ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville is taking a major step toward building a new performing arts and entertainment venue downtown.
The City of Asheville has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ATG Entertainment to create a public-private partnership in the Central Business District, according to a news release.
“Large events that bring together both visitors and residents have become an important part of Asheville’s recovery, not just economically, but as a way to reconnect our community,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer in the news release. “A new performing arts and entertainment space has the potential to support our vibrant creative culture, uplift local businesses, and create good jobs for people across the region. This partnership gives the City an opportunity to thoughtfully explore a public-private project that could honor Asheville’s unique character while helping shape a more inclusive and resilient future for all.”
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According to the release, this step commits both partners to collaborating toward a definitive long-term agreement to “create a transformational cultural and economic investment.”
City staff are now exploring unique grant programs such as the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant under the disaster recovery program.
The city is exploring these grants with the intent to apply if the final project meets federal grant requirements. The federal program offers grants to support restoration of economic activity and long-term economic growth in disaster-impacted communities and regions.
The city and ATG are moving this project from a long-desired vision to a plan of action, marking the start of the following:
- Planning
- Economic and cultural impact analysis
- Business modeling
- Workforce assessment
- Venue configuration studies
This plan of action lays the groundwork for a financially sustainable facility with an “internationally respected” partner to serve the community for years to come, according to the release.
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“We are delighted for the opportunity to better explore the Asheville market in conjunction with the City of Asheville, ArtsAVL, and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to determine if Asheville will be added to our growing portfolio.” Said Lori Hotz, CEO of ATG Entertainment North America, in a news release.
The city and ATG will likely receive the first set of studies before the end of 2025. According to the release, the city has conducted multiple studies related to entertainment facilities in the Central Business District since 2005.
To learn more about the project, visit here.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source wlos.com ’
