Design Review Committee (In-Person) (Mar 19, 2026)

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap – March 19, 2026

The Design Review Committee (DRC) convened on March 19, 2026, in the City Hall North Conference Room to review design projects within designated areas of Asheville: downtown, the riverfront, and hotel overlay zoning districts. The meeting, preceded by a brief pre-meeting for committee members only, centered primarily on a significant proposed development at 50 Cox Avenue.

The meeting began with the routine approval of minutes from the January 15, 2026, meeting, which passed unanimously. A notable announcement was made by Chair Christina Roush, who shared her intention to step down from the position due to relocation. The committee will be electing a new chair and vice-chair at their next meeting, marking a transition for the committee’s leadership. The bulk of the session was dedicated to a formal design review of a proposed mixed-use affordable housing project at 50 Cox Avenue. Presented by Will Palmquist from Planning and Urban Design, the project envisions a seven-story building housing 203 multifamily units, approximately 5,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, and a two-level structured parking garage accommodating 121 vehicles. The design incorporates innovative features like a rooftop amenity space, a green roof for stormwater management, and townhouse-style units along Sawyer Street, aiming to integrate seamlessly with the ongoing city-led Cox Avenue streetscape redesign. Technical considerations included requests for conditional zoning approval regarding a modified setback and height requirement along Cox Avenue, as well as flexibility concerning tree canopy requirements due to the site’s existing conditions.

Following Palmquist's presentation, public comment was opened. Jeff Cook raised concerns about meeting material accessibility and potential noise impacts from nearby activity at Asheville Yard, prompting a discussion on mitigation strategies. The committee engaged in further dialogue regarding the project’s design elements, specifically exploring options to reduce the size of the garage door on Cox Avenue and considering vegetation above the brick setback. Brad Bultman provided insights into site challenges, while Phil Keister highlighted the design team's responsiveness to community feedback. Ultimately, the committee approved the design review for 50 Cox Avenue, contingent upon several recommendations aimed at addressing community concerns and enhancing the project’s integration with its surroundings.

The committee concluded by outlining several key action items for follow-up. These include investigating options to reduce the Cox Avenue garage door size, considering vegetation above the brick setback, exploring expanded stormwater management capabilities for the green roof, addressing potential noise concerns through a noise easement, and prioritizing active use of the space south of the parking deck. The committee also formally acknowledged that they will be electing a new chair and vice-chair at their next meeting. Finally, the 50 Cox Avenue project will now proceed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for conditional zoning review, followed by a final decision from City Council.

This meeting represents a significant step forward in the development of affordable housing within downtown Asheville, aligning with ongoing efforts to revitalize and enhance the city’s core. Residents interested in learning more about this project or future DRC meetings are encouraged to visit www.ashevillenc.gov/drc for additional information and updates.