Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration
Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration
The City of Asheville is replacing sidewalk on both sides of the street on the northern section of Lexington Avenue between Walnut Street and Woodfin Street/Hiawassee Street. This 2024 GO Bond funded project will improve pedestrian safety and overall experience by restoring safe sidewalks and upgrading accessibility.
Happening Now
This project is in the design phase. As an intentional step to ensure high-quality work, the project team is currently pre-qualifying contractors experienced in downtown environments and specialized brickwork. The construction bid is planned to be posted this fall. If adequate bids are received, construction will start in January or February and last approximately six months.
On October 8, 2026, impacted neighbors were invited to a stakeholder meeting to review updated project plans and discuss construction timing. View a recap from the stakeholder meeting.
Background
Lexington Avenue is a vibrant commercial corridor with a unique character. This character is supported, in part, by the use of brick paver sidewalks along the block between Woodfin Street and Walnut Street. Over time the sidewalks on this block have deteriorated, causing bricks to come loose and become trip hazards. City labor crews continue to maintain this area, but the level of deterioration makes it difficult to stay ahead of the maintenance needs and in some cases, even to make acceptable repairs.
The goal of the Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration project is to improve access and mobility with a full replacement of the sidewalk on both sides of the street. To achieve the project goal, project elements will include:
The City plans to replace the sidewalk in the project area with brick. At this early stage in the design process, we are conducting due diligence in site and cost analysis to ensure brick is feasible within the project requirements, budget and scope.
Replace the sidewalk with material that is compliant with Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) regulations.
Address other areas of ADA non-compliance, such as driveway cuts and curb ramps.
Preserve street trees where possible and replacement of street trees where preservation is not possible.
Stay tuned for engagement opportunities during the upcoming Design Phase. Stakeholder input will be taken into account along with project components including the budget, local codes and ordinances, as well as goals and intended outcomes.
Opportunities for Input
The City of Asheville held an informational engagement session on February 26, 2026, to offer a direct opportunity to view initial renderings of project plans and ask questions of the project team. On October 8, 2026, impacted neighbors were invited to a stakeholder meeting to review updated project plans and discuss construction timing.
If you are affiliated with a business in the project area and did not fill out a form at the Oct. 8 stakeholder meeting, please help us better understand your business operations by filling out this online form.
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 Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Restoration Project. 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 downtown 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.
Project Resources
Proposed Construction Phasing Exhibit
Planting Plan & Tree Species (October 2026 Stakeholder Meeting)
Existing Trees Exhibit (February 2026 Stakeholder Meeting)
Light Poles and Utilities Exhibit
Previous Updates
October 14, 2026: Stakeholder meeting recap
September 18, 2026: Project headed for early 2027 construction start, stakeholder meeting scheduled for October 8
June 18, 2026: Progress Continues to Restore Lexington Avenue Sidewalk
March 26, 2026: Upcoming survey work to confirm underground utility location
February 11, 2026: Public Information Session Scheduled for February 26
October 30, 2025: Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Project moves into design phase
September 2, 2025: Dead tree removal and pruning work to take place on Lexington Avenue this month
June 26, 2025: The Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Improvements Project is now in motion
Frequently Asked Questions
This project is funded by the voter-approved 2024 General Obligation Bond referendum. Additional funds may later be identified.
The City recognizes an opportunity to make additional improvements to areas of Lexington Avenue. At this time, there is no funding allocated for future phases. Starting at the north end of the street may allow for continuous pedestrian connection, should there be future projects.
Let’s connect! Please contact the Project Manager at shorton@ashevillenc.gov. Anyone who is interested in this project is encouraged to subscribe for email updates at the top of this project page.
Contact
lexingtonsidewalk@publicinput.com