Why Transform the Wolfe?

> HOW MUCH WILL THIS PROJECT COST?

A construction estimate provided by Venue Inc. totalled $86MM. Additional owner fees, contingencies, asbestos abatement and other miscellaneous costs will bring the full project total to approximately $100M.

> WHAT IS THE FUNDING PLAN?

Similar projects have shown funding plan options that encompass a mix of public funding and private sector resources to come to fruition. For this project, we will explore every option possible, focusing on philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorships, and the local occupancy tax grants. Applicable governmental agencies will also be approached.

> WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT?

Performing arts centers similar to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (without an arena) located in North Carolina and the Southeast routinely calculate annual economic impacts between $33M & $110M annually. Last calculated in 2016, the Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, which encompasses both the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and an arena, has an annual economic impact to Buncombe County of $42MM. The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium hosts 30% of the complex’s booked dates annually.

> WHY RENOVATE THE THOMAS WOLFE INSTEAD OF BUILDING A NEW FACILITY?

A new building would likely consist of a similar construction cost, and would also require land acquisition and space to build structured parking (depending on location). The current facility site is already owned by the City of Asheville with thousands of parking spaces within a short walk to the front entrance. Additionally, if a new facility were to be built, there is still significant demand to keep the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium open.

> WILL IT CREATE MORE JOBS?

A recent $20M renovation to the ExploreAsheville.com Arena resulted in an increase of 110 full time equivalent positions in Buncombe County.

> HOW DOES THIS PROJECT FIT WITHIN THE CITY’S LENS OF EQUITY & INCLUSION?

The current facility does not meet current American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Last renovated in the 1970’s ADA needs were not considered. A short ramp was added in the lobby after ADA regulations took effect in 1990, but otherwise accommodations are not adequate. The proposed concept is up to date in ADA compliance, with an increased number of seats on every level designated for those with accessibility needs. Hearing loops and other accommodations also included.

> WHO OWNS AND OPERATES THE THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM?

The City of Asheville owns, and operates the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

> WILL CONSTRUCTION AFFECT ANY OTHER VENUES AT THE HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE?

If the proposed concept is acted upon; ExploreAsheville.com Arena: Periodically, yes. Due to significant changes to the entrance and lobby spaces along Haywood rd and loading spaces at the rear of the venue, there will be short periods of time throughout the project in which the arena will need to be closed. Exhibit Hall: No effect. Banquet Hall: Yes, construction of this project will permanently eliminate the banquet hall space. New meeting space, although smaller, is incorporated into this transformation project.

> WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A PERFORMING ARTS CENTER?

Renovation and new construction performing arts center projects of similar scale throughout the country range from as little at $60MM to well over $150MM depending on scope.

> HOW WILL THE RENOVATION IMPACT PARKING IN DOWNTOWN?

As the project is currently in the conceptual phase, there are no definitive impacts to parking associated with the project. However, it is highly likely that at numerous points during the project access to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Garage from Haywood St may be temporarily closed. However, access via other entrances will always be available. Additionally, periodic street closures may occur around the facility. No full parking garage closures are expected during the project.

> WITH THE HIGHER NUMBER OF ANNUAL EVENTS ANTICIPATED AT THE THOMAS WOLFE, WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN PARKING ON EVENT NIGHTS?

We understand the perception that parking is a challenge downtown. However there are thousands of available spaces, and very rarely are most parking garages full. Additionally, the capacity for the proposed venue is roughly 250 seats less than the current 2,431 capacity of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. It is very rare that the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Garage is filled on a night when the Thomas Wolfe is programmed, unless the arena is also programmed. We do not anticipate a significant increase in event traffic in the arena with this renovation, only a significant increase in Auditorium programming.

> WHERE WILL THE BOX OFFICE BE LOCATED?

At the facility, at 87 Haywood St.

> WILL THERE BE IMPROVEMENTS TO ACCESSIBILITY?

YES!! Significant improvements. The facility will be brought up to date in regards to access, seating, restrooms, food service and hearing loops. Additionally, backstage spaces will also be accessible allowing flexibility with performers and speakers as well, which is currently not the case.

> WILL THERE BE MORE BATHROOMS?

YES!! As currently designed, Women’s fixtures will be more than tripled, men’s nearly doubled. Roughly, one toilet for every 36 people during a sell out performance compared to the current of one toilet for every 100 people during a sell out performance.

> WILL I STILL HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES FOR A DRINK?

NO!! As currently designed, total points of sale for food & beverage will be nearly tripled. Roughly, one outlet for every 101 people during a sell out performance, compared the current of one outlet for every 310 people during a sell out performance.

> CAN YOU PLEASE INSTALL AN ELEVATOR?

We can. In fact, we plan to install two elevators to serve all levels of the facility! A third elevator will be installed in the backstage area as well.

> WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION BEGIN? HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

If we allow our design team to continue and design construction documents (remember, what we have released is a conceptual design i.e. phase 1 of 2 in the design world) the design can be ready for construction as early as summer of 2021. However in addition to completion of design, we need to secure funding commitments. Construction cannot begin until the vast majority of the project funding has been committed. When the project begins, it is anticipated that the project should take 24 months.