Asheville OKs $180K Contract to Reimagine Central Downtown Corridor

City Council selects Durham-based firm for “Boosting the Block” project

A $180,000 contract has been approved by Asheville City Council to kickstart the city’s “Boosting the Block” project. This initiative is part of a $3 million grant aimed at reshaping Pack Square Plaza and revitalizing the gateway to the Block, the historic heart of Asheville’s Black business and cultural district.

The contract, authorized on May 28, solidifies the selection of Durham-based Illumined Leadership Solutions to lead the project. As the community facilitator, Illumined will spearhead engagement efforts and support all aspects of community organizing, planning, conceptual design, and project implementation.

Selection Process and Criteria

The request for proposals drew 11 responses, with four of them coming from Asheville-based firms. Illumined emerged as the top choice after scoring highest on a weighted evaluation and impressing during two rounds of interviews. The selection committee comprised community members from organizations like the YMI Cultural Center, Noir Collective, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Eagle Market Street Development Corporation, as well as city and county staff.

The decision to move forward with Illumined comes on the heels of the recent removal of the contentious Vance Monument from Pack Square Plaza. After years of legal battles, demolition work resumed in May and is now complete, leaving only mulch behind.

Transforming the Downtown Corridor

The “Boosting the Block” project aims to construct a physical gateway and cultural corridor connecting Pack Square and The Block. It also includes plans for enhanced public spaces, increased community capacity, and improved connectivity between The Block and the bustling Biltmore Avenue area.

Community feedback has highlighted a perceived “disconnect” between The Block and the rest of downtown, particularly along South Market Street, which serves as a direct route to the historic district. The vision plan emphasizes the need for a more welcoming and connected streetscape in this area.

Resolution of Delay and Community Involvement

The contract approval for Illumined faced a delay after the initial presentation to City Council on March 12. Concerns were raised about selecting a non-local contractor, despite several Asheville-based firms participating in the bidding process. Ultimately, Illumined was chosen based on their qualifications, experience, and proposed approach to the project.

Since the March meeting, efforts have been made to provide additional local contracting opportunities, such as the role of a community coordinator to ensure hyper-local involvement in the project’s early stages. Various other local contract opportunities are also available in areas like design/engineering, marketing, and community celebration production.

Next Steps and Project Timeline

The project is set to commence in July, with Illumined and its partner BennetWeston Consulting developing a 2.5-year work plan in collaboration with community stakeholders and city/county staff. The overall project timeline is estimated to be 27-30 months.

Three main projects will be funded by the $3 million Mellon Foundation grant, including “Boosting the Block,” “Reframing the Square,” and “Sharing our Stories.” These initiatives will focus on enhancing public spaces, community engagement, and expanding history and storytelling efforts in the area.