LIVE @ Asheville's Flatiron Building Neighborhood Meeting 11/1/18

Flatiron Building Project Discussed at Community Meeting – What You Need to Know

On November 1, 2018, a meeting was held at Asheville’s Flatiron Building to present and discuss a proposed conditional zoning project for the historic Flatiron Building, located at Battery Park Avenue and Wall Street. The meeting aimed to inform residents and business owners about the plans, gather community feedback, and outline upcoming steps in the approval process. Representatives from Civil Design Concepts, working on behalf of developers Russell Thomas (current building steward) and Phillip Wolcott, presented the project details.

The core of the proposed plan involves renovating the Flatiron Building to create a hotel with ground-floor retail and restaurant space, potentially including a speakeasy in the basement. A significant portion of the discussion centered on proposed streetscape improvements, including narrowing Battery Park Avenue to improve pedestrian safety and potentially adding parallel parking. Developers detailed plans for utilizing valet parking and secured spaces in the new Buncombe County Parking Deck, a point that sparked considerable debate. Upgrades to essential building systems, including the installation of a sprinkler system and an elevator for emergency access, were also outlined, with assurances given regarding the preservation of the building's unique triangular shape and other historic architectural details. Finally, the need to relocate current tenants was addressed, with developers stating they are working with commercial real estate brokers to assist them in finding alternative locations.

While no formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting, a significant amount of community input was shared. Residents and business owners voiced concerns about potential increased traffic congestion, the impact on parking availability, and the displacement of existing businesses. Several attendees questioned the balance between preservation and renovation, emphasizing that extensive changes could compromise the building's historic integrity. A recurring theme was a lack of prior notification about the meeting, raising concerns regarding transparency and community engagement.

Looking ahead, several key action items were identified. The developers plan to submit conceptual drawings to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) in late November, followed by presentations to the Downtown Commission (for streetscape review) and Planning & Zoning meetings in December/January. Final approval will ultimately be required from Asheville City Council, likely in late January. Throughout this process, the city’s development map will provide online access to project plans and staff reports. The developers also committed to providing information and assistance to current tenants seeking alternative locations.

This proposed project represents a significant potential change for downtown Asheville, with implications for traffic flow, parking availability, and the character of our city’s historic district. The meeting highlighted a strong desire from residents to ensure that any development respects the building’s heritage and minimizes disruption to local businesses. The upcoming TRC, Downtown Commission, and Planning & Zoning meetings will provide further opportunities for community members to engage in the process and voice their opinions.