Moog moves digs

Moog Music is moving its retail operation, museum and famous factory from 2004 Riverside Drive to 160-170 Broadway — the brick buildings just north of the Interstate 240 overpass and across the street from the ABC store.

Moog President Mike Adams confirmed as much at a joint press conference today with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville Buncombe County at the new location. The long-vacant property housed Dinner for the Earth, Asheville’s first natural-foods store, from 1979 to 1993.

The Broadway site was chosen by Moog Music for its close proximity to the downtown music venues and the river arts district. “Our plans include an extensive renovation of the structure that will transform the façade from an eyesore to a landmark that embodies Moog’s spirit of innovation, one that our company and our community can be proud of,” said Adams. The location will also house the company’s 35 employees who are engaged in worldwide sales and marketing.

Known worldwide for its electronic instruments, the company was founded by industry pioneer Robert Moog, who invented the Moog synthesizer. The winner of several Grammy Awards, Moog taught music at UNCA until his death five years ago.

Jay Weatherly, owner of the adjacent Dripolator coffee shop, was thrilled at the news. “Tapping into the deep roots of Asheville with one of the very things that makes Asheville so great. … It sounds like a perfect fit for that location,” he noted.