BREAKING: Organizers say they are ‘pausing’ Project Aspire

In Asheville, NC social and community life took an unexpected turn today as organizers indicate that there is a pause in the plans for Project Aspire.

In Response to an Inquiry

First Baptist Church of Asheville and the YMCA of Western North Carolina announced they are “pausing” efforts related to Project Aspire due to a lack of funding for the facility’s parking.

The Project Details

The project, which was approved by Asheville City Council in September, would have occupied 10.5 acres in downtown Asheville. The design included residential units, hotel rooms, commercial spaces, a brand-new YMCA, and office facilities, as well as 1,800 parking spaces. Construction was expected to begin by the end of the year.

Project Aspire Goals

Project Aspire would have contained 400-650 residential units, of which 20% would have been deemed affordable at or below 80% area median income. One of the known funding sources that Project Aspire applied for was the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund.

The Joint Statement

First Baptist Church of Asheville and the YMCA of Western North Carolina expressed their commitment to exploring other options to ensure a positive impact on their members and the community at large.

What’s Next?

As of now, the future plans of Project Aspire remain uncertain as organizers reassess their funding strategies and community needs.