Asheville Outlets Taking Shape for Spring 2015 Opening

ASHEVILLE, NC—The developer of the Asheville Outlets says that construction on the 325,000-square-foot open-air center is progressing for its spring 2015 scheduled opening.

Developers New England Development and partner Tremont Realty Capital are working to transform the enclosed Biltmore Square Mall into the new Asheville Outlets that will feature 75 manufacturer and retail outlets, as well as a food court and open-air covered pedestrian-only walkways.

“Asheville sees more than 9 million visitors each year,” says Sharon Morgan, general manager of Asheville Outlets. “This retail center will certainly be a strong draw for the visitor market and for local and regional residents as well. The resulting economic impact to our community will be sizable; almost 1,000 direct jobs and more than $8 million in state and local tax revenue.”

Construction activities are well underway, New England Development officials say. The new indoor/outdoor experience is now clearly visible, as almost the entire roof that covered the walkways has been removed. To date, subcontractors have recycled 65 tons of steel, six tons of copper and 60 tons of scrap metal at the project site. Any concrete removed will be reused as road bedding by a local sawmill.

Once construction is complete, the property's architecture will combine historic charm and the unique style of local "mountain village" design with modern detailing that is found throughout Asheville, according to the developer. The development will utilize local stone, stucco, shingle roofs, open trusses, and a color palette reminiscent of the historically renowned inns and homes found throughout Asheville.

Adams + Associates, based in Mooresville, NC is the project architect for Asheville Outlets. Winter Construction of Atlanta is providing construction management services.

New England Development recently opened Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach, FL and plans to open the Outlets at Little Rock in Little Rock, AR in 2015; and the Des Moines Outlets in Altoona, IA and the Outlets of MI in Romulus, MI in 2016.