ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
Asheville’s Salvage Station music venue might fall victim to eminent domain and have to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.
The venue notified its fans via social media on Thursday.
“We have some sad news to share with you regarding the latest information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation,” the venue wrote on its Facebook page. “By eminent domain, they are acquiring the property we lease at 466 Riverside Drive and have given us an official timeline. We have until the end of this year to finish our 2024 season and then must vacate the property to make way for the I-26 Connector project.”
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Operators lamented the loss, saying it was “no small feat” to revitalize a 7-acre riverfront property that once was a dumping ground and salvage yard.
“Danny McClinton, the owner and founder of Salvage Station, had a vision to clean and transform the property to the venue we all have come to know and love,” the posting said. “The birth of Salvage Station has been a catalyst for growth in Asheville’s thriving music scene and a safe space for our community to gather.”
“We are heartbroken to pack and relocate what we have built, but our Salvage Station family is strong and we are committed to rebuilding,” the posting said. “Where we go is unknown, but for sure, if a salvage yard can become a nationally recognized music venue, we will certainly figure out this next chapter.”
The venue will be open Thursday for a fundraising event, according to the Salvage Station website. Dirty Logic: A Steely Dan Tribute is performing on the outdoor stage at Salvage Station at 6 p.m., with Minør opening the show. It’s an Asheville Music School Presents: Sound Effects Benefit Concert, and kids 7 and younger get in free. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The goal is to raise $35,000 to support AMS operations and the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund, which funds the scholarship and outreach programs.
NCDOT Spokesperson David Uchiyama said negotiations were underway on several properties in that area. 828newsNOW has filed a request for information about those properties and the status of others in that area.
