Michael Paul Williams writes about the successful downtown revival in Asheville, NC in today’s column. Having been to Asheville many times, I completely agree with his assessment of the place and wanted to add some visuals to go with his words. So below you’ll find pictures of Asheville and its people, along with my own commentary on some things Richmond can learn from Asheville.
“On any given Friday night during warm weather months, Pritchard Park is the scene of a dance party propelled by the beat of a drumming circle.”
“For Asheville — a place whose funky vibe has been likened to Berkeley, Calif., Portland, Ore., or Seattle before Starbucks…”
Asheville’s Friday drum circle; Photo by mygothlaundry, used with permission.
Protesters in downtown Asheville; photo by Zen, used with permission.
Of course, some people in Richmond hate hippies, and even more hate protesters. But to me they’re part of the diversity that makes cities interesting. I’d prefer a city with hippies, punks, yuppies, immigrants, blacks, whites, AND protesters.
“There is a kinetic energy in this progressive and artsy city, whose skyline is framed by grand Art Deco buildings and the natural work of art that is the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
Asheville; photo by Zen, used with permission.
“[Revitalization is] largely due to Malaprop’s, home to book and poetry readings, book clubs and a decidedly uncorporate, unabashedly progressive politics. You’d never mistake it for a Barnes & Noble.
‘You don’t come here to see what you can see anywhere else,’ said assistant bookstore manager Gary Hemsoth. ‘It’s the independent businesses that give downtown its vibrancy.’
Malaprop’s bookstore- this place is great. I’ve always wanted a bookstore like this in Richmond. Photo by joeschram, used with permission.
“Woolworth Walk, housed in the storefront of the now-defunct retailer, has been recast as an arts and crafts gallery with an old-fashioned lunch counter.
Next to the counter is a poster commemorating the civil-rights movement that reads: ‘Sometimes taking a stand meant taking a seat. . . . Asheville hasn’t always been open minded.'”
Converted Woolworth’s building. Photo by early girl, used with permission.
Woolworth’s lunch counter. Photo by earlgreyrooibus, used with permission.
One characteristic of Asheville which makes it lively but was not mentioned by Williams is a lot of public art, both sanctioned and not:
Photo by s.e.v.e.n., used with permission.
Photo by Audrey Scott, used with permission.
Also worth noting is that the Asheville Downtown Association lists as their current priority tackling the panhandling problem. Instead of Richmond’s “clear the streets” mentality, Asheville is taking a humanitarian approach, called Spare Change for Real Change. They’re encouraging and promoting donations to local non-profits, but NOT criminalizing the homeless.
Consider this statement from Asheville’s business community:
“Our panhandling issue is a product of our success in downtown Asheville,” said Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo’s Ristoranté and a member of the Asheville Downtown Association Board of Directors. “Fifteen years ago, there was no panhandling problem because there were no people downtown. It’s not an issue that is going to go away,” he said, “but one that we will have to manage for as long as we remain successful.”
Now compare our own Booty Amrstrong’s comments on the issue of homelessness and downtown revitalization:
“One, we’re going to have to make sure that when people come downtown they’re not intimidated by panhandlers, vagrants, whatever you want to call them.” Next, “we’ve got to get the buses off of Broad Street.” … Finally, to create a destination that will bring visitors back time and again, “the city has to ensure that the redeveloped area will be well policed and kept very clean.” If it takes relocating homeless shelters, he says, then so be it. “They have to not just endorse; they have to enforce.” [via]
Imagine if the Richmond business community and politicians were compassionate and thoughtful enough to consider creative solutions to homelessness and poverty.
I believe that some of Asheville’s success is due to their openness to all sorts of people: protesters, hippies, independent business people, homeless people. They’ve sought to make their city a place hospitable to everyone, not just a select “desirable” demographic.
And returning to Williams’ column, his main point is best expressed by his closing statement:
Richmond could start by encouraging local entrepreneurship and abandoning its constant search for a Downtown Savior — a single project that will turn things around.
