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Woodfin forms task force with UNCA and TDA to explore reuse of Riverside Drive warehouse
Summary
Woodfin officials joined UNCA, Explore Asheville/TDA and consultants on a new community‑partnership task force to study reuses for a 20,000 sq. ft. UNCA warehouse at 1414 Riverside Drive; the university will not sell the site, but staff hope to identify taxable uses or lessees and pursue planning grants and marketing support.
The Woodfin Town Council discussed a newly formed community‑partnership task force on Dec. 16 that will evaluate potential uses of a University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) 20,000‑square‑foot warehouse on Riverside Drive that did not flood during Hurricane Helene.
Council members said the task force includes UNCA leaders (Chancellor Kim Van Nort and interim CFO Josh Lassiter), town staff, Tourism Development Association representatives and outside consultants. Town leaders said the university will not sell the property but is open to a long‑term lease or arrangements that create taxable components or revenue streams for the town. The mayor and staff emphasized the university must be “made whole” with alternative storage options to replace functional university storage currently located in the warehouse.
Participants discussed potential uses tied to the town’s riverfront assets—restaurants, outfitters or multipurpose facilities that would complement Riverside Park and the Wave—while noting floodplain, FEMA mapping and developer constraints would affect options. Task force members flagged opportunities to pursue TDA planning and feasibility grants and to publicize the property to recruit national or international interest, and to add the Wave and riverfront amenities to TDA site visits as part of the TDA’s grant‑program review.
Council acknowledged uncertainties: the university retains ownership and any redevelopment would require an investor/developer to remove the structure and comply with new FEMA flood‑map rules if applicable. Staff said the idea is early stage and the task force will continue feasibility work and coordinate with TDA and prospective funders.
