ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville will partially reopen the Rankin Avenue Garage and close upper levels of the Wall Street Garage beginning Sept. 1 as part of its ongoing downtown parking garage improvements.
City officials said both facilities are expected to fully reopen by early October, though the timeline could shift if crews uncover additional structural issues or weather delays work.
The adjustments come after engineers identified the need for more structural repairs on the upper levels of the Rankin Avenue Garage. While that work continues, the lower levels will reopen to the public.
Meanwhile, construction will begin on the Wall Street Garage the same day, closing its upper levels while keeping the lower levels available for parking. City staff warned drivers to expect noise and dust during the initial phase of work.
Entry and exit patterns will remain the same at both garages, officials said.
Monthly permit holders at both garages can continue to use their permits at any of Asheville’s four city-owned garages during the closures. Access restrictions will be updated once Rankin Avenue is fully reopened.
A complete closure of the Wall Street Garage will not happen until all levels of Rankin Avenue are back online. The city expects that to happen the weekend of Sept. 12, though exact dates have not been finalized.
The Parking Garage Capital Improvements Project is aimed at extending the life of the city’s downtown facilities while minimizing disruption during Asheville’s busiest visitor season.