It should also dispense with its top-down approach and tap creative minds to cultivate a grass-roots vision for a dynamic and distinctive downtown.
Amen to that, and thanks to Michael Paul Williams for this excellent column!
July 11, 2007 at 4:05 pm
[…] Today’s RTD writes on Asheville NC’s downtown revitalization success. Richmond blog Urban Richmond? extends the analysis, adding both commentary and photos to further make the point. Many in Petersburg are focusing on marketing the local history to tourists. That is fantastic, as the region is rich in history. But for the downtown area to hop with vitality day in and day out, it’s going to take more than tourists: gotta offer the young folk stimulating destinations and activities that are grounded in the present. How about a funky bookstore a la Cafe Gutenberg that hosts poetry slams? How about a weekly drum/dance event in Poplar Lawn or Halifax Triangle? How about public art, designed and installed by local youth? Feel free to post ideas that would give our local high school and college students a way to have fun. Posted at 5:04PM under Development, Old Town, Community […]
July 12, 2007 at 11:12 am
It was nice to see my hometown used as an example for a possible model for Richmond’s downtown. Unfortunately, as I wrote in an entry this morning, Asheville did have a “Downtown Savior” (and a city council that was willing to roll up its sleeves).
I do agree with you about Asheville being a fairly open community though. It’s large artistic population lends a fairly unique environment to the region, particularly when coupled with the enormous tourist trade.
July 12, 2007 at 11:41 am
Tim,
Thanks for your comment and your post, which I read this morning. You’re right, of course, that the Bele Chere arts festival was a savior of sorts, however, I think the difference that Williams is pointing out is that Richmond looks for large scale, bricks and mortar “saviors” (6th st., centerstage, convention center, etc.), and Asheville has favored the grassroots get-people-involved “savior.”
Richmond needs to stop pinning its hopes on one mega-project and start supporting and helping grow efforts like first fridays, and helping downtown transform itself into a livable, walkable, shoppable (not a real word, I know), actual *neighborhood*.
July 13, 2007 at 11:14 am
I hate hippies.
July 12, 2011 at 3:59 pm
thats very harsh
October 11, 2007 at 9:53 am
[…] me to believe that I must be one of the web’s leading authorities on the subject. Check out my hippie-themed post for yourself and tell me what you […]
March 29, 2008 at 11:16 pm
i love asheville.
August 20, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Thanks, an interesting read…I live in va but have art at Woolworth Walk in Asheville so I’ve gotten a chance to hang out downtown and I really dig the vibe there.
Only had my work shown in Richmond for a month back in May but it also seemed to me to have a healthy art scene.
October 9, 2008 at 9:44 am
oh i love acheville i alll of its divesity
November 19, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I live in Greenville,North Carolina.i really hate it here.I am originally from Merced,California.Not to far from San Francisco.Yeah,I am openly-Gay,i live with my 5 year relationship Lover.I kind of don’t fit in here,people are really rude,you know closed-minded,the attitudes and vibes.they are extremely Homophobic here.The Gays here even act very funny.your typical RedNeck crap you have to put up with here.Anyway,I Love San Francisco’s huge Hippie district,The “Haight-Ashbury” District.And Golden Gate Parks-Hippie Hill.The “Castro” District is pretty Hot Too,The Whole City is very open-minded.Gay-Friendly,and Flamboyant.Anything Goes,it’s the most Gayest city in the world.believe me,i know.i’ve lived there and if you want to dress wild,and hold your lovers hand in public,or kiss it is totally OK to do so.Unlike here,in Greenville you have no where to be yourself.which i’m myself every day and i get hassled for it.But Yeah,i so heard that Ashville,North Carolina is just Like San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury Ditrict.You have Gays,Heteros,Punk,Goth,CyberGoth,Hippies,Hipsters,Ravers,DragQueens and Freaks,you know the Crusty Gutter Punx.Thats how Haight-ashbury is,very Groovy,Hip and Funky.having neon colored hair in San Francisco is quite normal.Is Ashville for me?????Is it like Haight-Ashbury or Atlanta Georgias Little Five Points District?????
