UpMarket Gallery, nestled in the heart of Asheville’s historic Market Street, is a unique fusion of art, history and community. Owner and artist Heather Davis restored three historic buildings at 66, 68 and 70 North Market Street to provide a space that supports both local artists and small businesses. “I started out as an artist in Pink Dog Creative, and then moved to Marquee when it opened,” she says. “I was looking to add a location downtown, and when I found the opportunity to redevelop the 100-year-old buildings on Market Street, I jumped at it. I’ve always wanted to do a historic rehabilitation of a vintage property.”
The renovation, which took three years to complete, was supported financially by the State of North Carolina and the Federal Government through Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Davis and her team prioritized using local craftspeople and tradespeople for the project, which is evident in the handcrafted furniture and fixtures that now fill the space.
The renovation process was not without its challenges. The buildings were in poor condition, requiring a gut renovation that wasn’t apparent until work began. “The building, at 100 years old, was in very bad condition,” Davis says…