ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council is scheduled to consider a resolution Tuesday to reserve city-owned land in the Parkside area for up to two years to explore the potential development of a large-scale arts and entertainment facility.
The property adjacent to City Hall and bounded by Marjorie Street, Spruce Street, Eagle Street and Davidson Drive, totals about 2.43 acres. If approved, the resolution would allow city staff and partners to conduct robust public engagement with surrounding neighborhoods, including The Block and East End, before making any final development decisions.
City staff are working with ATG Entertainment to assess the feasibility of a public-private partnership for the project. While the resolution signals the council’s intent to pursue the development, it is not a binding contract.
A history of Parkside and performing arts plans
The city acquired multiple parcels in Parkside over decades — one in 1929, four in the 1980s, one in 2003 and the final parcel in 2010 — to create a contiguous block suitable for mixed-use development. The land has historically served as a city parking lot.
Efforts to establish a performing arts facility at Parkside date to 2006, when the City Council began evaluating a potential performing arts hall. Over the following years, resolutions were passed supporting the design and reservation of space for such a facility, but the project did not materialize.
From 2009 to 2020, city staff explored options to renovate or replace the aging Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, including a conceptual design released in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed plans, and a catastrophic HVAC failure in 2023 forced the auditorium to close for nine months for repairs.
Following the closure, the Thomas Wolfe Task Force reviewed renovation options, estimating costs between $105 million and $150 million. In 2024, after further study, the task force determined that renovating the auditorium to accommodate Broadway-style performances was not financially feasible, prompting renewed interest in a new facility.
Next steps
Under the proposed resolution, the city would reserve the Parkside property for up to two years while exploring a multi-use development with ATG Entertainment. During this period, city staff and partners would engage local communities to gather feedback before any final commitments.
City officials say the project aligns with the council’s Vision 2036 priorities, including fostering a thriving local economy, creating a well-planned and livable city, supporting equity and diversity, and enhancing neighborhood resilience.
While the proposal would require significant staff involvement, city leaders say it preserves the opportunity to leverage federal grants and demonstrate intent to potential development partners without committing public funds beyond predevelopment costs, currently capped at $80,000.
Challenges at existing facilities
Asheville’s Civic Center Complex, built in 1974, includes the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The aging facility, currently known as Harrah’s Cherokee Center — Asheville, faces structural and infrastructure challenges, including outdated seating, poor acoustics, accessibility concerns and climate control issues. Local arts advocates have long called for either a major renovation or a new performing arts center to meet modern standards.