Panel Recommends Relocating Asheville's River Arts District for Post-Helene Resilience

Asheville --  August 2, 2025:  A panel of national land use and economic development experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) presented a comprehensive set of recommendations today for Asheville's recovery and long-term resilience following the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024.

Among their most significant proposals is the strategic relocation of the beloved River Arts District (RAD), aiming to protect its vibrant artistic community from future flood events.

The ULI advisory panel, after an intensive week-long study that included on-site assessments and extensive engagement with local stakeholders, unveiled their findings at a public presentation held at the Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. The event, also live-streamed for broader community access, outlined a multi-faceted approach to rebuilding Asheville stronger and more sustainably.

Central to their vision is a "RAD 2.0" initiative. The panel recommended moving the artistic hub to higher, safer ground through strategic land swaps with the City of Asheville. The goal is to identify suitable industrial buildings that can be repurposed to maintain the district's authentic character, offering affordable artist workspaces and public programming venues in a less flood-prone environment. This proactive measure seeks to prevent a repeat of the widespread damage and disruption experienced during Helene, which saw the French Broad River crest at over 24 feet, submerging much of the district.

Beyond the RAD, the panel's recommendations spanned critical areas include:

Water Management and Flood Control: A "one water" approach was advocated, calling for a unified regional council to coordinate water quality improvements and flood warning systems. Recommendations also included planning for a fourth water treatment plant and strengthening stormwater management standards.

Economic Development: Proposals included developing workforce programs for low-to-moderate income residents, creating new zoning districts (one for restricted floodplain uses, another for mixed-use development), establishing infrastructure grant programs, and implementing "soft second mortgage" assistance to foster viable development.

Community Connections: The panel stressed strengthening ties between historically Black neighborhoods and riverfront development through improved park access and cultural programming, ensuring equitable recovery benefits.

Mayor Esther Manheimer underscored the unprecedented financial opportunity for rebuilding, citing significant funds available from FEMA and Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery funds. The ULI panel emphasized the urgency of acting swiftly to capitalize on this momentum.

River Arts District Businesses Grapple with an Uncertain Future

The recommendation to relocate the River Arts District, while driven by long-term resilience, has stirred a complex mix of emotions and reactions among the artists and businesses that call the historic area home. For many, the idea of moving from a place deeply embedded with their history and identity is a challenging prospect.

A Strong Pull to Stay and Rebuild:

A significant number of RAD businesses and artists are demonstrating an unwavering commitment to rebuilding in their current locations. For decades, the district's industrial aesthetic and "scrappy", independent spirit have attracted creators seeking affordable space and a collaborative community. Many have invested years, if not their entire careers, into establishing their studios and galleries along the river. Organizations like the River Arts District Artists have voiced their determination for a "RAD comeback" right where they are, with some businesses already engaging in extensive, often uninsured, cleanup and repair efforts, including setting up temporary operations to resume work.

Acknowledging the Harsh Realities of Helene:

Despite the strong emotional ties, there's also a clear understanding of the immense challenges posed by the district's vulnerability to flooding. Tropical Storm Helene inflicted catastrophic damage, coating buildings in toxic mud, destroying equipment, and halting income streams during what is typically the most lucrative time of year. Businesses like Tyger Tyger Gallery, RosaBees, and 12 Bones have already announced they will not be reopening in their original low-lying Foundy Street spots, making the difficult decision to seek new locations or close altogether. The sheer scale of the disaster has forced a painful reckoning with the inherent risks of the floodplain.

Concerns About Character and Affordability:

While some may privately welcome the prospect of a safer, more stable environment, a pervasive concern is that a planned "RAD 2.0" could inadvertently strip away the organic, independent, and often spontaneous character that defines the current district. There's a fear that a new, purpose-built location might lack the authenticity and affordability that drew artists to the RAD in the first place, potentially leading to a more curated, less accessible environment. This concern is amplified by pre-existing anxieties about rising rents and gentrification that were already challenging artists' ability to remain in the district even before Helene.

The ULI panel's proposal has ignited a critical conversation within the River Arts District, balancing deep-rooted identity and a strong will to persevere with the undeniable need for long-term safety and resilience in the face of a changing climate. The future of Asheville's artistic heart remains a dynamic and emotionally charged.

WNCTimes

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