PHOTOS New mural transforms old auto shop on Asheville’s South Slope

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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These photos show the new mural now covering City Transmission, an auto shop that opened in 1971 on Asheville’s South Slope. The area just south of the city’s central business district was once home to auto shops and dealerships. The shops fell into decline, and for years, giant warehouses and lots sat vacant or underused. Over about the past five years, new breweries, shops and restaurants have opened, rejuvenating the area.

The mural is the work of Brushcan Custom Murals, a collaboration of artists Jeremy Russell and Scott Allred. Here’s a time-lapse video of some of their work.

Here’s the official press release:

When City Transmission Service opened its bay doors at 39 Banks Avenue in 1971, founder Tony Roberts operated by one simple rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. For more than four decades, Roberts, his family, and staff have remained true to that principle, building a successful business which serves both retail and wholesale customers.

By 1976, City Transmission Service had outgrown its Banks Avenue location. Roberts wanted to keep everything local and convenient for customers, so he moved his operation to a larger building at 51 Southside Avenue, within walking distance of the original site and still within Asheville’s South Slope district.

“You could say were South Slope when South Slope wasn’t cool,” said Cindy Roberts, marketing and business director for City Transmission Service, who spent much of her childhood at her father’s shop, learning the ropes of transmission work and customer service. She joined the business in 1996 and now oversees daily operations along with her husband who is a certified automotive diagnostician.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes in 40 years,” Roberts said, “and now that downtown Asheville is thriving, this area is beginning its enjoy its own renaissance with a focus on locally-owned businesses. We’re excited to be enhancing our building with a large-scale multi-sided mural by Brushcan Custom Murals & Handpainted Signs—be sure to look for our Gear City, USA-themed design when you’re in the area. You can’t miss it!”

For additional information please visit www.citytransmission.com or call 828-253-4771.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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9 Comments

  1. Jeremy Russell November 13, 2015

    To all who are interested: Just to be forward, this mural was signed off on by the city. Brushcan custom murals works with the city when the criteria applies. While the design is the same color as their sign, it is a pattern/ concept created with engine parts. We shrunk their original sign to compensate for the border. This complete design was submitted and approved. Whole the city recognizes a sign ordinance, they also recognize the benefit of artistic project like these in the economy success if Asheville unique tourism based culture. It helps everyone to have these murals. It is good for business all around.

    Reply
    1. Jeremy Russell November 13, 2015

      Sorry for the weird mistyped there is alot of auto correcting going on here.

      Reply
  2. mountaingirl November 9, 2015

    It looks great! Glad to see this business is still thriving!

    Reply
  3. Tony Rolando November 8, 2015

    I don’t understand why somebody would have to get permission to paint a building they own.

    I understand why a sign needs permitting, because a sign could fall off the building and hurt someone… but paint, that cannot hurt a bystander.

    Reply
    1. Harry November 8, 2015

      Don’t be silly Tony. You are referring back to the time when property owners had property rights.

      Reply
      1. chris November 8, 2015

        Single-note Harry is back! Toooooot!

        You mean a time when anyone could do what they wanted without consequences?

        Tell me, when exactly was that, Harry?

        Reply
    2. Vince November 8, 2015

      The city regulates the size of your business name AKA “sign” on buildings. There’s some formula they use based on street frontage. Imagine a huge flashing INDIGO down the side of the Indigo hotel.

      Reply
      1. luther blissett November 10, 2015

        This is why auto dealers use gigantic flags and say “look for the gigantic flag”: local govts can’t regulate gigantic flags.

        Reply
  4. Vince November 7, 2015

    Word on the street is the city sign police are looking into this because sign permits were never applied for or approved for it.

    Reply

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