Asheville NC, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Asheville is gearing up for the reopening of Marquee Asheville, set for September 25, with an expanded vendor capacity and new features following the severe flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. With significant renovations, the marketplace will showcase around 300 unique vendors, feature dining options, and resume community events, marking a vibrant return for local artists and the community alike.
Asheville to Celebrate Reopening of Marquee After Flood Devastation
Asheville prepares for the highly anticipated reopening of Marquee Asheville on September 25, 2025, nearly a year after Tropical Storm Helene caused catastrophic flooding in the River Arts District, with water levels reaching 15 feet. This event devastated the area, resulting in the destruction of inventory for hundreds of artists and vendors.
The revamped Marquee will feature an increased capacity, expanding from 120 vendor spaces to a whopping 320 spaces, showcasing approximately 300 unique vendors. This expansion includes the return of around 75% of previous vendors, many of whom will be expanding their retail areas, making the marketplace more vibrant and diverse.
Significant enhancements are planned for the reopening, including an upgraded layout with dual checkouts, towers, kiosks, and repurposed antique jewelry cases that will serve as secure showcases for merchandise. The renovated space will also incorporate at least one restaurant, with a second eatery in negotiations, along with a grab-and-go snack area and multiple bars aimed at enhancing visitors’ experiences.
The aim of the Marquee project is to foster a welcoming environment where visitors can shop, eat, and relax for extended periods. The marketplace has evolved beyond being a retail space; it is now considered a cultural hub and event venue. This transformation includes plans to resume monthly events such as the Uncommon Market, previously known as Asheville Flea for Y’all, which has been relocated to Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College since the flood but is expected to return to Marquee by October 2025.
Post-flood, the physical structure of Marquee has been deemed safe, yet nearly all of its interior items were lost, resulting in approximately 120,000 uninsured items designated for vendors being destroyed. While the insurance covered the building’s damages, it did not compensate the vendors for their lost merchandise. Support from local communities and nonprofits, including Operation Blessing, which contributed about $115,000 in materials, has been crucial in the rebuilding efforts.
Marquee’s reopening not only honors the past but also represents a fresh chapter for its vendors and the community. The reimagined space will retain some of its original branding and notable features, like the iconic “Wire Man” sculpture. Owner Robert Nicholas, a veteran antique dealer, is dedicated to carefully selecting new inventory for Marquee, considering the extensive losses suffered during the flood.
The community impact of Marquee transcends commercial transactions; it fosters emotional connections between vendors and customers. The reopening is seen as an opportunity for joyful reconnection and celebration within the community.
Key Features of the Reopening
- Reopening Date: September 25, 2025
- Expansion of vendor spaces from 120 to 320
- Approximately 300 unique vendors to participate
- Return of around 75% of past vendors
- Upgraded layout with dual checkouts and kiosks
- Inclusion of restaurant spaces and snack areas
- Resumption of monthly events including Uncommon Market
- Community-focused design to enhance visitor experience
FAQs
When is Marquee Asheville set to reopen?
Marquee Asheville is scheduled to reopen on September 25, 2025.
What changes are being made to the vendor spaces?
Marquee is expanding from 120 vendor spaces to 320 spaces, with approximately 300 unique vendors expected to participate.
Will previous vendors return to Marquee?
Yes, around 75% of previous vendors are returning, many with expanded retail spaces.
What new features will Marquee have after the renovation?
New features include an upgraded layout with dual checkouts, food spaces, and enhanced visitor amenities such as bars and snack areas.
What events will be held at Marquee after the reopening?
Monthly events, including the Uncommon Market, will resume at Marquee, with the market expected to return in October 2025.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Vendor Space Expansion | From 120 to 320 spaces |
| Unique Vendors | Approx. 300 |
| Previous Vendor Return Rate | 75% |
| Dining Options | At least one restaurant, negotiations for a second |
| Events Resuming | Monthly events, including Uncommon Market in October 2025 |
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Marquee Returns After Helene
- Fox Carolina: Storm Causes Flooding in Asheville
- WLOS: Flash Flood Threat Persists in Western North Carolina
- ABC News: Flooding in Asheville, North Carolina
- NC Newsline: Insured Against Helene’s Floods
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville Marquee
- Google Scholar: Asheville Flooding
- Google News: Asheville Flooding
- Monocle: Asheville Recovery Post-Hurricane Helene
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.
