Yesterday, the leadership of Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville revealed a possible transformation concept for the 80-year-old auditorium. The multimillion dollar project would transform the interior + exterior of the space, last updated in the 1970s.

The design, by Nashville-based Esa (Earl Swensson Associates), would totally change the look + feel of the Wolfe’s exterior – and it would have some major impacts inside, as well.

The potential redesign of Thomas Wolfe Auditorium | Rendering courtesy of ESa and City of Asheville

Here are the goals for the full transformation, estimated at $100 million –

Change the exterior of the building to update the aesthetic and create a better flow for people coming to events at the center.
Enhance guest experience through improvements to acoustics, seating, restrooms, safety + accessibility (including ADA compliance) and overall aesthetic.
Improve performer experience through upgrades to back of house, loading areas, rigging, AV tech + stage.
Include more diverse programming.
Create a space suitable for Broadway performances, which are currently not possible due to loading + space restrictions.
Increase revenue – a redesigned facility is estimated to bring in around $15 million more annually.
Conform with Asheville’s Vision 2036, which highlights community diversity, a thriving local economy, and a connected and engaged community as some of its top priorities.

Because of the amount of funding needed for the project, a new community group, Transform the Wolfe, is a one-stop resource for public information regarding the project and will feature images, reports, studies + more throughout the entire process.

The city’s contract with Harrah’s Cherokee does include around $3 million for renovations to Thomas Wolfe over the life of the agreement – but again, the full transformation is expected to be around $100 million. Funding could come from sources like philanthropic donations and corporate sponsorships, as well as occupancy taxes and local, regional + state government funding agencies.

The alternative? If it isn’t funded at all, Thomas Wolfe will continue to receive triage repairs only and no upgrades. A moderate funding package of $42 million would allow for some minimal cosmetic upgrades to seating and backstage production amenities. No changes will be made to restrooms, concessions, or programming.

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