated affordable housing
- 852 parking spaces (including 145 spaces within in a new deck)
- Retail + dining space (including an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema)
- Landscaping enhancements to create a plaza-style setting
- A dedicated bicycle lane around the buildings
Back in January, Asheville’s Planning & Zoning Committee approved Seritage’s redevelopment + rezoning request with a 5-2 vote.
But last week, City Council decided to continue public hearings for the project because of concerns over the lack of affordable housing, the lack of adequate transportation development in the area + other issues – and noted that the current plan isn’t good enough at this stage for them to approve. Only 21 residential units – around ten percent – are currently designated affordable housing. Council + city staff would like to see the plan come more in line with the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan, which prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and sustainability for citizens.
Want to share your opinion? The next public hearing will be at City Council’s April 23 meeting, when Seritage could present a modified version of the plan.
