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Asheville -- June 26, 2023: Asheville is about to go through a big change thanks to a large grant of $3,000,000. With the great help of the Mellon Foundation's Monuments Project, the money will be used to change the look of Pack Square Plaza and the entrance to The Block.
This is in response to the many suggestions made during the Pack Square Visioning Project in 2022 and 2023. This project is part of the Mellon Foundation's plan to change the way Americans remember the past by giving money to public projects that show the variety and complexity of American stories.
The influx of money will make it possible to carry out a number of priorities that were set by the public. This will make sure that the redesigned places really reflect the goals of inclusion, accessibility, and cultural enrichment. With construction-ready plans for phased changes, Pack Square Plaza will be turned into a place that not only celebrates the city's rich multicultural expressions but also makes everyone who visits feel safe and welcome. The goal of this public area isn't just to look nice; it's also to bring people together and make them feel like they belong to a community.
In addition to the changes to the building, the grant will help grow programs for storytelling and oral history. These projects will record and share the many different histories that have shaped Asheville, making sure that all of its residents' stories are told and honored. By putting these stories together, the city will make a tapestry of stories that shows who it really is, honoring its past while accepting its lively present and bright future.
One of the most exciting things about the grant is that it will be used to improve the physical and societal links between Pack Square Plaza and The Block. The Block, which was once known as the Black business area of East End Valley Street, is very important to the history of Asheville. The grant will make it easier to plan and build better connections, which will make it easier for these two important areas to work together smoothly. By bringing this link back to life, Asheville will show appreciation for the strength and contributions of its Black community. It will also help the economy grow and encourage cultural exchange.
Collaboration between the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and community partners is key to the success of these projects that will change the city. The desired results will be more likely to happen if they work together to make sure that the projects backed by the Mellon Foundation grant meet the needs of the community. By working together, they will make sure that the redesigned spaces really show what the residents and tourists they serve value and want.
The draft Vision Plan from the Pack Square Plaza Visioning process was put out for public feedback on July 21, 2023. This is to get the community more involved. The public will be able to give feedback through an online site, and on July 28 and 29, 2023, they will be able to do so in person at several events. People in the community will use these talks to find out more about the grant money and share their thoughts and ideas. The dates and times of these events will be released soon and posted on the project website so that everyone who wants to can take part and help shape the vision for Asheville's future.
In the end, on September 12, 2023, the Pack Square Vision Plan will be shown to the Asheville City Council. This important step will be the result of a lot of planning, working together, and involving the community. By then, the hopes of the community as a whole will have been turned into a plan for changing Pack Square Plaza and The Block.
More information at The Pack Square Visioning Project
WNCTimes
Image: Asheville City Government
