Opportunity Appalachia in WNC

Opportunity Appalachia Selected Projects – North Carolina

• Innovation Campus, The Industrial Commons, Morganton, NC – Creation of a business accelerator and workforce training center with specialized manufacturing courses to support a hub for innovation in the textile economy. Estimated costs total $51.6 M with creation of 60 high-quality permanent positions.
  
  
• Oak Hill Commons, Pathways & Procurement, Asheville, NC – Construction of 28 new townhome units to serve as affordable housing for the Asheville community. The minority-owned project sponsor estimates costs to total $7.8 M and creation of 100 construction jobs.
  
  
• Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall and Folk School Visitor’s Center, John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC – Creation of a new dining hall and expanded Visitor’s Center to strengthen the Folk School’s operations and connection to the community. Total costs estimated at $5 M with creation of 25 permanent jobs. 
  
  
• Smith Mill Works Expansion, Smith Mill Works, Asheville, NC – Expansion of a community business park to facilitate growth of agricultural and other small businesses as well as development of a community center. Total costs to be determined and creation of 75 permanent jobs is estimated. 
  
  
• The Balsam Mountain Inn, Balsam, NC – Restoration to feature 48 guest rooms, fine and casual full-service dining options, full bar, coffee shop, brewery, spa, and gift shop along with hiking trails across the property’s 21 acres. Total costs estimated at $16 M with creation of 100 permanent jobs.
  
  
• The Old Glory Mill, Burke River Trail Association, Rhodhiss, NC – Transformation of 1907 former mill building into a mixed-use downtown center to include housing, restaurants/shops, river recreation access, town hall, event space, and more. Total costs estimated at $16 M and creation of 54 jobs.
  
  
• West Marion Inc & Alphonso Hardy Technology Collaborative, West Marion Community Forum, Marion, NC – Former pre-integration school for the Black community to transform into an inclusive multi-racial community center housing local nonprofits and businesses, a community kitchen, health clinic, and technology center, supporting Marion’s BIPOC community. The minority-led project sponsor estimates costs to total $10 M with creation of 48 jobs.