First Funds of the $3-Million Mellon Foundation Grant Invested into Boosting the Block Project
The City of Asheville has taken a significant step towards revitalizing its historic Black business district and multicultural hub known as The Block. On May 28, Asheville City Council authorized $180,000 in funding to support the “Boosting the Block” Project, one of three projects funded by the Mellon Foundation to implement components of the Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan.
Boosting the Block Project Overview
The Block in Asheville serves as a geographic and cultural connection between downtown and the East End Valley Street Neighborhood. The Boosting the Block project aims to enhance this vital area through various initiatives, including the construction of a physical gateway and cultural corridor between Pack Square and The Block, increased capacity of neighborhood anchors to shape and influence the future of The Block, enhanced public spaces and programming that authentically narrate the past, present, and future of The Block, and consensus and implementation of neighborhood identity and marketing for The Block.
Current Project Status
The Community Facilitator, a collaborative partnership between Illumined Leadership Solutions and Bennett Weston Consulting, both Black-owned, Durham-based firms, will lead engagement efforts and support all aspects of project management. This includes schedule planning, design, and implementation throughout the project. Additional contracting opportunities include roles for a local community coordinator, creative strategist/consulting artist, marketing/promotion/advertising, and production of a community celebration. These opportunities will supplement the anticipated design/engineering contract and construction contracts.
Background and Grant Funding
The Boosting the Block Project is part of the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project Initiative, which aims to advance elements of the Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan. Besides the Boosting the Block project, grant funding will be utilized for design and engineering for reshaping Pack Square and supporting a partnership with the Buncombe County Library to expand programming and education around more inclusive storytelling and history efforts in the community. The Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan was adopted by City Council in September 2023, following a planning and community engagement process led by the McAdams Company and City and County staff.
Learn More and Stay Informed
For more information about the Boosting the Block Project and other initiatives funded by the Mellon Foundation, visit the City of Asheville’s website. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this transformative project that aims to revitalize and celebrate the cultural richness of The Block.
