Design Review Committee (In-Person) (Dec 18, 2025)

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap: December 18, 2025

The City of Asheville’s Design Review Committee (DRC) met on December 18, 2025, to conduct formal design reviews for two development projects within the River District. The committee’s primary function is to ensure that new construction and reconstruction in designated areas, including the Downtown, Riverfront, and Hotel Overlay Zoning Districts, align with established design guidelines and zoning regulations.

Key Decisions The committee took several formal votes during the meeting. First, the committee approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting by a vote of 6-0. The committee also recorded two recusals: Eddie Dewey recused himself from a portion of the agenda by a vote of 5-0, and Ricardo Seijo recused himself by a vote of 5-0. Regarding the project reviews, the committee voted to disapprove the proposal for the Terminix Services Facility at 232 Swannanoa River Rd by a vote of 5-0. For the project at 290 Depot St, the committee voted to approve the proposal with conditions by a vote of 5-0. The recorded conditions require the applicant to consider the window mullion detail as discussed for the center element, among other architectural specifications.

Discussion Highlights The meeting focused on two main projects. The first was a Level I review of the Terminix Services Facility at 232 Swannanoa River Rd, a proposed reconstruction of a flood-damaged building. The committee discussed the site plan and expressed concerns regarding the project’s alignment with River District design guidelines, specifically noting issues with the building’s architectural character and lack of a distinctive style. These concerns led to the decision to disapprove the project as presented.

The second project was a Level II review of a five-story, 72-unit multifamily building at 290 Depot St, located in the River Arts District. Discussions centered on design elements, pedestrian flow, signage, and landscaping. The committee approved the project with conditions related to architectural details, such as window mullions and roof materiality, as well as requirements for tree species selection to provide shade and sensitivity in the sign package. The committee also encouraged the exploration of improved street lighting and building lighting to enhance pedestrian safety.

Community Input No members of the public provided comments during this meeting.

Follow-ups No specific follow-up actions were explicitly agreed to by members or staff during the meeting. However, the disapproval of the Terminix project implies that the applicant must revise their design to address the committee’s concerns regarding architectural style before resubmitting for review. The approval of the 290 Depot St project is contingent upon the applicant addressing the specific conditions outlined in the vote, including architectural details, landscaping, and lighting.

Impact These decisions directly affect the development landscape of Asheville’s River District. The disapproval of the Terminix facility signals that the committee is enforcing strict adherence to the architectural character of the area, requiring applicants to demonstrate a design that reflects the district’s historical and aesthetic traditions. Conversely, the conditional approval of the 290 Depot St project allows for the construction of a significant mixed-use building, provided the applicant implements the specified improvements to pedestrian experience, lighting, and landscaping. This outcome balances the need for new housing and retail space with the preservation of the River Arts District’s pedestrian-friendly environment.