Asheville’s popular River Arts District—and the many businesses within it—sustained major damage during Helene. But there are numerous signs of a rebirth. Plus, more good news from around North Carolina.
We live in a cold, cold world…and this weekend I mean that literally. As you know if you live in the Tar Heel State (and not under a heat rock), we are currently under a state of emergency due to the winter storm that is bearing down on us as I type.
The snow is scheduled to hit the fan sometime on Saturday, turning into sleet, ice, slush, and whatever other wintry mix is known to wreak havoc on roads, trees, and energy infrastructure. Stay tuned to your most-trusted local meteorologist and/or news source to learn about how the storm is affecting your respective town.
In the meantime, I’m here to warm you up with my version of chicken soup for the soul: Good News Friday. There have been some cool things happening across North Carolina, including some positive signs at Asheville’s River Arts District, which was hit hard by Helene in 2024. Let’s get to it.
Historic theater in Mount Pleasant gets an update
A group of local business leaders have purchased and donated the Paula Theater in Mount Pleasant to the aptly named Mt. Pleasant Theatre, Inc., which plans to renovate the historic movie theater and turn it into The Avett, a live music venue and performing arts center in downtown Mount Pleasant.
The 13,000-square-foot, 634-seat theater will be named to honor the Avetts, a family that has called Mount Pleasant home since 1947.
“On behalf of Scott, Seth, Bonnie, and the entire Avett family, it is especially meaningful to have this new theater named for our family in our hometown,” said Jim Avett, father to the famed Avett Brothers and an iconic regional musician in his own right. “We look forward to helping it become a premier destination for live music in the state and region.”
The renovation will preserve the theater’s original stage, façade and architectural character while updating the space for modern performances and audiences, according to a release announcing the plan on Thursday.
“This historic building has been at the heart of Mount Pleasant for generations,” said Dr. Allen Dobson, a longtime Mount Pleasant physician and one of the local business leaders who donated the building. “Bringing this landmark back to life will preserve an important piece of our history, return it to active community use and provide a space for the entire region to enjoy.”
Popular coffee shop in Asheville’s River Arts District reopens after Helene
The Davidson-based Summit Coffee saw one of its Asheville locations destroyed during Helene, but this week they announced their return to the city’s recovering River Arts District. This time they’re bringing some local friends to play music.
The new Summit Coffee location will operate as such during the day, but at night Hi-Wire Brewing co-founders Chris and Bryna Frosaker will launch their newest venture: Joyful Noise Listening Lounge and Kitchen.
Located at 37 Paynes Way #009 in the Wedge Studios (formerly Bottle Riot Wine Bar), Joyful Noise is described as a “listening lounge where impeccable sound takes center stage, paired with thoughtful food, drink, and hospitality,” in a release announcing the planned spring 2026 opening this week.
“The RAD has been a huge part of Summit Coffee’s story, and losing our space there was incredibly hard,” said JT LaBruyere, owner of Summit Coffee’s Asheville locations. “Being able to return through this partnership with Joyful Noise feels like coming home. We’re excited to once again serve coffee in a neighborhood that means so much to us and to be part of a space that celebrates resilience, creativity, and community.”
Complementing the music program and full bar will be a small-plate food menu formed by Chef Josiah McGaughey, James Beard semifinalist and former co-owner of Vivian, which was also forced to close in the River Arts District after sustaining damage during Hurricane Helene.
Charlotte’s Trella Uptown opening represents first community of its kind in North Carolina
Developers, affordable housing advocates and city officials on Thursday celebrated the opening of Trella Uptown, billed as North Carolina’s first Class A mixed-income, mixed-use luxury apartment community, located in Uptown Charlotte’s First Ward.
What makes Trella special is the public/private partnership that led to its construction, utilizing a mix of public and private sources including low-income housing tax credits, city and county housing investments, private equity and debt. The effort was led by Charlotte housing authority INLIVIAN and Maryland-based development firm Urban Atlantic.
The complex comprises 353 total luxury mixed-income apartment units, 70% of which (247 units) will be priced at market rate while 30% (106 units) will be committed to providing affordable housing for folks earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI). Thirty-two of the units will be reserved for residents earning 30% of AMI or less (approximately $23,000 annually), and those residents will also receive supportive services from C.O.R.E. Programs Inc.
“Trella Uptown represents what is possible when we as a community commit to growth that includes everyone,” said Fulton Meachem, president and CEO of INLIVIAN. “We are so proud to bring the first-of-its-kind mixed-income and mixed-use community to Charlotte. This community brings affordable, high-quality housing to the heart of Uptown, where opportunity, jobs, food, entertainment and transportation intersect.”
