Design Review Committee – August 15, 2024

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap – August 15, 2024

The Asheville Design Review Committee (DRC) convened virtually on August 15, 2024, to evaluate proposed projects within the city's designated design areas: Downtown, Riverfront, and Hotel Overlay districts. The DRC plays a crucial role in ensuring new construction and renovations align with Asheville's design guidelines, often serving as the primary review body for projects that could otherwise face City Council scrutiny. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps from this meeting, providing a clear overview for residents.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the proposed Duke substation relocation at 72 Rankin Avenue. The committee carefully reviewed plans for the project, which involves connecting to other power infrastructure projects including one on Patten Avenue. While acknowledging that the substation’s primary function is utilitarian, members emphasized the importance of integrating it thoughtfully into the surrounding neighborhood. Following extensive discussion, the committee recommended approval of the project, contingent upon several design modifications. These include lowering the wall height (between two and four feet), ensuring the fence style matches the gates, incorporating ample landscaping at the corner of Hiawassee and Rankin, relocating detectable warning surfaces for pedestrian safety, and considering a more frost-resistant tree species than the proposed Magnolia. Concerns were also raised about reducing the width of the cap on the wall, and staff will ensure ADA compliance.

Beyond the Duke substation, the committee also reviewed a proposal to convert residential units within the historic Grove Arcade into a 35-room hotel. Finding that the project met established design guidelines and would not involve any exterior changes, the committee unanimously recommended approval. This demonstrates a commitment to preserving Asheville’s architectural heritage while allowing for adaptive reuse of existing buildings.

A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to a broader discussion about the scope of projects reviewed by the DRC. A commissioner from another board voiced concerns that some smaller, Level One projects might not require such detailed review, potentially streamlining the development process. While acknowledging this perspective, the committee ultimately decided to table further discussion on this matter for future consideration and legal consultation. Committee Chair Christina Rauch will draft a position statement outlining the DRC’s review scope, which will be revisited at a later meeting. This indicates an ongoing effort to balance thorough design review with efficiency and minimizing burdens on developers.

The meeting also included public comment, with two residents sharing their perspectives. One expressed a desire for more creativity in the Duke substation’s design, suggesting it could better blend with the surrounding architecture. Another commissioner from Planning and Zoning raised concerns about affordable housing requirements, referencing a recent project approved by City Council despite the DRC’s previous rejection. These comments highlight ongoing community interest in ensuring development projects align with broader city goals, including affordability and design excellence.

Looking ahead, the approved Duke substation project will proceed with the incorporated design modifications. Staff will address concerns regarding detectable warning surfaces and ensure ADA compliance. The discussion surrounding the DRC’s review scope will continue, with a formal position statement expected in the coming weeks. Residents can anticipate further discussion on this topic at a future DRC meeting, as the committee seeks to refine its processes and ensure effective design review for Asheville’s evolving landscape.