Post Helene: Biltmore Village Recovers

Biltmore Village: A Historic Gem on the Path to Recovery

Biltmore Village, a quaint shopping and arts district in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, is a community rich in history, charm, and resilience. Originally designed in the late 19th century as a planned community to house workers of the iconic Biltmore Estate, the village has evolved into a thriving hub for local businesses, art galleries, restaurants, and boutique shopping. However, like many small business districts in the area, this beloved section of town was heavily impacted by recent hurricane Helene. Read more about what is to come for this iconic subsection of Asheville, NC.

Catastrophic Devastation from Helene

Hurricane Helene, which dumped catastrophic amounts of rain upstream in the Swannanoa River Valley, swelled the river to a flood stage of 27.3 feet, leaving most of Biltmore Village underwater. Even with many buildings specifically designed to withstand flooding in the area, this unprecedented flood left businesses under feet of water.

Yet, through these difficulties, Biltmore Village has maintained its charm and appeal, with business owners and community leaders working to navigate challenges and find solutions for long-term sustainability. Many business owners have been quick to begin rebuilding efforts and reconstruction of iconic parts of Biltmore Village, like the Bohemian Hotel, are well underway.

This photo depicts the height that the water reached and can be seen at 10 Brook St, a mixed-use building in Biltmore Village. Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego

Signs of Recovery and Growth

Investment in infrastructure has played a key role in the area’s resurgence. Even though we are currently months, and years in some cases, out from normalized use of the village, flood mitigation efforts, improved pedestrian pathways, and revitalization projects have made the village more accessible and attractive for decades to come. Additionally, local leaders have been focusing on marketing efforts to highlight Biltmore Village’s unique character, drawing in both tourists and Asheville residents to revisit the area, including the world-renowned Biltmore Estate.

Looking Ahead

The foreseeable future of Biltmore Village appears promising, with continued economic recovery and community-driven initiatives fueling its progress. Strategic partnerships between local businesses, city planners, and tourism organizations will likely strengthen its position as a must-visit destination in Asheville. Currently (February, 2025), significant progress has been made, signaling a positive trajectory toward recovery.  However, some businesses are in limbo, waiting to see if and how they can rebuild, and what regulations the city of Asheville may impose. 

The Red Tape Toward Rebuilding

The City is working to untangle insurance payouts and potential financing.  One challenge to business owners is understanding the city’s UDO (Unified Development Ordinance).  Current language in the UDO about repair and replacement of buildings in the floodplain is unclear, leaving the potential for confusion about the requirements for properties identified as having been substantially damaged. If a building in a flood zone sustains damage that’s more than 50 percent of its market value before the storm, it’s deemed “substantially damaged” and when rebuilt, the building has to comply with current standards, which can require elevating the structure.

The resilience and determination of the Biltmore Village community have been instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, fostering hope for a thriving future.  As Biltmore Village moves forward, its history of resilience and adaptation suggests that it will not only recover but thrive, continuing to serve as a cherished landmark for locals and visitors alike.

For those that feel inclined to help the rebuild efforts, feel free to donate through the organized fundraiser page here.

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Blog Author and Real Estate Advisor, Michael Calogero, is a resident of Asheville, NC and has seen how much the area was impacted. However, Michael has also seen the strength of this community and how much affected areas have rebuilt in such a short timeframe. To discuss more about how Hurricane Helene has impacted the real estate market or how you might navigate the real estate market in Western North Carolina as a buyer or seller, make sure to contact him here. You can also learn more about Michael here.