What should be built in front of the Basilica at St. Lawrence?

Jason Sandford June 2, 2009

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

Back on May 14, I blogged about how the folks at the Basilica at St. Lawrence were getting all heated about another proposed development in front of their historic church. The issue is heating up.
So I’m wondering: Asheville, what do you think should happen? A little background:

In 2005, Asheville City Council spent tens of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on a proposed parking lot/office space structure that was never built, in part because of basilica opposition, as well as a change in City Council personnel. It was a huge waste of money and energy.
The basilica, which is 100 years old this year, wants the property to be turned into a park. But that’s apparently not the plan.
This Save the Basilica video lays it all out. Apparently the city has been in negotiations to development this property, which includes an old parking structure and the old location of the Flying Frog restaurant. The video narrator says the deal with McKibbon Hotel Group is set to be sealed by the end of the month.

Do you want a hotel at the front door of the basilica? Will construction vibration pose a hazard to the basilica’s beautiful, but sensitive, dome structure? Why hasn’t Asheville City Council been more forthcoming about its plans to develop this land?

Jason Sandford

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

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5 Comments

raymond June 3, 2009

I think we should turn over the development of that space to the folks at the Pack Square Conservancy. They have done a fabulous job in redeveloping Pack Square having managed to bring that project in on-time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to downtown. Don’t you think they should be given a shot at this space too?

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ashevillian June 3, 2009

I would think that the Diocese has bigger worries right now than what is going on across the street.

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Back at you. June 3, 2009

How about nothing but jagged concrete to keep the bums from hanging out.

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Asheville Dweller June 3, 2009

Thats all Asheville needs is another park for the tragically hip to hang out at.

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eemilla June 3, 2009

I would like to see an architecturally interesting structure that doesn’t tower over the surroundings buildings. While I wouldn’t mind a park, it seems it would be a draw for more drunken loitering and fighting (the city recently removed the benches or bench in front of Pack for this very reason).

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