A Saluda Ave. alleyway is underway.

There could be a whole new side to Five Points within the next year. Longtime developer (and property owner of CJ’s, Starbucks, Saluda’s + Papa Jazz) Richard Burts and partner Elizabeth Ward have a new project in the works: a new retail/hospitality corridor with a plaza + pedestrian alleyway between the empty spaces of 713 + 715 Saluda Ave. (formerly Wish boutique, between Speakeasy + Gentleman’s Closet).

10,000+ sqft. of currently “wasted” retail space – including an empty, hidden lot behind the buildings – will be transformed into a mini-corridor, with a carved out indoor-yet-open-air, arcade mall-style passageway between 713 + 715 Saluda and up to 6 storefronts along the alley (350-1,850 sqft. each) ➡️ a.k.a. the perfect size + setup for small, local businesses. The plan would eventually transform the vacant back lot into a courtyard. 🌳

They’re aiming for the property to be ready-to-lease by March 1, 2018. See an interactive map of the space here.

Naturally, we wanted to know more – so we spoke to the Five Points Association + developer Richard Burts to get more deets. ⬇️

What will the space look like? 🏙

Currently, the direction, style + possibilities are wide-open. It may be feeling or giving off a European or French Quarter vibe right now, but that could evolve as the space gets laid out. (We could totally see a mini cafe selling Cafe Du Monde-esque beignets + coffee in an open-air, New Orleans-style courtyard.)

What businesses could go into the development? 🛍

Hopefully, the design will allow the spaces to be adaptive for many uses from hospitality to retail. The courtyard could potentially change its functionality day-to-day – or even transform throughout the day into the night. (We think this could really bridge the divide between Five Points during the day + Five Points at night.)

Ideally, we are looking for small, local, independent types of businesses:

🛍 For retail, something curated that would compliment the other Saluda Ave. businesses.

🥐 For hospitality, we hope for an emphasis on food; someone or a group with a passion for food and/or their craft as their driving motivator for wanting to open up here.

💻 We’re open to a creative, shared work space concept, something that would compliment both hospitality + retail.

(What would you like to see go into the spaces? Let us know.)

Who’s funding the project? 💸

It’ll be funded privately. Tenant build-out allowances will be available, but as always, depend on lease term, types of infrastructure improvements, financial stability, etc.

In the past year, we’ve said hard goodbyes to Five Points classics like Rise Bakeshop, El Burrito + Harpers – but this project could really breathe new life into the neighborhood (and maybe bring some other beloved local businesses into the area).

Here’s what we’d like to see in the new Five Points alleyway:

Beth: I would still love to see an independent bookstore (plus a reading nook with big, comfy couches) in Cola – and what would be a better space than an alleyway in the indi-est ‘hood in town?

Sam: More options for lunch + brunch (with outdoor seating) would be awesome, preferably ones with deviled eggs on the menu. 😏 And a Paper Skyscraper-esque store.

Chloe: I’m envisioning a small strip of locally/regionally-owned retail, cafes + coffee shops, sort of like what you see on N. Lexington Ave. in Asheville – super close + flowing together in the best way.

Jodi: A local grab + go food or smoothie shop. Bring back Rise Bakeshop to Five Points.

Have your own idea of what businesses should go into the new corridor? Let us know.

-Beth