HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — There’s a section of downtown Hendersonville that’s become increasingly popular over the past few years as pedestrians wander from the wide sidewalks of Main Street.
A huge undertaking, the city continues to make progress on the 7th Avenue District Streetscape Project, which aims to invest in pedestrian, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, as well as lighting and landscaping within the business district.
According to the Hendersonville Historic Preservation Commission, the Seventh Avenue Depot District, which is a national historic district was “developed as a commercial district during the late 19th and early 20th centuries around Hendersonville’s first depot, established in 1879. The majority of the buildings are simple one and two-story brick commercial and warehouse structures in the typical pattern of buildings connecting to each other. There are thirty-two contributing structures.”
Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project officially broke ground in early 2024, with a goal of improving connections and walkability to the Main Street Municipal Service District.
“The district has seen substantial increase in attention and attraction due to the planned improvements and the opening of the Hendersonville Farmers Market in 2020, which brings over 40,000 visitors to the district every summer,” the city said in an early July 2024 press release.
Just before July 4, work was completed on the Grove Street Intersection and new gateway signage was installed, which opened access back up to west-end businesses including Marco’s Pizza, Claywood, Celtic Creamery, and All Saints Animal Hospital.
In its July 10 press release, the city said the next phase of the project would focus on “extensive underground utilities and above-ground work at the intersection of Maple Street and 7th Avenue.” During this time, vehicles will be rerouted to “ensure businesses impacted by construction remain accessible. Local traffic and parking remains open between Ashe Street and the Maple closure, keeping easy access to White Duck Taco, Yellow Cottage Antiques, The Brandy Bar, Executive Auto Detail, as well as additional informal parking along Boxcar street.”
Below are suggested routes to access businesses on 7th Avenue and Maple Street during the Maple Street intersection closure, provided by the city of Hendersonville:
How to access the Northwest side of 7th Avenue Closure Area (Daddy D’s, Lux Salon, Cabbage Rose Event Venue, M&T Distillery, Tierney Floors, Homemade Pasta Noodles and Locust Street Businesses: Old Lab Mercantile, Sycamore Cycles)
Coming from North Main (Mini Golf):
- From North Main Street, turn South onto Maple Street OR Locust Street
- Private parking is available for businesses in rear of buildings, accessed on Track Street. On and off street parking is also available on Maple and Locust Streets.
West from 7th Avenue East (coming in from Lowes)
- From 7th Avenue East, turn right on Ashe Street all the way to the end of the street by the Boys and Girls Club
- Turn Left on Ray Avenue
- Turn Left on North Main Street, and take the next Left on Maple
Coming from MLK Jr. Blvd or Grove Street (coming North from Henderson County Courthouse):
- Follow Grove Street through intersection (at 7th Avenue Sign)
- Turn Right on Bearcat Blvd
- Turn Right on Locust Street – Parking is available for Daddy D’s, Lux Salon, and Old Lab Mercantile just before the closed construction area
- To continue on to Maple Street businesses, turn left on 8th Avenue and right to Maple Street to access Maple Street businesses that are North of 7th Avenue and informal parking in grass along Maple Street by the train tracks
How to access businesses on the South Side of 7th Avenue Closure and Maple Street at the Historic Depot (Mini Batch Bakery, Underground Bakery/Independent Beans, Kilpatrick’s Upholstery, and Hendersonville Farmers Market on Saturdays)
- From 7th Avenue East, turn left on Ashe Street. You will pass by the Hendersonville Police Department.
- Turn Right on to Hwy 64 West, get in the far-left lane
- Turn Left onto Grove Street
- Turn Left onto 5th Avenue W
- Turn Left onto Maple Street, Public Parking is available on Maple Street and 5th Avenue.
“The City encourages residents and visitors to support local businesses along 7th Avenue during the ongoing construction,” the city’s release said. “Your patronage is more important than ever as we work to enhance our community.”
CLICK HERE to learn more about the history of the 7th Avenue District Streetscape Project and its progress.