News

City set to break ground on Seventh Avenue makeover

The city awarded a $3.5 million contract for a new streetscape of Seventh Avenue.

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 16, 2024

After years of planning and anticipation, the city of Hendersonville will break ground on the Seventh Avenue Streetscape Project later this month.

The $3.5 million project includes new sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, as well as water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure improvements. The project area extends from Seventh Avenue’s intersection with Grove Street to Maple Street and covers part of Locust Street.

“In the next few weeks, you'll start seeing construction fencing and detours on 7th Avenue, as we break ground on the Streetscape Project,” said Community Development Director Lew Holloway. “While your favorite spots on 7th Avenue will remain accessible, the community will be asked to make some adjustments that allow this long-awaited project to occur.” Holloway highlighted that sidewalk access to businesses will remain open while the street is closed to vehicle traffic with parking available on Maple, Locust, and at many of the individual businesses.

The project's construction timeline includes a full street closure of 7th Avenue from Grove to Maple starting January 29 while underground work is substantially completed. Construction mobilization including fencing installation will begin later this month. Closing the street to vehicular traffic from January 29 until May will help expedite construction impacts. Sidewalk work, landscaping, and final paving will take place over the summer and fall with periodic closures as needed. Harper General Contractors will be leading the project.

In addition to highlighting the character of the historic district, the Streetscape Project aims to improve walkability and strengthen the connection between Hendersonville’s two municipal service districts. The project joins other recent public investments in the area including Maple Street improvements, construction of the Hendersonville Police Department, the Downtown Art Route Sidewalk Mural Project, and the creation of the popular Hendersonville Farmers Market on Maple Street. This active focus on revitalization has involved eight facade improvement grants, eleven new retail/restaurant business openings, and more than $1.5 million in private investment since 2020.

An informational, drop-in meeting for the Streetscape will be taking place at the Historic Depot at 650 Maple Street on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 4-6pm. Meet representatives from Harper General Contractors and City Staff to learn more about the project and future infrastructure improvements on 7th Avenue. For updated project information, please visit www.hvlnc.gov/7thStreetscape.