Exciting Upgrades to Enhance Accessibility in Asheville’s Downtown Parking Garages

Exciting Upgrades Coming to Asheville’s Downtown Parking Garages

Asheville is getting ready for some exciting changes! The next phase of the Parking Garage Capital Improvements project is set to kick off soon, bringing accessibility upgrades to three of the city’s downtown parking garages. This is fantastic news for residents and visitors alike, especially those who need a little extra help getting around.

What’s Happening?

The project will focus on improving accessibility at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (HCCA) garage, the Rankin Avenue garage, and the Wall Street garage. The improvements are scheduled to take about six weeks, starting in mid-September and continuing into early November. Luckily, the Biltmore Avenue garage will not be affected, so you’ll still have that option available.

A Step Towards Greater Accessibility

These upgrades are part of a larger, multi-year, $11 million project aimed at repairing and enhancing our downtown parking facilities. The first phase, which wrapped up earlier in 2024, focused on addressing immediate repair needs like fixing stairwells and elevator landings, as well as improving parking decks.

Now, with the focus shifting to accessibility, the goal is to create parking spaces and pathways that meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The city is committed to making these spaces as accessible as possible.

What’s In Store for Each Garage?

The work will begin at the HCCA garage, where you’ll notice some changes at the first level. The contractor will be demolishing the concrete planter at the exit, which means there will be intermittent closures. But don’t worry! Detour signs will guide you to the alternate exit at Vanderbilt Place.

As part of the upgrades, a new accessible path will be created to connect directly to the sidewalk. Just a heads up, the sidewalk next to the Rankin Avenue exit will be temporarily closed, but with clear pedestrian detour signage posted, navigating around should be a breeze.

Next, the work will shift to the fourth level of the HCCA garage, where curbs will be demolished to make way for a new pedestrian walkway at the entrance and exit. The team will also be leveling out concrete near the elevators and adding new ADA-compliant parking spaces and accessible pathways on all levels.

Following the HCCA garage, work will then move to the Rankin Avenue garage where new accessible parking spaces will be clearly striped, along with a ramp leading out to College Avenue.

Finally, the Wall Street garage will see some exciting adjustments too. Accessible parking will be relocated to the top level of the garage, where the ground is the flattest, ensuring easier access.

Keeping You Informed

During this six-week accessibility phase, the city is committed to minimizing disruptions. There will be special attention to weekends and any high-traffic events to ensure everyone can navigate the area with ease. Regular updates about parking disruptions will be provided, especially for monthly passholders, so you’ll always be in the loop.

To stay updated on the ongoing improvements, you can visit the Parking Garage Capital Improvements project page, where you can subscribe for the latest news and updates.

Looking Ahead

It’s great to see Asheville taking steps to enhance accessibility in our downtown parking facilities. These changes not only improve the experience for those with disabilities but also show that our city is committed to making public spaces welcoming and accessible for everyone. As these upgrades progress throughout the fall, we can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on our community!