Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Asheville’s River Arts District is ablaze with activity, aside from the big news that New Belgium Brewing Co. plans to build its East Coast brewing operation there. There are all kinds of projects in the works. And get down there.
Here’s a look:
-Sternberg’s view: I interviewed Jerry Sternberg for a Citizen-Times story about New Belgium’s impact on the River Arts District, and he said there were a couple of projects that would be popping soon, but that he was under confidentiality agreements so he couldn’t release details. Sternberg, who grew up along the French Broad River, is a big property owner in the district.
-Hot prospects: Sternberg said there’s been new interest from developers who are looking at doing something with the old ice house property. The run down building is covered with graffiti and popular with photographers, but it is kind of a disaster otherwise. Another property prime for development is the former Dave Steel location at the corner of Clingman and Roberts. It’s an empty lot now, one that Dave Steel owners plan to redevelop. New Belgium’s decision may give them renewed confidence to move forward. Finally, the nonprofit Mountain Housing Opportunities might find financing easier to come by for its Glen Rock Hotel redevelopment project. The old hotel was supposed to be redeveloped alongside MHO’s new construction on the mixed use Glen Rock Depot, which opened a couple of years back.
-A building along Roberts Street was recent purchased with plans to do some mixed use there, as well as a new restaurant. Don’t know the status of construction work there, but New Belgium’s decision could light a fire under that one.
–Matthew Logan, owner of the popular 5 Walnut wine bar downtown, has been steadily working on plans to develop a section along Riverside Drive between the big bridge overpass and the Bywater. I haven’t seen plans, but have heard that it’s going to be significant.
-New rental center: Asheville Adventure Rentals, to open near the Pearson Bridge, will be renting bikes and boats, and doing chartered fishing trips, but summer time.
-New music series: Also, there’s a new music series set for the River Arts District. It’s called RiverMusic. Look for it later this year.