The newest phase of riverfront redevelopment work in Asheville involves some building demolition on the Lyman Street corridor for the RADTIP project.
RADTIP stands for River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project, a City of Asheville multi-modal transportation project that includes the installation of sidewalks, street trees, public art, bike lanes and greenways. It also includes realignment of some streets. There are many moving pieces of this project, including utility relocation that has been going on this fall. Now comes some building demolition.
Well, sort of.
During the spring River Arts District Studio Stroll, graffiti artists collaborated on a large art project on the walls of Days Warehouse, 304 Lyman St. Called Burners and Barbecue, the outdoor mural event resulted in a long colorful wall filled with diverse scenes. It’s become something of a landmark, so while the building (no longer used) will be demolished, crews are bracing the interior walls to retain the exterior art.
“The City contacted the artists in charge of the project, letting them know this building may have to go to make way for the transportation improvements,” said Riverfront Office Director Stephanie Monson Dahl.
The graffiti artists were OK with that. Their culture of street art often involves temporary pieces. That said, the City worked to find a way to retain the art, if possible.
“The City is actively coordinating with the property owner to ensure the best outcome,” said City Real Estate Manager Nikki Reid.
The contractor, B. Allen Construction, is in the final stages of permitting so this project should begin soon and last around three weeks.
More buildings in this corridor will come down in 2017 as RADTIP work advances, including:
- Old Galaxy Kitchen Supply (former Westall Chandley Lumber building) at 161 W. Haywood St.
- 12 Bones Smokehouse, 5 Riverside Dr. The popular barbecue restaurant is relocating but staying in the River Arts District by moving to the nearby Foundation, a 13-acre property off Lyman Street that will also be home to a Wedge Brewing brewery and event space. The two will share a courtyard and common area on the property.
- Anders Tobacco Warehouse: In addition to the greenway, sidewalk, bike lane and public art components that are planned for this site, the City is partnering with Asheville GreenWorks, N.C. State University and the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund to build a constructed wetland and pollinator garden so that roadway stormwater will be managed in an ecologically sensitive fashion.
Some of the RADTIP work may entail road closures or lane changes from time to time. Stay updated on all of this work by visiting the City’s RADTIP project webpage, which includes construction updates, including a map showing traffic impacts. For more information, call the Riverfront Office at 828-232-4502.
Change is happening. Residents can look forward to the many enhancements it will add to Asheville’s River Arts District. By the way, the fall edition of the Studio Stroll happens this weekend. Check it out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12-13. Find more details at River Arts District Artists.
Building a better River Arts District
If you are visiting the historic buildings and eclectic studios, public spaces and businesses around Riverside, Roberts, Lyman, Clingman and Depot Streets during the next three years, you will get to see real-time innovation of one of Asheville’s most unique neighborhoods: the River Arts District.
The City is building tree-lined sidewalks, bicycle lanes, new river access points, greenways, safer roads, better parking and ecological improvements that were imagined and designed in conjunction with the community. At the same time, local entrepreneurs and developers continue to renovate buildings for additional artist studios, new residential spaces and creative local businesses.
This is an exciting time to visit the River Arts District and we thank you for being part of the transformation.
If you are interested in detailed information about the City’s construction plans including impacts to traffic and parking, visit ashevillenc.gov/River or call the City’s Riverfront Office at 828-232-4502. Check out the River Arts District Artists website at riverartsdistrict.com and the River Artist District Business Association website.