November 26, 2009 at 4:01 am
Hi Mav,
I live in Greenville too, and am working to change it for the better. If you would like to join the casue and haven’t already moved to Asheville (who could blame you!) reply back or register at my web site and leave a note.
November 26, 2008 at 10:56 am
[…] of growth was the highest in more than 40 years. Rising fuel prices played a role. But so did the revival of downtown districts and a growing acceptance of bus travel among younger travelers. Because of them, the […]
December 4, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Really loved the article. After having lived in San Francisco for 25 years I am focusing on relocating within the next few years and something strong seems to be pulling at me to choose Asheville and I have rarely been further East than the Rockie Mountains.
I’m wondering if there are programs for reduced cost housing for those on Social Security Disability as it only pays out at$1,100 monthly.
Asheville appears to have the approx. amount of people I’m looking for in my next place to live with a keen mental climate and artistic environment, plus 4 seasons sounds fascinating to me.
Being 52 ( I’m young at heart and of mind ) I can see where i wouldn’t make a great roommate prospect as most folks on Craigslist looking for housemates seem to be in their 20’s+.
I’m wondering if anyone out there has moved from the Bay Area to Asheville; I’d love to hear your feedback.
Thanks,
Robert Richman
nmhcrtrbr@yahoo.com
January 26, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Have lived in Asheville since the early nineties. What we have that the rest of the world needs is a true sense of community. Community doesn’t mean out of control gentrification at the expense of minorities and the poor. If that’s your big plan for reclaiming your downtown, you’re doomed to failure.
If you want constant renewal, dynamic positive continual improvement, aim not for homogeny but diversity. Attract and keep artists, LGBTs, racial minorities, refugees from other states and other countries looking for better lives. Involve all your human resources in change- especially churches who are great at organizing and meeting goals, the elderly who have lots of time, patience, and expertise, and school children who have boundless energy, enthusiasm, and hope for the future.
Practice tolerance until the city gets so good at it that it’s second nature. Celebrate ethnicity with folk dancing, food tasting, and musical events. Encourage artists and craftspeople by letting them sell their wares in under-utilized spaces, such as parks, industrial areas, or under overpasses.
Find ways to appreciate individuality in concrete ways. Encourage people to dye their hair green if they want. Hold community costume contests. ‘Characters’ provides free PR for your city as an interesting place and are built in photo ops for tourists and journalists. If don’t want your local characters hanging out on corners with too little to do, employ them as street performers, parking attendants, security, or tour guides to show the tourists around on historical, cultural, ghost, or other specialty walking tours.
Celebrate what is good together. Find creative ways as a community to improve what needs improving. Together lift those neighbors who need more help than the rest. When they can, they’ll want to give back to the community too.
Encourage community media, special events, and free classes of all kinds. Encourage everyone young and old to participate so that no one has the chance to feel bored, unwanted, misunderstood, desperate, useless, or alone.
Give people good reasons to walk around downtown and chat with people they wouldn’t meet otherwise (with festivals, fireworks displays, parades, street performances, open-air theater, and sidewalk art shows.) Give your city endless opportunity to discover all that is wacky, wonderful, and valuable about itself. Just watch the crime plummet as other people get to know and love those people who seemed to have nothing in common with them.
As for tourists, they’ll come once to see what all the fuss is about and will want to come back again and again.
