Happening Now

This project is in the design phase. Community engagement will take place in 2026 with an opportunity to evaluate early concepts and provide feedback on the proposed streetscape design, neighborhood identity and wayfinding elements, and the cultural gateway feature.

Background

The Block, a historically Black business district in Asheville, is made up of shops, restaurants, lodging, cultural institutions and residents. The Block is a district within downtown as well as part of the East End neighborhood with historical, cultural and geographic connections. Two primary corridors, Eagle Street and S. Market Street, intersect in the heart of the district. Currently, these  corridors are vehicular-focused and do not convey the neighborhood’s history or culture, nor serve as inviting pedestrian routes to the district. 

The Block was a hub for black businesses, families and community members up to the 1970s. At that time, urban renewal rerouted streets, removed homes and demolished businesses integral to the district. The YMI Cultural Center and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church buildings survived and continue to anchor the district and community, and an active neighborhood group collaborates on programming and other initiatives that aim to amplify the history and culture of The Block. 

In 2023, the City of Asheville adopted the Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan, which includes recommendations for improved connectivity - physically and socially - between Pack Square and The Block. The City subsequently secured a grant from the Mellon Foundation’s Monument’s Project to implement a cultural corridor and gateway along South Market Street.

In 2024, a community coordinator/facilitator team was brought on board to help obtain goals of the initiative, Boosting the Block. With their assistance, extensive community visioning and engagement sessions were held in 2025.  

Funding from multiple sources support this project, including: The Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project Grant, City of Asheville Capital Improvement Plan funding, and the 2024-adopted general obligation (GO) Bond referendum for Transportation. 

Business Support During Construction

At their Oct. 13 meeting, City Council approved utilizing a portion of previously collected Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) sales tax specifically for business support during construction of the downtown projects. This initiative will be managed by the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID), the City's established service provider for the Downtown MSD. ADID will work with impacted Eagle and Market Street stakeholders to develop corridor-specific support with activities including:

• Business continuity and stakeholder coordination
• Construction-phase placemaking
• Access and wayfinding
• Neighborhood marketing, corridor activation and media.

The City will continue to lead construction management, including site safety, logistics, project coordination and general public information. ADID will provide an additional layer of business support and corridor activation, drawing on its existing relationships with downtown businesses and stakeholders and ability to provide nimble and responsive support. 

Previous Updates

• October 14, 2026: Project receives TDA LIFT funding; Business support during construction will be enhanced through partnership with ADID
• September 10, 2026: Progress in Design Phase, Upcoming Milestones
• June 24, 2026: Project Enters Design Phase
   

Supporting Links

• Boosting The Block Project Page and Public Input page
   

Contact 

Rebecca Cipriano
Project Manager
rcipriano@ashevillenc.gov 

Dana Frankel
Downtown Planning Manager
dfrankel@ashevillenc.gov