Asheville NC, July 24, 2025
News Summary
Asheville will experience significant parking challenges this August due to the closure of the Rankin Avenue parking deck for major repairs. The closure will commence on August 1 and is expected to last four to six weeks, followed by the Wall Street garage closure. This will remove nearly 460 parking spaces and impact half of the downtown parking capacity. City officials have initiated a new app for parking alternatives and have planned for minimal disruption during peak tourism season.
Asheville is set to face significant parking challenges this August as the Rankin Avenue parking deck will close for major repairs starting Friday, August 1. The closure is expected to last between four to six weeks. Following this, the Wall Street garage will shut down, creating a total of nearly 460 parking spaces that will be unavailable to the public. These closures will likely extend through early October and impact almost half of the city’s total downtown parking capacity.
The forthcoming repairs form part of an extensive $11 million multi-year project aimed at extending the lifespan of Asheville’s public parking infrastructure. The current phase of repairs, which is anticipated to cost about $2.1 million, will be financed through borrowed funds, which will eventually be reimbursed through parking revenue.
City officials have noted that summer is the only feasible window to conduct these repairs safely and efficiently. Complete closures of both parking garages are necessary to reduce the timeline considerably—from a potential ten-month period with partial closures to approximately ten weeks. Delaying repairs might lead to unplanned shutdowns due to weather constraints during fall and winter months.
A structural assessment conducted in 2023 outlined several high-priority repairs needed for both the Rankin Avenue and Wall Street garages, including concrete work, waterproofing, and joint seal replacements. Many of these repairs require warm and dry conditions, making timely completion critical.
However, business owners in the area have expressed concerns regarding the closure’s timing, just ahead of the peak tourism season, and suggested that future maintenance work be carried out in the winter or early spring to minimize disruptions. To mitigate the impact during the closure period, the city allows monthly permit holders from the affected garages to park in any city-owned garage.
To assist visitors and workers seeking parking alternatives, the city has launched a new app that offers text-to-pay options along with real-time parking availability updates. The city plans to provide bi-weekly updates during the repair process through dedicated project pages and email correspondence.
In an effort to ensure minimal disruption for local businesses, city officials have adjusted timelines following consultations with stakeholders, aiming for the garages to reopen by mid-October. If construction delays occur, crews may pause work temporarily to preserve the peak visitor season.
Following the repairs to the Rankin Avenue and Wall Street garages, future efforts are slated for the Biltmore and Harrah’s Cherokee Center garages through 2026. The daily maximum parking rates at city-owned garages are set at $12, with the first hour free and subsequent hours available at $1. Additionally, there are over 700 on-street metered spaces available for two-hour parking in the downtown area.
Visitors, residents, and workers in Asheville are encouraged to consider other parking options, which include Buncombe County and privately owned garages located in the downtown area to navigate the upcoming closures more effectively.
FAQ
When will the Rankin Avenue parking deck close for repairs?
The Rankin Avenue parking deck will close starting on Friday, August 1, and is expected to remain closed for four to six weeks.
What are the reasons for the garage closures?
The closures are necessary for significant repairs identified in a 2023 structural assessment to address high-priority issues, such as concrete work and waterproofing.
How long will the closures affect parking in downtown Asheville?
The closures will affect nearly half of the city’s downtown parking capacity and are expected to last through early October.
What alternative parking options are available during the closures?
During the closures, parking options include city-owned garages, Buncombe County garages, and privately owned garages in downtown Asheville.
Key Features of Parking Garage Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closed Garages | Rankin Avenue, Wall Street |
| Closure Start Dates | August 1 (Rankin Avenue), Following Rankin closure (Wall Street) |
| Duration of Closures | 4 to 6 weeks for Rankin, Approximately until early October for Wall Street |
| Total Parking Spaces Affected | Nearly 460 |
| Cost of Repairs | $2.1 million for current phase |
| Daily Maximum Rate | $12 |
| Parking Alternatives | Buncombe County garages, Privately owned garages, 700+ metered spaces available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Big Changes for Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Asheville Explores Social District to Revitalize Downtown
Asheville Welcomes Pleasant Grove Community with Grand Opening
Shooting Incident Under Investigation in Asheville
Community Mourns Loss of Three Los Angeles County Deputies
Mike Waltz Faces Tough Questions at UN Ambassador Hearing
Cracker Barrel Shutters Asheville Location on Tunnel Road
Police Pursuit Leads to Arrest in Asheville
Tragic Developments in Esparto Fireworks Warehouse Explosion
AC Hotel by Marriott Opens in Asheville Biltmore Village
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Parking Garage Concerns
- WLOS: Repairs Impacting Parking
- WLOS: Parking Garages Close for Repairs
- WYFF: Asheville Trump Event Security
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
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.
