North Carolina Construction News staff writer
WEAVERCOOKE recently joined development partners, local officials, and housing advocates to celebrate the groundbreaking of Rocky River Apartments, a new affordable housing community that will add 120 housing units to Buncombe County.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held May 20 in the Town of Woodfin, just north of Asheville, marking the start of construction on the $44.4 million development led by Fitch Irick Corporation in partnership with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency.
Rocky River Apartments will consist of three four-story wood-framed residential buildings with interior corridors. The development will offer a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments designed to serve households earning between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. Building One will include resident amenities and leasing offices.
The community, designed by Martin Riley Architect, will help address the growing demand for affordable housing in Western North Carolina.
“We’re excited to continue building on our growing relationship with Fitch Irick and proud to play a role in delivering impactful housing to the communities we serve,” WEAVERCOOKE said on social media following the event.
The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) is supporting the project through the allocation of 48 project-based vouchers, helping ensure deeply affordable housing opportunities for residents earning at or below 30% of Area Median Income.
“Affordable housing is one of the most urgent needs in our community,” said HACA Chief Executive Officer Ella Santos during the groundbreaking ceremony. “When families have access to affordable housing, they are able to thrive, plan for the future, and fully participate in the life of this community.”
The development is being delivered through a partnership that includes Fitch Irick Corporation, HACA, Buncombe County, the Town of Woodfin, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, and other public and private stakeholders committed to expanding affordable housing options in the region.
Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with project completion anticipated in early 2028.