ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville’s proposed downtown performing arts center could open around 2035, but the city still has plenty of work to do before construction can begin.
Chris Corl, Asheville’s director of community and regional entertainment facilities, told the Helene Economic Recovery Board on Thursday, Oct. 15, that the city is looking for additional financial partners for the project, which would include a roughly 2,500-seat venue capable of hosting Broadway productions.
Corl cautioned that 2035 is only a possibility. The city still needs to secure financing, find development partners and finalize plans.
“If everything keeps lining up like it could and like it ideally would if this project were to move forward, we’re opening the doors sometime around 2035,” Corl said.
He also emphasized that construction is not starting anytime soon.
The city has been exploring a new performing arts center for nearly two decades. In April, City Council reserved city-owned land in the Parkside area near City Hall and Pack Square Park for up to two years while officials explore the project.
A previous city task force concluded that renovating Thomas Wolfe Auditorium to accommodate Broadway productions would be too expensive. Estimates ranged from $105 million to $150 million.
Protecting The Block
The proposed development would be near The Block, Asheville’s historically Black business district, and community members want to make sure the project benefits the neighborhood without pushing out existing businesses.
Corl said the city held four focus groups with property owners, residents, cultural organizations, business representatives and people involved in the arts.
One message came through repeatedly: “Don’t turn your back on the block.”
Participants want to make sure existing businesses can afford to stay, parking remains available and local businesses share in the project’s economic benefits.
During Thursday’s meeting, board members discussed possible protections, including affordable long-term commercial leases and assistance for businesses during construction.
One board member questioned why ATG Entertainment and the Asheville Symphony were already considered financial partners while organizations representing The Block would have to compete through the city’s selection process.
Corl said the existing partners had been involved for years and had significant funding commitments. He said organizations connected to The Block could also become financial partners, although the city is preparing a competitive process to attract additional investment.
There is no minimum financial contribution required to participate, Corl said. Interested groups would need to explain what they could bring to the project, whether that’s funding, experience or a development proposal.
Corl also said City Council directed staff in April to include a representative of The Block throughout the planning process.
Community members also want the venue to be accessible to local residents and arts organizations, not just touring productions. Corl said the focus groups raised ideas ranging from affordable use of the facility to workforce training and programs for students.
Funding and partnerships
ATG Entertainment and the Asheville Symphony are the project’s two existing partners.
Corl said they envision a performance hall with approximately 2,500 seats, suitable acoustics for concerts, backstage facilities, rehearsal space and room for education and workforce training programs.
The city is preparing a request for qualifications to attract additional financial partners and developers. That process is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Potential agreements could come before city boards and City Council in spring or summer 2027, depending on how negotiations progress.
The city has also applied for approximately $5 million from the federal Economic Development Administration to help pay for early planning, design, utility work and studies of the site.
The grant has not been awarded, and Corl said there is no deadline for a decision.
The city also intends to seek funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. No funding commitment from the authority was announced during the meeting.
Parking remains a concern
A 2,500-seat venue would bring more people downtown, sometimes on nights when other theaters, restaurants and entertainment venues are already busy.
Board members questioned whether existing parking decks could handle the additional traffic.
Corl acknowledged that more parking would likely be needed, particularly if the performing arts center becomes part of a larger development with other uses.
One possibility would be for a development partner to build a parking deck or expand an existing one.
The federal grant application includes money for a traffic and parking study, which could begin if the grant is approved.
Board members also suggested exploring shuttle service and other transportation options to reduce the number of cars coming downtown for performances.
No decisions have been made about those possibilities.
What about Thomas Wolfe Auditorium?
The proposed center also raises questions about the future of Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Corl said a new performing arts center would initially add to Asheville’s entertainment offerings rather than replace the existing auditorium. Broadway productions and classical performances by the Asheville Symphony would be among the primary uses of the new venue.
Over time, he said, it might make sense to convert Thomas Wolfe Auditorium into a more flexible space for banquets, trade shows, sporting events and concerts.
That remains an idea, not an approved plan, and would require a separate process.
Before anything can be built, the city still needs financial partners, a development plan and answers to questions about parking and the project’s impact on surrounding businesses.
Even if those pieces fall into place, Corl said, the proposed performing arts center could be nearly a decade away from opening.