If it’s broken, fix it?

Opinions from an online survey on the future of the Asheville Civic Center indicate public support for keeping the facility at its current location, and enhancing and updating the building to make it suitable for a full range of performances and events.

The survey was offered on the Mountain Xpress Web site from Sept. 7-30, in conjunction with the Sept. 7 forum on the building’s future co-sponsored by the Civic Center Commission, Xpress and the League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County. One verified entry per person was tallied; a total of 138 verified entries were received (along with 35 unverified and thus uncounted submissions).

The informal Web survey (see below) echoes the opinion sample at the forum, where the tally of audience voting showed roughly 69 percent preferring to update the current facility so it could handle a full range of events; 81 percent favoring keeping the same location; and 83 percent in support of considering a private management contract for the Civic Center.

1. Please identify your place of residence by choosing one of the following:
Asheville 81 58.7%
Buncombe County (outside Asheville) 43 31.2%
Western North Carolina (outside Buncombe County) 12 8.7%
Other 2 1.4%
Total 138
2. Which of the following options would you most favor for the current Civic Center building?
Tear it down and do not replace it 5 3.6%
Maintain the building at minimal level with no capital improvements 9 6.6%
Enhance and update the building for a full range of performances, events and uses 94 68.6%
Tear it down and build a new facility in a new location 29 21.2%
Total 137
3. How do you think a local civic center should be funded?
City of Asheville only 8 5.8%
Asheville and Buncombe County 13 9.4%
Asheville, Buncombe County, and the state of North Carolina 7 5.1%
Private funding 11 8.0%
A combination of the above 99 71.7%
Total 138
4. Who should manage event selection and operations at a local civic center?
City of Asheville 29 21.3%
Asheville and Buncombe County 19 14.0%

A regional authority 16 11.8%
A non-governmental, independent, private entity 72 52.9%

Total 136
5. What location would you prefer for a local civic center?
Current location (Haywood Street) 102 75.0%
Near the regional airport 12 8.8%

At a location other than above 22 16.2%

Total 136
6. What type of events would you like to see more of at the Civic Center?
Concerts 117 25.5%
Sports 66 14.4%

Trade/business shows 77 16.8%
Theater productions 98 21.4%

Community events (graduations, celebrations, etc.) 70 15.3%
Other 31 6.8%

Total 459
7. How important is it to have a civic center in the Asheville-Buncombe area?
Very important 122 88.4%
Somewhat important 11 8.0%

Not important 5 3.6%

Total 138
SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.