ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A long-vacant Asheville landmark could be headed for redevelopment as city planning documents show early discussions for a proposed Sheetz convenience store and gas station at the former Mountaineer Inn property on Tunnel Road.City records show an Early Assistance application was filed July 28 for a project identified as “SHEETZ – TUNNEL RD” at 155 Tunnel Road. The application describes a proposed 6,139-square-foot convenience store with a fuel canopy and parking facilities.
The application remains listed as pending.
An Early Assistance meeting is part of the city’s pre-development review process and allows developers to meet with city staff before submitting formal development plans. It does not constitute project approval.
According to the planning documents, the proposal will require reviews from multiple city departments, including planning and zoning, grading and stormwater, driveway and parking, building code and fire code officials.
The 2.05-acre property is zoned Highway Business and Office Business and lies within a floodplain and aquatic buffer, according to city records.
The proposal marks the latest chapter for the historic Mountaineer Inn, whose iconic neon hillbilly signs once greeted travelers along Tunnel Road.
The property has sat largely vacant since it was purchased by outdoor hospitality company LOGE Camps for $6.1 million in 2023. Plans to redevelop the motel into an outdoor-focused lodging destination stalled, and the property has since been plagued by unpaid property taxes, code enforcement issues, city cleanup actions and a first-degree arson fire earlier this year.
City permit records show extensive commercial renovation permits were issued in early 2024 for multiple buildings on the property, along with development and fire permits. However, no redevelopment has been completed, and the site has remained fenced off for months.
The proposed convenience store would occupy a prominent Tunnel Road corridor directly across from an existing Shell gas station.
828newsNOW has reached out to the City of Asheville for comment seeking confirmation of the proposal, clarification on where the project stands in the development process, and what steps would be required before construction could move forward. The city had not responded by publication time.
828newsNOW has also requested information on whether Sheetz is the only prospective buyer being considered for the property or if other redevelopment proposals have been discussed.