Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Design Placemaking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mellon-funded "Boosting the Block" moves toward design; council to consider budget transfer June 9
Summary
Staff presented the Boosting the Block initiative, funded in part by a $3 million Mellon Foundation grant (about $1.74M allocated to this initiative), which pairs cultural programming with a capital Eagle & Market Street enhancements project; Council will consider a June 9 budget amendment to move Mellon funds into the capital project and a June 23 design contract.
City planning staff on June 4 updated Asheville City Council on "Boosting the Block," a Mellon Foundation'funded initiative implementing recommendations of the Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan. The initiative combines community capacity building, storytelling, and a capital streetscape component aimed at strengthening the block as a Black cultural district.
Downtown Planning Manager Dana Franco said the Mellon Foundation awarded $3 million to several Pack Square projects; staff allocated about $1.74 million of that grant to the Boosting the Block effort. The initiative aims to deliver both people-focused work (community facilitators, cultural programming, neighborhood identity work) and the capital component—the Eagle & Market Street enhancements—intended to improve accessibility, add lighting and trees, and incorporate public art and a gateway feature.
Staff described two near-term council touch points: a June 9 budget amendment to move already received Mellon funds into the capital project fund, and a June 23 contract to hire a design and engineering firm to begin conceptual design. Franco said the Mellon grant supports work through 2027, and staff plans public-facing design engagement in the fall after conceptual designs are developed.
Why it matters: The project combines physical improvements with a community-driven cultural strategy intended to strengthen a historically significant commercial block. Council members asked about project timelines and opportunities to coordinate Boosting the Block with other potential developments (including a possible performing arts facility) so investments are leveraged rather than duplicated.
Scope and schedule: The capital scope described includes expanded accessible sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, street trees, site furnishings, a gateway feature, and integrated public art and storytelling. Franco and staff said they expect to finalize a design contract on June 23 and to move into conceptual design immediately; staff projected community review of concepts in the fall and indicated grant funds run through 2027.
Next steps: Council will see the June 9 budget amendment to transfer Mellon funds into the capital project fund and a June 23 contract for a design firm; staff will return with conceptual designs for community feedback after design kick-off.
