New Bridge, Access Roads and Industrial Buildings Open at Enka Commerce Park

Enhanced Infrastructure to Support Growth, Accessibility, and Economic Development

Asheville, N.C. – The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) today announced the opening of the bridge and access roads at Enka Commerce Park, a key infrastructure development designed to improve connectivity and facilitate future economic growth. The long-anticipated opening caps a decade of strategic infrastructure investment in the Park by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners stimulating economic vitality in the Enka Candler Community. Buncombe County investments totaling more than $10 million supported construction of the bridge overpass and recently completed Enka Heritage Parkway, as well as Bob Lewis Sports Park and design planning for the Hominy Creek Greenway.

“This project represents an investment in the future of the region,” said Amanda Edwards, Chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “Infrastructure investments in key industrial corridors like Enka Commerce Park will continue to yield high paying jobs, encourage economic mobility and speed the economic recovery of communities across Buncombe County.”

Enka Commerce Park was initially established in 2000 by the Fletcher Partners, following the acquisition of approximately 200 acres from BASF to support the needs of a growing industrial base in Buncombe County. The newly revitalized acreage was once home to the American Enka Company whose rayon manufacturing operations spanned some 2,200 acres and employed over 7,000 residents until its closure in 1985. Located near the intersection of Smoky Park Highway and Sand Hill Road, the commercial and industrial park has experienced significant growth in recent years, benefiting from adjacent developments including the A-B Tech Enka campus, Bob Lewis Ballpark, Biltmore Lake, Enka Intermediate School and the master planned Hominy Creek Greenway. These public projects continue to attract private sector investment and new employment to the Enka community, fostering a balance of economic, educational, and residential amenities.

“As Asheville continues to grow, projects like this are essential to ensuring that our communities remain safe, accessible and economically vibrant,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. “The Council was pleased to advance the proposed development on this historic site and excited to welcome the next era of high-wage, employment growth in Enka.”

In January of 2023, Asheville City Council approved conditional zoning for a 45.5 acres parcel and 3 speculative industrial buildings totaling over 600,000 square feet of prime industrial space. The North Carolina-headquartered construction firm, Samet Corporation, committed to the historic preservation of the iconic Enka Clock Tower as an architectural feature of the redevelopment. Offering 136,080 square feet of Class A industrial space, the first of three buildings at 261 Enka Heritage Parkway is available for sale or lease and listed by Lee & Associates.

“The most exciting aspect of this redevelopment is the transformative impact we’ve seen in and beyond the Enka community,” said Martin Lewis of the Fletcher Partners. “As home to many of the leading employers in Western North Carolina, Enka Commerce Park offers growing economic and recreational opportunities that will strengthen the region and its residents for the next generation.”

Today, Enka Commerce Park is home to 15 major employers including the Freudenberg Group, Haakon Industries, Magnera, New Belgium Brewing, Southeastern Container, TSA Choice and Wicked Weed Brewing. Taken together, these employers represent over 1.5 million square feet of taxable commercial property and support over 500 high-wage jobs in Buncombe County. The newly completed bridge and access roads represent critical infrastructure improvements that will divert commercial freight and truck traffic from nearby Sand Hill Road while addressing traffic congestion and enhancing accessibility for workers, residents, emergency services and local schools.

“These vital investments in modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art buildings will support continued economic growth in alignment with AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan,” said Sabrina Rockoff, Chair of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County. “The timing of the opening today could not be better as we begin to make real progress in the economic recovery of our city and county.”

This infrastructure improvement project was made possible through the contributions of several funding partners, including Buncombe County, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Council, and the Fletcher Partners.

About the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County

The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a 30-year public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its five core services: business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, marketing and recruitment, workforce development and Riverbird Research. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. For more information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.

About Asheville Chamber of Commerce

For 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic vitality in our community. Asheville Chamber initiatives have stimulated economic development, influenced public policy and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.

Today, the Asheville Chamber:

• Fosters collaboration among business and community leaders from Asheville and throughout the region,
• Connects businesses to the resources they need to be successful and
• Takes a reasoned and thoughtful approach to advocating for business and community issues.

Together with its members and partners, the Asheville Chamber nurtures a healthy business environment to create a better quality of life and future for the people who call our region home. Learn more at www.ashevillechamber.org.

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