Dispatch from arts writer Kyle Sherard:

The City of Asheville announced the finalization of its purchase of the dilapidated Ice House property in the River Arts District. Xpress wrote about the pending sale here (with photo courtesy Zen Sutherland): http://www.mountainx.com/article/47026/State-of-the-arts-City-Council-closes-in-on-problematic-R.A.D.-property

Today the news became official. "I am pleased to share that the City of Asheville is now the official owner of the Ice Plant property," said Nikki Reid, the city's real estate manager, in a press release. "We recorded the deed this afternoon. I appreciate all the team work on this project."

In an email to Xpress, Councilman Gordon Smith reiterated the importance of the city's actions."Acquiring the Ice House property allows us to No. 1, secure the property to make the neighborhood safer; and No. 2, move forward with economic and community development in the River District. It was urban blight at its worst, and City Council is glad to be able to improve the situation."