Asheville, NC, August 17, 2025

News Summary

Asheville city officials are currently assessing the future of the River Arts District (RAD) following significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Discussions are underway regarding reconstruction efforts, with input from stakeholders and the Urban Land Institute’s recommendations, including the possibility of relocating the RAD. Community support is crucial as the RAD prepares for the reopening of the Marquee venue next month, aiming to revitalize the area and enhance its infrastructure against future threats.

Asheville City Officials Assess Future of River Arts District Following Hurricane Helene Damage

The City of Asheville is currently addressing concerns surrounding the future of the River Arts District (RAD), which has faced significant damage due to Hurricane Helene. City officials are engaged in discussions about reconstruction and recovery in the area, which is especially important given the RAD’s role in the local arts community.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently conducted a tour of the areas hardest hit by the hurricane and made several recovery recommendations. Among these suggestions was the consideration of relocating the RAD. However, Asheville city officials have clarified that no decisions have been made regarding such a move at this time.

The future of the RAD largely resides with private property owners and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which holds ownership of most parcels in the district. City staff are presently reviewing the ULI’s recommendations, which are expected to be detailed in a final report scheduled for late fall.

In addition to assessing the damage and recovery plans, city officials are also gathering feedback from stakeholders in the RAD, nearby neighborhoods, and various city planning initiatives, including Recreate AVL and Close the GAP.

Amid the recovery efforts, one significant venue in the RAD, known as Marquee, is preparing to reopen next month nearly a year after it was submerged by the storm. The venue has undergone extensive cleaning and remodeling following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene’s flooding. Upon reopening, Marquee plans to host 320 artists and vendors once all inspections are finalized.

The reopening is anticipated to be a fresh start, with the venue’s founder noting that it will feel like a brand new space with newly appreciated offerings. A soft opening is set to take place soon, followed by a grand reopening event scheduled for Thursday, September 25.

As Asheville city officials continue to address the future of the River Arts District, they emphasize the importance of collaboration with property owners and stakeholders to build a resilient and thriving community in the face of recent challenges.

Impact of Hurricane Helene on River Arts District

The River Arts District was severely affected by Hurricane Helene, resulting in flooding and damage that have required extensive recovery efforts. The hurricane highlighted vulnerabilities within the district and prompted city officials to reconsider its future placement and infrastructure resilience.

Next Steps for the River Arts District

With the ULI’s recommendations being reviewed, stakeholders are actively involved in discussions about the future of the RAD. This ongoing dialogue will shape the decisions made moving forward and aims to revitalize the community while addressing the concerns raised by the storm’s impact.

Marquee’s Reopening and Community Support

As the RAD works toward recovery, the reopening of Marquee serves as an encouraging sign of resilience and community spirit. Local artists and vendors look forward to returning to the venue, which plays a vital role in the cultural identity of the River Arts District.

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Additional Resources

• The New York Times: Asheville Arts Recovery
• Google Search: River Arts District Asheville Hurricane Helene
• Fox Carolina: Asheville Officials Address River Arts District
• WLOS: Marquee Asheville Reopening
• 828 News Now: Panel Suggests Relocation of River Arts District
• Google Search: River Arts District Asheville Recovery Plans

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.