Dear project subscribers,
Thank you for signing up to receive updates about the Eagle and S. Market Street Enhancements project. This is the first email update for the project, and we look forward to keeping you informed as these important investments in The Block move forward.
What is the Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project?
This capital project will deliver on the major physical improvements associated with the broader Boosting the Block initiative. The project is supported by several funding sources, including Mellon Foundation grant funding, voter-approved transportation general obligation bond funding and City capital improvement plan funding.
The project will incorporate streetscape improvements including:
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expanded sidewalks
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accessibility upgrades
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street trees, lighting and site furnishings
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stormwater improvements
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A physical gateway feature that represents the district’s unique cultural identity and story
The design will explore ways to cohesively incorporate public art, storytelling, neighborhood identity, and public gathering spaces throughout the project area.
To learn more about the project and its connection to the broader Boosting the Block initiative, view the recording or slide deck from a June 4 presentation to City Council.
City Council action advances the project into design phase
On June 23, Asheville City Council approved a design and engineering contract with Perkins + Will North Carolina Inc., selected through a competitive process based on qualifications and experience. This follows City Council action on June 9 to transfer already-received Mellon Grant funds into the capital project fund. With these actions, the project advances from an extensive planning and visioning process into design, a more technical phase of the project with a professional design and engineering team.
Community-centered design
The onboarding process for the design team will be grounded in the community input and vision already documented in the Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan and further developed through Boosting the Block engagement. A local creative strategist will also share guidance based on community input to help carry a community-centered vision into the conceptual design process.
Once concept designs are developed, community stakeholders and the public will be invited to review the options and provide feedback on the overall streetscape design, cultural elements, and key features of the gateway structure, including its form, function, materials, and location. This engagement is anticipated for fall 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid 2027.
Signs of early progress on Juneteenth
As the Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project moves into design, the broader Boosting the Block initiative is already showing visible signs of progress. On Juneteenth, project partners and community members gathered to recognize milestones that reflect the cultural storytelling, community relationships, and public space improvements at the heart of this work.
Photo: The Boosting the Block luncheon brought together community members, anchor institutions, legacy neighborhood representatives, nonprofits, project partners, and City staff to reflect on the work completed so far and continue building shared momentum for what comes next.
Photo: Following the luncheon, partners unveiled a commemorative bench and marker at the YMI Cultural Center, an early visible outcome of Boosting the Block that honors community resilience, supports gathering, and reflects the cultural storytelling central to the initiative.
View the news release with more background on the commemorative bench, and watch this PBS story to learn more about Echoes of the Forest and the origins of the project.
Photo: City staff also worked with partners to refresh the public parklet, supporting its continued use as a place for seating, gathering, and community connection while pointing toward the longer-term vision for more permanent public gathering space through the Eagle and Market Street Enhancements project.
Learn more:
Eagle and S. Market Street Enhancements project page
Boosting the Block project page
Additional Updates
We also wanted to take this opportunity to make you aware of other important projects that you may notice taking place in the weeks and months ahead.
Upcoming Tree Removal at Triangle Park - The City of Asheville is removing a maple tree that is in declining health located in Triangle Park. We recognize that the urban canopy is essential to the character and comfort of Triangle Park. While losing a mature tree is always difficult, this decision was made with public safety and the long-term health of the park in mind. Asheville Parks & Recreation plans to plant a healthy replacement tree in the fall during cooler temperatures.
Municipal Building Repairs - This summer, the City of Asheville will begin construction on a critical capital repairs and restoration project for the Municipal Building located at 100 Court Plaza. A majority of the work is interior, but the project team will conduct outreach to all property owners, businesses and residents directly impacted by construction. We will also continue to keep you informed of any significant public space impacts. To stay informed, subscribe for updates on the project web page. Construction will begin this summer and is anticipated to last one year.
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