Asheville NC, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Asheville’s River Arts District suffered devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene, submerging the area under 24 feet of water and significantly impacting local artists and their businesses. Recovery efforts are underway, with some spaces reopening while others remain heavily damaged. New initiatives are emerging to support displaced artists, highlighting the resilience of the community amid adversity. Plans for future improvements and infrastructure are being discussed to reduce flood risks and ensure the district’s sustainability.
Asheville Faces Long Road to Recovery After Hurricane Helene Flooding
Asheville’s River Arts District experienced devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene, submerging the area under 24 feet of water and destroying the lives and livelihoods of numerous artists. Structural damage and loss of creative spaces have left the community grappling with the aftermath as recovery efforts begin.
The flooding obliterated the life work and financial foundations of many artists, leaving them with significant losses. The president of the River Arts District Artists has expressed the heavy toll the disaster has taken on local creators, as they navigate this challenging period in their careers. While some buildings have begun to recover, many structures that housed artists continue to be heavily damaged.
For example, the Village Potters Clay Center, a key establishment in the district, has seen the destruction of gardens and outdoor spaces that served as a communal and artistic haven. In addition, a notable community space known as the Marquee building, which hosted over 300 artists and small business owners, was severely affected by the flood. As recovery progresses, some businesses, like the bakery and coffee shop ButterPunk, have managed to reopen their doors and provide hope to the locality.
Artisans like woodworking artist Davis Perrott have been severely impacted; he lost his studio to the flooding and is now working from his apartment. Amid this adversity, new initiatives have emerged. For instance, a gallery named Joan Awake has been created to provide support specifically for displaced female artists. Plans for future developments are also in place, such as a new ceramics business by the founder of the Village Potters Clay Center being established at a higher ground location.
The owner of the Marquee building is aiming to reopen by the one-year anniversary of the flood, with a renewed focus on bringing back artists and their works to the district. Efforts to enhance recovery strategies are being explored by a city panel called the Urban Land Institute. Their assessment includes suggestions for possibly relocating the River Arts District to reduce future flood risks, all while striving to maintain the community’s artistic integrity.
Recommendations and strategies from this panel are expected to be finalized by late fall, with an emphasis on economic diversification and improving infrastructure as foundations for effective recovery in the district. The mayor of Asheville has highlighted the necessity of utilizing available funding effectively to ensure a resilient rebuilding process.
Immediate actions and improvements are deemed critical for the future sustainability and growth of the River Arts District. While the journey to recovery is long and arduous, the strength and creativity of Asheville’s artists continue to shine through in their resilience and community spirit.
FAQs
What caused the flooding in Asheville’s River Arts District?
The flooding in Asheville’s River Arts District was caused by Hurricane Helene, which inundated the area with 24 feet of water.
How many artists were affected by the flood?
The flooding destroyed the life’s work and financial foundations of hundreds of artists in the River Arts District.
What plans are in place for recovery?
The Urban Land Institute is exploring recovery options, including possibly relocating the River Arts District to avoid future flood risks, while the Marquee building plans to reopen by the one-year anniversary of the flood.
What support is available for displaced artists?
New initiatives like Joan Awake have been established to provide support for displaced female artists, and other businesses are also reopening to support the community.
Key Features of the Flood and Recovery Efforts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flood Depth | 24 feet of water |
| Artists Affected | Hundreds, including various local businesses |
| Marquee Building | Significantly impacted; served over 300 artists |
| Recovery Panel | Urban Land Institute exploring recovery options |
| Support Initiatives | Joan Awake and other reopening businesses |
| Future Plans | Potential relocation and infrastructure improvements |
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Asheville Arts Recovery
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Fox Carolina: Asheville Officials on River Arts District
- Google Search: River Arts District Asheville
- WLOS: Marquee Asheville Reopen
- Fox Carolina: Future of River Arts District
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.