April 3, 2010 at 1:07 am
Great to see posts about Asheville on a Richmond blog site. As a former resident of Asheville I can relate to many of the positive perceptions of that atypical, southern city. I am occasionally asked how Asheville was able to capitalize on the urban renaissance in 1990s and why Richmond seemed to be sleepwalking through this uncharacteristically urban decade. Simple, Asheville focused on its people and its public realm. In terms of people, the city has had a strong policy of tolerance and acceptance of all types of people and ideas that are extremely progressive. One result is that the city has become a mecca for entrepreneurs. This has everything to do with the cultural history of the city and its roots as a destination for America’s industry moguls during the guilded 18th century, e.g. G. Vanderbilt. By the 1920s, grand sanitoriums and institutions were being founded making Asheville known for both its spiritual and physical healing emphasis. This community has never left and as a result, health and spirituality reign as Asheville’s target markets. Culturally, these communities helped develop an urban community and by the 1990s had found their way into positions of significant influence. This meant the same fervor for spiritual and bodily health became more noticable with the physicality of the city itself. As result Asheville’s public realm is one of best in the nation. So much so, that it has been called the “Paris of the South”. Unlike many in Richmond, Asheville believes that YES, great sidewalks matter, pedestrian only streets matter, curb extensions matter, alfresco dining matters, parks surrounded by restaurants and retail matters, greenways through the city matter, public parks where there are fruit trees for the public to pick fresh fruit matter, emphasizing both affordable and high-end housing downtown matters, bike lanes matter, public art matters, placing donation containers strategically around downtown for the City’s homeless non-profits matters, and a thousand other programs that ultimately attract a diverse population of individuals and entrepreneurs to visit, start a business, and contribute, matters greatly to citizens.
Asheville loves large scale planning. The difference between Richmond and Asheville, however, is that Asheville has mastered the art of IMPLEMENTATION! Something that Richmond has continuously struggled with, including its latest downtown plan. Another benefit that Asheville has is its relationship with regional government. Asheville is the county seat and has the ability to annex county land when needed. This forces cooperation and collaboration among jurisdictions when making, not only land use decisions, but also socio-economic decisions, such as where to locate important institutions. Richmond, conversely, has been extremely challenged by the adversarily relationship with its neighboring counties who have been steadfast in their focus on the low density, euclidean, suburban typology. Unfortunately for Richmond, affective regionalism is likely both a distant and legless advisory committee.
This is why I have always felt that Richmond should focus agressively on its gateways. Not the interstate highway vistas of the central banking district, but those 1/4 mile areas at the city/county demarcation. If there is to be little to no cooperation, then the City must give the market areas of extreme density and amenity that are close to where they live; a profound sense that they are leaving the suburbs and entering the city and all of its cultural richness, economic dynamism, and physical elegance.
I’ve lived in Richmond since 2003 and its downtown is still dead most hours of the day and night. Depending on who you talk to, there are multiple reasons why this is still the case. As a result I don’t have many compelling answers. However, I believe citizens have become subject to a profound “can’t do” attitude. I have noticed on several occasions people claiming that “that won’t work here in Richmond” or “we tried that, it didn’t work”. This is troubling, but not insurmountable. As Richmond slowly becomes populated with people that are not “native” to Richmond, those constraints will command an ever shrinking audience. Richmond can learn much from places like Asheville. Time will tell whether they can learn enough.
September 28, 2010 at 1:36 am
im looking to relocate to nc and thinking about ashville any help? me wife and 1year old daughter.im in alaska now. want to move. redgrote@yahoo.com
October 29, 2010 at 8:31 am
looking to move to asheville i’m originally from alabama and my fiance is english we looked up asheville one day and it ticked all the boxes for us! i was just wondering if any natives to asheville have any advice on where are the best places to live but still be affordable for a new couple starting out?
November 2, 2010 at 9:11 am
Excellent points to consider when voting for city officials, a “master plan” and to emphasize the need to support local businesses! I love the bookstore idea and wonder if that’s the route The Fountain Bookstore in Shockoe Bottom is trying to go? They seem so easily overwhelmed.
May 14, 2011 at 9:55 pm
I like Asheville- just wish it was associated with better memories.
August 24, 2011 at 8:13 pm
naturally enlarge girth of pennis…
Downtown Revival: A lesson from Asheville, NC « Urban Richmond~…
March 21, 2012 at 12:30 am
orlando FL…
[…]Downtown Revival: A lesson from Asheville, NC « Urban Richmond~[…]…
October 13, 2012 at 1:30 pm
What were the protestors protesting?
July 26, 2013 at 12:32 am
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