City issues Requests for Proposals for leasing 8 River Arts Place and organic farmland in east Asheville

Asheville -- The City of Asheville Community News May 18, 2021

The City of Asheville is excited to announce an opportunity to lease two unique City-owned properties. The City invites the business community and local nonprofits to review the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and apply for these opportunities. Each location has a separate RFP and will require an individual application. The City has released a Request for Proposals and these proposals must be returned to the City by 4 p.m. June 22.

8 River Arts Place (formerly 14 Riverside Drive)

8 River Arts Place, an historic building renovated to enhance the character of Asheville’s River Arts District. The building is about 1,000 square feet and has public restrooms, an outdoor deck area, and 13 parking spaces. The City would like to lease it to a business or nonprofit organization that can contribute a good or service that fits in well with the people who live, work, and recreate in the RAD. Organizations or businesses led or owned by people of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as local small businesses. Visit the 8 River Arts Place Leasing Opportunity webpage to learn more and see a list of local organizations who are available to assist applicants. 

8 River Arts Place is located in the newly completed River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP) and is located near outdoor recreation and art. The building was gifted to the City of Asheville by PSNC Energy, the building once served as the offices of a manufactured gas plant. Located across from Curve Studios, the building is a contributing historic structure in the Riverside Industrial Historic District that was formerly unused for over 50 years.

Organic farmland in East Asheville

The City owns organic farmland in east Asheville near the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex on Azalea Rd. The land consists of 10 acres split between two nearby sites. The City is only looking for farmers willing to use organic methods to grow produce. The City has released the Request for Proposals for this leasing opportunity and strongly encourages farmers of color and women farmers to apply, as well as other local small business owners. Visit the Farm Leasing Opportunity webpage to learn more and see a list of organizations who are available to assist applicants.

The blueprint for the City’s use of the land in east Asheville for organic farming comes from the 2017 Municipal Food Policy Goals and Action Plan. The objective is to “Increase organic and sustainable food production on City and County land.” The City is working to fulfill this objective by providing organic farmland for lease to farmers in our community.

Please contact emckinnon@ashevillenc.gov for questions about either of these Requests for Proposals.