At the start of 2021, several of you wrote in with questions about future developments on Charlotte St. As we reach the end of March, these questions are still as relevant as ever. That’s why today, we’re breaking down details about two potential mixed-use developments that are in the early stages of the pipeline — and believe it or not — sit directly across the street from each other.

First, here’s a little context: In 2014, the historic Charlotte St. corridor, which was first established in the early 1900s, was designated as one of four “innovation districts'' by Asheville City Government. This designation means that the City intends to fund + help grow this neighborhood into a hotspot for higher density housing + mixed-use developments. In other words, the City wants to cultivate Charlotte St. into a safe, walkable place where Ashevillians can live, work + play. To this end, in 2018, the City allocated $1.25 million for a “road diet” at the northern section of Charlotte St. that downsized four automobile lanes into three + created a spacious new bike lane. The project was completed in spring of 2020.

A rendering of development plans at 123 Charlotte St. I Graphic courtesy of the City of Asheville

Now, here’s the latest on the two projects:

123 Charlotte St. — The proposed development at this 6.84-acre site would include five new buildings ranging from three to five stories and 20 three-story row houses, totalling 183 new residential units, 50,850-sq. ft. of commercial space, a parking garage + associated infrastructure. To make space for this project, property owners + developers at RCG, LLC plan to demolish 13 homes in the historic district which currently sit on the site. Asheville City Government began processing this application on Feb. 2, 2021 + it’s currently being reviewed by the Technical Review Committee. Before this proposal is finalized, it must also earn approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission + be voted on by City Council.

130 Charlotte St. — This 2.34-acre site — valued at more than $3.6 million — is the former location of Fuddruckers, a burger restaurant that closed in March 2020 after 34 years. The site is currently under contract to be sold for a mixed-use residential + commercial development. As of March 22, exact plans for the site have not been shared with the city, but we will keep you posted as soon as we learn more.

Protip: If you want to keep close tabs on projects like these, the City has a nifty new app, SimpliCity Dashboard, that allows you to “subscribe” to development updates.