ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council is scheduled to consider a resolution Tuesday to reserve city-owned land in the Parkside area for up to two years to explore the potential development of a large-scale arts and entertainment facility.
The property adjacent to City Hall and bounded by Marjorie Street, Spruce Street, Eagle Street and Davidson Drive, totals about 2.43 acres. If approved, the resolution would allow city staff and partners to conduct robust public engagement with surrounding neighborhoods, including The Block and East End, before making any final development decisions.
City staff are working with ATG Entertainment to assess the feasibility of a public-private partnership for the project. While the resolution signals the council’s intent to pursue the development, it is not a binding contract.
A history of Parkside and performing arts plans
The city acquired multiple parcels in Parkside over decades — one in 1929, four in the 1980s, one in 2003 and the final parcel in 2010 — to create a contiguous block suitable for mixed-use development. The land has historically served as a city parking lot…