Asheville, NC

Organizations team up to provide unique, affordable housing and revitalize a struggling community.

The West End/Clingman Avenue area in Asheville, NC has suffered a number of necessary sacrifices in order to benefit the city and state as a whole. Additional highways, streets, and an interstate loop have segregated the region to the point where only 95 housing units remain.  HandMade in America partnered with Mountain Housing Opportunities, Inc. and the West End/Clingman Avenue Neighborhood Association to ensure that affordable homes, coupled with functionality and beauty, were available to those of low to modest incomes.  The partnership is working to bring a vibrant, inclusive, and multifaceted neighborhood together by using the existing arts and cultural assets of the neighborhood.

Nuts and Bolts:

• A grant from the Ford Foundation enabled low startup costs.
• HandMade in America identified and worked with more than 30 artists from the nearby River District.
• Matthews Architecture of Asheville designed the first home in the initative and Carolina Cornerstone Construction was responsible for its construction.  Customized cabinetry in the kitchen, homemade benches, stained glass, and handcrafted tile created a functional and welcoming environment.  With an 1100 sq foot environment, the home included 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with an abundance of natural light.

• In November, the Finely Crafted Affordable Home Open House welcomed the public and opened with a reception of 300 people, including neighborhood residents, the River District Artists, as well as a strong number from outside the neighborhood.
• The Open House received positive media coverage and the River District Artists were well represented.
• The house was purchased for $125,000, under a plan that offered housing payments as low as $695.00 per month.
• 17 more affordable homes that are both functional and beautiful will be constructed in the same manner.
• River District artists were given the opportunity to work in another industry of interest, thus strengthening neighborhood ties with different groups.
• Local artists were recognized as being a unique asset to the industry in North Carolina.
• Different neighborhoods were brought together in an Open House event to share the heritage and culture of North Carolina.

Key to Success:

• Great, cooperative partners make a great collaboration.
• Financial resources (thanks to the Ford Foundation) to enable project implementation.
• Built on existing assets in the neighborhood.

For more information on this program: Handmade in America