“Bridge to Nowhere” Becomes Enka’s Gateway

Enka -- The recently finished bridge and access roads, which were formally opened on February 11, 2025, are a revolutionary development

in the center of West Asheville, North Carolina's Enka Commerce Park.

This achievement is the result of more than ten years of calculated investments meant to revitalize the historic site and support the local economy.

A Reimagined Legacy

Enka Commerce Park's beginnings date back to 2000, when the Fletcher Partners purchased roughly 200 acres from BASF. The American Enka Company, a massive rayon manufacturing company that originally occupied 2,200 acres and employed over 7,000 people before closing in 1985, was formerly centered on this land. This site's conversion to a contemporary industrial park represents a link between the region's thriving industrial past and its bright future.

Investments in Strategic Infrastructure

By contributing more than $10 million to necessary infrastructure projects, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has played a significant role in this change. The bridge overpass, the Hominy Creek Greenway planning, the Enka Heritage Parkway development, and the improvements to Bob Lewis Sports Park have all benefited from this money. Together, these programs seek to boost the local economy and raise living standards in the Enka-Candler area.

The importance of the project was underscored by Amanda Edwards, the Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners:

"This initiative is an investment in the region's future. Buncombe County residents will continue to benefit from high-paying jobs, economic mobility, and a quicker rate of economic recovery thanks to infrastructure investments in important industrial corridors like Enka Commerce Park.

Teamwork

This project's effective completion is evidence of the public-private sector's cooperation. The development of three speculative industrial buildings totaling more than 600,000 square feet of prime industrial space was made possible by the Asheville City Council's approval of conditional zoning for a 45.5-acre lot in January 2023. Notably, Samet Corporation, a building company based in North Carolina, has pledged to maintain the famous Enka Clock Tower as a focal point of the architecture, fusing new development with historical relevance.

Mayor Esther Manheimer of Asheville emphasized the projects' wider effects:

"As Asheville continues to grow, projects like this are essential to ensuring that our communities remain safe, accessible, and economically vibrant."

A Thriving Center for Industry

Today, 15 significant firms, such as the Freudenberg Group, Haakon Industries, New Belgium Brewing, and Wicked Weed Brewing, call Enka Commerce Park home. Together, these companies employ more than 500 people in high-paying jobs in Buncombe County and occupy more than 1.5 million square feet of commercial space. With the recently finished bridge and access roads, connection will be improved for local schools, emergency services, workers, and residents while also rerouting commercial traffic from crowded regions.

Fletcher Partners' Martin Lewis considered the effects of the redevelopment:

"The transformational impact we've witnessed in and outside of the Enka community is the most exciting part of this redevelopment. Enka Commerce Park, which is home to many of the top employers in Western North Carolina, provides expanding recreational and economic opportunities that will benefit the area and its citizens for years to come.

Discover Enka Commerce Park

The restored Enka Commerce Park, which skillfully combines historical value with modern innovations, is open for exploration by both locals and visitors. The region provides a singular window into Asheville's industrial development and is a monument to community-driven advancement, regardless of whether you're a local or a visitor.

Arrange Your Trip

Here are some local lodging and food alternatives

Places to Stay:

A short drive from Enka Commerce Park is the Holiday Inn Asheville-Biltmore West, a cozy lodging with contemporary conveniences.
Asheville West's Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is well-known for its friendly ambiance and close proximity to local landmarks.
Where to Dine:

Stone Ridge Tavern is a family-friendly eatery with a varied menu of traditional American fare.
Apollo Flame Bistro: Offering Mediterranean-style cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

Enka Commerce Park's restoration is a shining example of advancement, paying tribute to its rich history while laying the groundwork for a bright future. The park offers a rich tapestry of history, contemporary conveniences, and a sense of community that is just waiting to be discovered, whether you live there or are just visiting.

WNCTimes

Image: Enka Clock Tower WNCTimes