New $5 million condo development may be coming to River Arts District

Christian Smith, Asheville Citizen Times
·3 min read
A rendering of 100 Craven Street, also called The Collective at Hazel Mill, a new development that submitted its application to the City of Asheville on Nov. 9. Site plans and renderings were developed by national engineering firm INTEC.
A rendering of 100 Craven Street, also called The Collective at Hazel Mill, a new development that submitted its application to the City of Asheville on Nov. 9. Site plans and renderings were developed by national engineering firm INTEC.

ASHEVILLE - A new 20-30 condo development may be coming to the intersection of Hazel Mill Road and Craven Street in the River Arts District adjacent to New Belgium Brewing Company, according to an application accepted by the city on Nov. 9.

The project is tentatively called 100 Craven Street after its address, but site renderings show the name may change to The Collective at Hazel Mill. Site plans show a five-story building and a 23-space parking lot over 1.2 acres, and the site's application notes it will cost $5 million to develop.

"The developer is aware of the importance of this property as a key component and gateway to the River Arts District and is eager to work with the community," records of a community meeting about the project on Oct. 29 say.

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The developer also recognizes the "unique characteristics of this site," and is "working to minimize the impact onthe natural environment," the report says. If the development is approved, the report says it will take a number of steps toward this goal:

  • "Stepping" the building up a steep hill instead of working against it, minimizing impact on the earth and on views from surrounding properties.

  • Restoring a part of a stream that runs along Hazel Mill Road.

  • Preserving and incorporating wetlands along Craven Street into landscape design.

  • Using natural “boardwalks” and trails instead of hard surfaces and concrete where possible.

  • Preserving over 50% of the existing tree canopy.

According to pre-application notes made by city planning staff in March, the developer's intention is to sell off units, not rent them, but will attempt to have four units deemed "affordable." According to community meeting records, the developer does not want to have a “luxury Condo” product. Instead, it will provide wide range of prices in a mix of flats, studios with lofts and two-story townhouse-like units.

The site is located in the River Arts District Neighborhood Transition zoning district, according to the city's website, and is located nine minutes from downtown Asheville, according to Google Maps. Plans show the property facing Craven Street but with parking access on Hazel Mill Road.

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The property is owned by 9999 Hazel Mill Road LLC, which is owned by Ohio-based developers Neyer Properties, which shares staff with the LLC and is located at the address listed on site plans developed by national engineering firm INTEC and submitted with the application. Charlie Pond, founder of Kentucky-based development management company Gravitas LLC, is the development's Project Executive and confirmed the LLC's ownership to the Citizen Times.

Neyer Properties did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Now that the application has been officially accepted by city staff, it heads to the Technical Review Committee on Dec. 19.

Christian Smith is the general assignment reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Questions or comments? Contact him at RCSmith@gannett.com or 828-274-2222.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Condo development in west Asheville at Craven Street, Hazel Mill