BREAKING: Organizers say they are ‘pausing’ Project Aspire
In Asheville, NC social and community life took an unexpected turn today as organizers indicate that there is a pause in the plans for Project Aspire.
In Response to an Inquiry
First Baptist Church of Asheville and the YMCA of Western North Carolina announced they are “pausing” efforts related to Project Aspire due to a lack of funding for the facility’s parking.
The Project Details
The project, which was approved by Asheville City Council in September, would have occupied 10.5 acres in downtown Asheville. The design included residential units, hotel rooms, commercial spaces, a brand-new YMCA, and office facilities, as well as 1,800 parking spaces. Construction was expected to begin by the end of the year.
Project Aspire Goals
Project Aspire would have contained 400-650 residential units, of which 20% would have been deemed affordable at or below 80% area median income. One of the known funding sources that Project Aspire applied for was the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund.
The Joint Statement
First Baptist Church of Asheville and the YMCA of Western North Carolina expressed their commitment to exploring other options to ensure a positive impact on their members and the community at large.
What’s Next?
As of now, the future plans of Project Aspire remain uncertain as organizers reassess their funding strategies and community needs.
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.
