Buncombe County -- To improve emergency response times in the heart of Asheville, Buncombe County is moving forward with the conversion of the former General Services Building at 40 McCormick Place into a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regional Base. This project is a central piece of the county’s long-term strategy to bolster healthcare infrastructure and first responder capabilities across Western North Carolina.
Strategic Location and Facility Details
Originally initiated in early 2023, according to county documents, as part of the county’s Capital Improvement Plan, the renovation of the 11,735-square-foot facility is designed to provide a permanent, strategic hub for downtown emergency operations. The move addresses the strain on existing resources at the main station on Riverside Drive, attributed in part to Asheville's population growth since 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Operational Capacity: The base will feature space for multiple ambulances, dedicated crew quarters, administrative offices, and training rooms.
Green Infrastructure: In alignment with Buncombe County’s environmental standards, the facility is designed to meet LEED requirements. This includes solar-ready systems and high-efficiency utilities aimed at potentially reducing long-term operational costs.
Project Timeline: As of the Spring 2026 budget cycle, the project remains a high priority, according to city officials. Following the design and planning phases that took place over the last two years, work is progressing toward a mid-to-late 2026 operational date, according to project managers.
A Growing Emergency Network
The McCormick Place base is one of several major investments currently being managed by the county. Work is also continuing on the EMS East Base in Swannanoa. Following its groundbreaking in late 2025, that facility is projected to be fully operational by early 2027.
Unlike temporary or interim measures, both the McCormick Place and Swannanoa locations are permanent installations. Together, they represent a significant expansion of the county's ability to reach residents in critical, life-threatening situations more quickly.
Leadership and Future Goals
Under the direction of Taylor Jones, Director of Emergency Services, the county is focused on hitting the industry standard for response times—aiming, according to the Director, to reach emergencies in under nine minutes 90% of the time.
By placing these regional bases in high-call corridors like downtown and the eastern county line, officials are working to ensure that as the community grows, the safety of its citizens remains the top priority.