“In order to amortize the extensive repairs and updating required by modern codes, we arranged a long-term lease of the building, which is still owned by an heir of the auto parts business.”
Tag: Public Interest Projects
Showing 1-12 of 12 results
Anonymous: The million secrets of Julian Price
In Asheville, Price tried to fly under the radar as much as possible. But when you contribute nearly $10 million of your personal wealth to help revitalize a long-neglected city, folks are bound to take notice.
Affordable housing essay: Affordable housing or affordable living?
“Why is the focus on “affordable housing” and not on “affordable living”? The official “affordable housing” definitions focus narrowly on rent; transportation costs are ignored.”
The Julian Price Project documents a local legacy
Philanthropist Julian Price passed away in 2001, but his legacy continues to impact Asheville. The Julian Price Project plans to create a short introductory video and a longer documentary film. This week Erin Derham, the filmmaker behind Buskin’ Blues, signed on as director and oral historian.
Developer asks Asheville Council for help building new downtown housing behind Aloft Hotel
Local development group Public Interest Projects is hoping to build 32 apartments and a new commercial space at 56 S. Lexington Avenue, a downtown property behind the Aloft Asheville Hotel.
The Atlantic highlights Asheville’s downtown revitalization as model for future
The Atlantic‘s Cities blog has featured Asheville’s downtown redevelopment efforts, especially those of Public Interest Projects, as an example of “the simple math that can save cities from bankruptcy.”
Downtown Heroes: ADA recognizes those who helped revitalize Asheville’s central district
About 20 years ago, when a group of residents, business owners, local-government staff and elected officials were trying to revive a largely derelict downtown Asheville, “It was discouraging when we saw things printed in the newspaper like, ‘All they’re doing is moving the chairs around on the deck of the Titanic.’” That’s how Tops for Shoes co-owner Bob Carr, speaking at a Feb. 28 Asheville Downtown Association celebration, described the early days of the revitalization effort.
51 Biltmore is a complicated but brilliant solution
Many complaints about the 51 Biltmore project said it was bad for the environment and sidewalks. Some said Pat Whalen and Public Interest Projects, Julian Price’s development firm, were “greedy developers.” As Julian’s widow, I’d like to add Julian’s perspective. Julian, an avid environmentalist, knew that sprawling development hurts people and the environment. In 1991, […]
Asheville City Council approves 51 Biltmore Ave. project
After two and a half hours of public debate and discussion on Jan. 25, Asheville City Council members gave the go-ahead for a parking-deck, hotel development at 51 Biltmore Ave. in downtown. The project passed 5-2, with Council members Cecil Bothwell and Gordon Smith voting against it.
Sidewalks are the real public interest
I would like to respond to the issue of sidewalks-versus-parking deck at 51 Biltmore Ave. … As a resident of east Asheville, I am strongly in favor of sidewalks in our community. In Haw Creek, we currently have two elementary schools that are not accessible by sidewalks to the residents who live north of Beverly […]
Imagine downtown without Public Interest Projects
Let’s see what Asheville would be like if Public Interest Projects never existed. Start on Haywood Street, where there would not be the Asheville Hotel, which has some of the lowest-rent apartments in downtown. That little hometown bookstore (Malaprop’s) on the first floor would also not be there. How about the first large condo project […]
PARC, Public Interest Projects square off over 51 Biltmore
In dueling statements, the advocacy group People Advocating Real Conservancy and the developer Public Interest Projects have weighed in on the proposed 51 Biltmore project. PARC is calling it a “boondoggle — a misuse of public funds,” while PIP (which own the land), call PARC’s statements inaccurate and defend the development as necessary to improve downtown.