Some sites carry a history that is easy to overlook.
Once an auto mechanic shop, this downtown Asheville property has been transformed into a vibrant gathering place where ecological function and community life work together. Working within the constraints of the existing building footprint and urban context, OLA organized outdoor dining areas, pedestrian circulation, and planting spaces to create a welcoming destination that strengthens the public realm.
Beneath the surface, stormwater biofiltration systems capture and treat runoff on-site, reducing impacts to downstream infrastructure and improving water quality. Above ground, a Butterfly Tier Pollinator Habitat established in partnership with GreenWorks introduces native habitat and seasonal interest to the heart of downtown.
The project demonstrates how even small urban sites can contribute to a healthier watershed, support biodiversity, and create meaningful places for people to gather.
