The $90 million project was approved in December 2019 on more than 4 acres in the heart of the city's brewery district, between Asheland and Coxe avenues. It was to produce 488 apartments − 48 of them guaranteed affordable ― a 973-space parking deck and 86,000 square feet of commercial space. The City Council voted for the development 5-1, with the "no" vote made by Sheneika Smith who said the "massive" project would disrupt bus flow at the nearby transit station.
In September 2020, at the request of developer, Tribute Investment and Development Inc. of Wilmington, the council approved changes that slashed the commercial space to 44,199 square feet and parking spaces to 574 as well as reducing the number of apartments to 474, though it kept the 48 affordable units.
More: Answer Man: Enormous parking garage work resumes? Pedestrian signs needed?
Now after years of site work and completion of the parking deck, Tribute has backed out and is looking to sell the site, city staff and volunteer members of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee said this month. "They've halted and the project is for sale," committee Chair Barry Bialik told the Citizen Times Jan. 26.
Citizen-Times, Joel Burgess, 12/10/2019
A mixed-use apartment and commercial project that promises to remake an area south of downtown with its size and design has been approved by City Council.
The council at a regular Dec. 10 meeting voted 5-1 to approve the 488-apartment development with 86,000 square feet of office and commercial space, plus a parking deck. It is slated to be built between Asheland and Coxe avenues on the edge of downtown's popular South Slope area. Tribute Investment and Development of Wilmington said the project will take three years to build.
Voting yes were Vice Mayor Gwen Wisler and council members Brian Haynes, Vijay Kapoor, Julie Mayfield and Keith Young. Councilwoman Sheneika Smith voted no.
WLOS, Kristen Aguirre, 1/26/2022
A massive development happening in Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood hit a major snag Wednesday, Jan. 26.
The City of Asheville said in a statement Wednesday about the project, happening between Coxe and Asheland Avenue, has foundational issues.
"The City of Asheville Building Safety and Inspections was notified today that part of the foundation isn't functioning as originally designed. We understand the developer has engineering firms working on the solution," the statement read.
The final building, 86,000 square feet of commercial and residential space, will house 500 apartments, with 49 units designated to affordable housing.
For local businesses in that area, construction is nothing new.
“There’s a lot going on in the South Slope; we have a lot of construction,” said Rhea Lidowski, marketing project manger for the Chemist Distillery. A lot of that construction is happening in her backyard, as the development is going up right behind her building. “Construction is always hard on us with the back road because that’s where we get all our deliveries and pickups,” she said.
Explore Asheville, Jason Tarr
Just blocks from the heart of downtown Asheville you’ll find a vibrant, walkable neighborhood home to many of the city’s top makers. Artists, chefs and brewers have all set up shop in the South Slope District, breathing new life into the warehouses of this former industrial stronghold.
Colorful murals beckon you to explore the area’s art galleries, award winning restaurants and unique breweries. Within the few blocks that comprise the South Slope District, you'll discover a whopping nine of the city’s more than 40 breweries. So, it's the perfect place to start your exploration of Asheville’s booming beer scene.
In the South Slope District, everything is close together, making it very easy to explore on foot. Park in the new 8-story parking deck or snag a spot on the street before setting out to discover all the area has to offer.
Romantic Asheville
This area a little south of downtown is undergoing a big transformation from a sleepy industrial and warehouse district to a vibrant home of restaurants, breweries, shops and apartments. South Slope's district is roughly bounded by Asheland, Biltmore, Southside and Hilliard Avenues. You'll find many of the newest spots along Coxe, Banks and Buxton Avenues (see map below).
Many are calling this the "Brewery District" since there are 8 breweries located in the area. Biltmore Estate is just a couple of miles away. Since the South Slope is in a major transformation, expect construction and don't expect pristine streetscapes complete with fully restored buildings (yet).
Parking is a challenge, especially on weekends. But there is an 8-story county parking deck at 40 Coxe Avenue with 664 spots- great for after 5 PM M-F and all weekend. Enter from Sears Alley.
Click the story for places to visit in the South Slope.
To be fair, the image up top only shows the parking garage under construction. But I couldn’t help but be reminded of Soviet era design when I first saw it.
Here is what the front is eventually supposed to look like. Not sure I see much improvement, but you can cast your vote in the comments.
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