Buncombe County -- In a major move to bolster local disaster resilience following the lessons of Hurricane Helene, Buncombe County officials announced plans to transform a vacant retail anchor into the county's very first standalone Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
According to a May 27 news release from the Buncombe County government, the county intends to purchase the 6.24-acre property at the Asheville Mall—formerly occupied by J.C. Penney—for $5 million. The prominent retail space at 7 S. Tunnel Road has sat empty since the department store closed its doors just over a year ago in May 2025.
Turning Lessons from Helene into Infrastructure
The acquisition directly reflects the county’s newly adopted Preparedness Action Plan and Helene Recovery Plan. When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, it exposed critical gaps in local communication and logistical infrastructure.
"Helene taught us that we needed to improve our infrastructure in order to better respond, manage, and maintain government operations following a disaster," Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder stated in the release. "With this purchase, we will be able to facilitate more effective information sharing, resource allocation, and fast and efficient deployment of people and equipment in field operations."
A Centralized Public Safety Hub
Once completed, the sprawling 6.24-acre site will serve as a permanent, year-round headquarters for the Buncombe County Emergency Services Department. The massive footprint will give local officials the space required for advanced training, regional disaster preparedness, and strategic recovery operations.
In addition to serving as the central EOC during future weather events or crises, the county is eyeing the site as a potential centralized home for Public Safety Communications (911 dispatcher services) and various other county operations.
Timeline for Development
The deal is moving forward quickly on the local government calendar:
June 2: The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote to formally authorize the $5 million purchase.
June 8: Official closing date for the property transaction.
2026–2028: The county will spearhead extensive design, engineering, retrofitting, and resiliency upgrades to ensure the building can withstand major disaster scenarios.
2028: Target date for county staff to officially occupy the new facility.
By converting a relic of traditional retail into a fortress for public safety, Buncombe County aims to ensure that when the next major storm or crisis hits Western North Carolina, emergency personnel will have the modern, centralized infrastructure needed to keep citizens safe.