Asheville developer Stewart Coleman, who may be best known as the owner of Packs Tavern, died over the weekend. Coleman was the son of R.L. Coleman, who built the Asheville Mall.
Coleman was awaiting a liver transplant in a Charleston, S.C., hospital when he passed. More:
From Packs Tavern’s page on Facebook:
Stewart Coleman, Owner, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 in Charleston, SC. He will be mourned by his family, friends, co-workers and employees of Pack’s Tavern.
Stewart’s legacy is most evident in his devotion to his family, friends, co-workers and employees, many of whom have worked for Stewart for over 30 years. From those long term friends and co-workers to the Pack’s Tavern employees who met Stewart only a few years ago, the story is the same. It is a tale of a genuine man who cared deeply about those he loved and appreciated each person for their unique gifts and talents. His generosity to his friends and employees and to the community where he was born, raised and chose to live, and his care and compassion for everyone he met were extraordinary to those who knew him well. His contagious laughter and zest for life leave a wealth of memories for us.
From the Asheville Citizen-Times:
Coleman had originally intended a nine-story business development and condos on a slice of land adjoining Pack Square Park, and on the site of the old Hayes and Hopson building, which was once home to the old Bill Stanley’s barbecue.
The controversial development was stalled, and Coleman instead redeveloped the Hayes and Hopson site into Pack’s Tavern, which has become a busy downtown gathering spot.