Asheville, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Asheville city officials are progressing with plans for a new Costco Wholesale supermarket in the Enka-Candler area. After receiving a formal application for the project on September 9, city staff is set to review the proposal, which includes a 160,940 square foot warehouse, a large fueling station, and extensive parking facilities. Key elements such as the preservation of the Enka Clock Tower and tree cover requirements are also part of the development considerations. A Technical Review Committee will assess the project in their upcoming meeting.
Asheville officials are moving forward with the proposed development of a Costco Wholesale supermarket in the Enka-Candler area. Following increasing anticipation since March, the city received a formal application for the project on September 9, 2025. The development includes plans for a 160,940 square foot Costco warehouse along with additional petrol and tire service amenities.
The application, which city staff accepted for review on the submission date, outlines construction on approximately 25.09 acres of land located at 264 Enka Heritage Parkway, adjacent to the Enka Clock Tower within an existing industrial park. This multi-faceted development proposes a 32-pump fueling station and a tire center that will be limited to tire replacements.
As part of the zoning process, the project will be reviewed by the city’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) during their next meeting scheduled for October 6, 2025. This committee consists of six city staff members, a representative from the Urban Forestry Commission, and a representative from the Buncombe County Metropolitan Sewer District.
In compliance with existing regulations, the development will require an amendment to the existing conditional zoning and will also need approval from both city and county planning entities. Furthermore, the Planning and Zoning Commission will provide oversight during this process. Proposed parking plans for the site are significant, with 839 spaces planned—well above the maximum allowed according to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
An important condition for the development includes preserving the Enka Clock Tower, along with the installation of interpretive signage reflecting the history of the American Enka Company. Additionally, an easement for the proposed Hominy Creek Greenway will need to be preserved.
Tree cover requirements are also a significant focus for the project. Costco is mandated to achieve a 15% tree canopy cover, which may necessitate the planting of 3.7 acres of new trees or alternatively opting to pay a fee estimated at $875,000. Without existing trees on the site, this requirement poses an important consideration for the development.
Stormwater runoff management is essential due to the considerable size of the proposed development, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation will oversee a requisite traffic impact study. Prior to the application submission, a pre-application meeting, along with a neighborhood meeting, was conducted to inform nearby property owners about the proposed project.
Despite the advancement in the application process, there is currently no official timeline available for project completion. Details regarding the Costco application can be accessed by interested individuals through the city of Asheville’s Citizen Access Website under Record 25-07612PZ.
Key Features of the Proposed Costco Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Warehouse Size | 160,940 square feet |
| Location | 264 Enka Heritage Parkway |
| Land Area | 25.09 acres |
| Fueling Station | 32 pumps |
| Tire Center | Limited to tire replacements |
| Parking Spaces | 839 spaces |
| Tree Canopy Requirement | 15% cover, 3.7 acres of trees needed |
| Traffic Impact Study | Required by North Carolina Department of Transportation |
FAQ Section
What is the size of the proposed Costco warehouse?
The proposed Costco warehouse is planned to be 160,940 square feet.
Where will the Costco be located?
The supermarket will be situated at 264 Enka Heritage Parkway in Asheville, near the Enka Clock Tower.
When was the official development application submitted?
The application was officially submitted on September 9, 2025.
What amenities are included in the Costco development?
Along with the warehouse, the development will include a 32-pump fueling station and a limited tire center for replacements only.
What are the next steps in the development review process?
The application will undergo a review by the Technical Review Committee, with the next meeting scheduled for October 6, 2025.
Will the Enka Clock Tower be preserved?
Yes, a condition for the development specifies the preservation of the Enka Clock Tower.
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Asheville Costco Application
- WLOS: Asheville Costco Proposed Plans
- 828 News Now: Asheville Infant Death Case
- 828 News Now: Asheville Grant for Concerts
- Wikipedia: Costco
- Google Search: Costco Asheville
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.
