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

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap – June 18, 2025

The Asheville Design Review Committee (DRC) held a meeting on June 18, 2025, at City Hall to review proposed development projects within designated design review areas of the city: downtown, riverfront, and hotel overlay zoning districts. With nine committee members present (two absences noted), the meeting covered administrative matters, elected leadership, and detailed reviews of four distinct projects. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded for public access, ensuring transparency in the city’s design review process.

The meeting began with the approval of minutes from previous meetings held on April 17th and May 1st, followed by the unanimous re-election of Brian Moffitt as Vice Chair. The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing four projects, each sparking considerable discussion and ultimately leading to recommendations for approval with specific conditions. The Churchill Condominiums at 161 Church Street, a nine-story development, faced scrutiny regarding material choices (particularly the use of metal paneling versus more historic brick), parking access, landscaping, and compliance with downtown design guidelines. Similarly, the renovation and expansion of The Respite shelter at 297 Haywood Street was discussed in detail, focusing on maintaining the building’s character and ensuring ADA accessibility. Renovations at 29 Page Avenue and modifications to the southern portion of a building on 14 O. Henry Avenue were also reviewed, with emphasis placed on aligning with existing architectural elements and historic district designations.

A key outcome of the meeting was the approval, subject to conditions, of all four projects. The Churchill Condominiums received a recommendation for approval contingent on addressing balcony-canopy junction details, reviewing potential pedestrian encroachments, ensuring the inclusion of at least one required street tree, and exploring a green roof. The Respite received approval without further conditions. 29 Page Avenue was approved with a condition that the design adjusts the location and size of new openings to align with existing joints in the building's facade. Finally, 14 O. Henry Avenue was approved with a condition that any adjustments made align with existing architectural elements, ensuring compatibility within the historic district.

During the meeting, a citizen provided public comment emphasizing the importance of incorporating landscaping and green roofs to enhance pedestrian experience and stormwater management. They also voiced concerns about the potential impact of large-scale projects on downtown’s character, suggesting improvements to streetscapes. Committee members consistently highlighted the need for pedestrian-friendly elements and green spaces, acknowledging the balance between adhering to design guidelines and allowing innovative architectural solutions.

Looking ahead, city staff will follow up on several action items identified during the meeting. This includes confirming tree requirements for 161 Church Street, investigating feasibility of enhanced landscaping and streetscape improvements, reviewing site plans for accuracy, and exploring the practicality of incorporating a green roof. The approved projects will now proceed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review, requiring applicants to meet additional technical requirements. Residents can find more detailed information about the meeting and these projects on the city's website at http://www.ashevillenc.gov/drc and view the full meeting recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqbcy2UnIlo. This meeting demonstrates the DRC’s ongoing commitment to shaping a vibrant and thoughtfully designed city.