Eagle and Market Street Enhancements
Eagle and Market Street Enhancements
The Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project aims to improve public space use with a cohesive and inspired design for the historic Black Business District known as The Block. This investment will improve sidewalk safety and accessibility, support cultural expression, and enhance the overall pedestrian experience in and around the Block in ways that align with the community’s vision. Physical goals of the project:
Replacement of existing brick sidewalk and addition of improved, accessible sidewalks in the project area
Addition of pedestrian lighting, site furnishings and street trees
Creation of a physical gateway that incorporates public art/neighborhood identity
Happening Now
The City of Asheville is in the process of selecting a qualified team to lead in designing streetscape enhancements for this project.
Next Milestone: Design Phase
Background
The Block, a historic Black business district in Asheville, is made up of shops, restaurants, lodging, cultural institutions and residents. The Block is part of the larger 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. These corridors also serve as connections between The Block and other areas of downtown. Currently, these connecting corridors are vehicular-focused and do not convey the neighborhood’s history or culture, nor serve as inviting pedestrian access 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 better connectivity - both physically and mentally - 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 larger parent project, Boosting the Block. With their assistance, the extensive community visioning and engagement sessions were held in 2025 for the Eagle and Market Streetscape Enhancements project.
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. 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.
Supporting Links and Documents
Contact
Rebecca Cipriano
Project Manager
rcipriano@ashevillenc.gov
Dana Frankel
Downtown Planning Manager
dfrankel@ashevillenc.gov