North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Construction will begin this summer on a major infrastructure and restoration project at the historic Municipal Building in downtown Asheville, following last week’s approval by city council.
Frank L. Blum Construction Company is the construction manager.
Work includes the demolition and replacement of the elevated slab floor in the fire station’s apparatus bay. A structural assessment completed in 2021 determined that the original 1925 concrete slab is no longer capable of safely supporting the weight of today’s modern fire engines and emergency vehicles.
In addition to replacing the apparatus bay floor, construction crews will renovate interior spaces beneath the slab that will be affected by the work, helping ensure the building remains operational throughout the project. Construction is expected to be completed within one year.
“This project is a necessary investment in our city’s core infrastructure,” said Capital Management Director Walter Ear. “By reinforcing the structural integrity of the Municipal Building, we are ensuring that our first responders have a safe, modern facility to operate from as they continue to protect and serve the Asheville community.”
During construction the Asheville Police Department will remain open to the public and Fire Station 1 will continue operating with one fire company stationed at the facility.
To support firefighters and police personnel during construction, the city will temporarily convert the property at 179 S. Charlotte Street into a fitness and wellness center after the Municipal Building’s existing fitness facility becomes unavailable.