Asheville NC, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The city of Asheville has signed a memorandum of understanding with ATG Entertainment to establish a new arts and entertainment facility downtown. This public-private partnership aims to support local culture, foster economic growth, and create job opportunities. The project includes comprehensive planning efforts to determine the venue’s design and funding options, including federal disaster recovery grants. Local leaders emphasize the facility’s importance in reconnecting the community and boosting recovery following recent challenges.
Asheville, NC — The city of Asheville has officially signed a memorandum of understanding with ATG Entertainment to launch a new arts and entertainment facility in the downtown area. This significant public-private partnership aims to accelerate predevelopment efforts towards establishing a large-scale venue in the city’s central business district.
Asheville’s Mayor, Esther Manheimer, expressed that hosting large events is vital for the community’s recovery, aiming not only to reconnect residents but also to enhance the local economy. The anticipated facility is designed to support local culture, uplift nearby businesses, and create numerous job opportunities throughout the region.
The agreement between Asheville and ATG Entertainment marks a commitment to move past previous exploratory studies and set actionable plans in motion. This phase will involve comprehensive planning encompassing impact analysis, business modeling, workforce assessments, and venue design studies. Initial studies and stakeholder engagement are projected to kick off before year-end.
To fund the project, city officials are considering applying for federal Economic Development Administration disaster recovery grants, which became available after the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. These grants could provide the financial support necessary for developing this exciting venture.
Lori Hotz, the CEO of ATG Entertainment North America, expressed enthusiasm about working within the Asheville market, emphasizing a collaborative approach with city leaders and local partners. This partnership is a continuation of Asheville’s exploration of potential downtown entertainment venues, revisited several times since 2005, which is now further enhanced by the ongoing Arts Recovery Plan from ArtsAVL.
The Asheville City Council has been actively advancing various measures aimed at recovery from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. These measures include engineering design services for crucial infrastructure projects, which play a vital role in rebuilding efforts following the storm.
Key infrastructure projects currently underway include the development of a North Fork Transmission Main, designed to reduce vulnerabilities in the water supply system, storm damage assessments, and contracts for the French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery Project. Asheville is seeking federal disaster recovery funds, totaling approximately $225 million, to facilitate rebuilding efforts and promote local economic recovery.
In addition to these initiatives, Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery awards amounting to $1.65 billion have been designated for long-term recovery in western North Carolina, including Asheville. Federal and state responses are focused on providing funding for repairs to homes, infrastructure, and assistance targeted toward small businesses impacted by the disaster.
To oversee the ongoing recovery efforts in the region, a new recovery team led by Matt Calabria has been established, tasked with ensuring effective implementation of recovery strategies and resource allocation.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the city of Asheville and ATG Entertainment marks a crucial step forward in the development of a long-awaited arts and entertainment facility, aiming to foster community ties and economic revitalization. With additional federal support, Asheville is hopeful regarding its recovery and growth in the wake of recent challenges.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new arts and entertainment facility in Asheville?
The facility aims to support local culture, uplift businesses, and create jobs while enhancing community connections through large-scale events.
What steps are being taken to fund the project?
City officials are considering applying for federal Economic Development Administration disaster recovery grants available after Tropical Storm Helene to fund the project.
What historical efforts have been made to explore entertainment venues in Asheville?
Asheville has reviewed potential downtown entertainment venues multiple times since 2005, culminating in current planning efforts enhanced by the Arts Recovery Plan.
Key Features of the Arts and Entertainment Facility Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership | Collaboration between Asheville and ATG Entertainment |
| Funding Source | Potential federal Economic Development Administration disaster recovery grants |
| Focus Areas | Cultural support, business uplift, job creation |
| Key Activities | Planning, impact analysis, stakeholder engagement |
| Historical Context | Previous reviews of potential downtown venues since 2005 |
| Recovery Efforts | Part of larger recovery plan following Tropical Storm Helene |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Asheville Eyes New Entertainment Hub
- 828 News Now: Council OKs Helene Recovery Measures Across Asheville
- Carolina Journal: Asheville Mayor Gives Update 9 Months After Hurricane Helene
- NC Newsline: Western North Carolina to Receive $1.65B in Federal Disaster Grants
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville entertainment hub
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
