conceptual designs for burton street community center investments

Happening Now

City Council approved a construction firm for this project at its January 14, 2025 regular meeting.

Background

Founded in the early 20th century by dedicated civic leader E.W. Pearson, the Burton Street neighborhood was established as a community for Black families with a focus on agriculture and farming, but began to change as the population increased and churches, stores, and a school were built. The school exists today as Burton Street Community Center and continues to be a focal point of the neighborhood with regular parties and festivals, meetings, events, and an afterschool program.

The outdoor area of the community center currently includes a multi-purpose field, againg playground and basketball courts, gaga pit, community garden, historic marker, open space, parking, and mural of Pearson. 

Opportunities for Input

  • The community engagement phase is complete
  • For more on construction project flow, check out this article

Useful Links

Previous Updates

March 17, 2025

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Project Prioritization

City of Asheville projects are evaluated and prioritized based upon many criteria including public safety, economic growth and sustainability, affordable housing and community development, quality of life, and availability of funding sources, among others.

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Determine Funding Sources

The City of Asheville earmarked $500,000 from the general fund to expand and update outdoor features at Burton Street Community Center. Additional funds were committed after Asheville voters overwhelmingly approved a general obligation (GO) bond referendum in 2024 allocating up to $20 million for parks and recreation improvements throughout the city.

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Community Engagement and Visioning

Building on Burton Street Neighborhood Plans from 2010 and 2018, neighborhood residents shared feedback on amenities via an online survey that was also available at the community center and special events in 2022. Based on the initial survey's results, community members shared their style and design preferences.

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Project Design

Professional project managers translated community engagement and visioning into a design that incorporates environmental compliance, building codes, cost estimation, and other requirements to reflect the community’s views in balance with feasibility.

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Project Construction

City Council unanimously approved authorization by the City Manager to execute a contract for the project.

Projects often experience delays during the construction phase due to weather, unexpected discoveries, or supply chain and labor shortages.

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Project Completion

A new playground, basketball court, patio meeting area, and safety improvements!

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Maintenance and Operation

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) executes a maintenance and operation plan to protect these new community asset for years to come.

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Additional Improvements

As part of the Interstate 26 widening project, the North Carolina Department of Transportation committed to maintaining walkability with sidewalks, ensuring parks, and other quality-of-life issues including expanding parking at Burton Street Community Center.

Asheville Parks & Recreation may include additional features like a performance area, picnic shelter, and fitness course in future phases as funding becomes available.

Contact Information

Pete Wall, Assistant Director

Asheville Parks & Recreation

pwall@ashevillenc.gov

(828) 259-5800