News

Kid City daycare could provide 150 slots

By Amy McCraw, Published: April 5, 2024

The Hendersonville City Council on Thursday night voted unanimously to authorize a rezoning request that will allow Kid City USA to open a child-care center in a 11,441-square-foot, one-story building on Ninth Avenue West that last housed a retirement home.

The former Blue Ridge Retirement Home has 21 rooms, 13 bathrooms, a cafeteria, a kitchen, a rec room and a playground. Kid City plans to add a second playground. The child-care center expects to be licensed for 200 slots and likely offer around 150.
“I can’t think of a better use for that property,” council member Jennifer Hensely told a developer of the project shortly before council voted. “I’m happy you guys are doing this.”
Hensley said more affordable childcare centers are needed in Hendersonville, while also mentioning the recent announcement that the Tomorrow’s Hope daycare in East Flat Rock is scheduled to close in 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Lyndsey Simpson said she was also pleased the center plans to require one-way traffic flow for drop off and pick up times. The childcare center will be located two blocks from Hendersonville Elementary School and across Ninth Avenue from a Hendersonville Middle School, both of which see high traffic during dropoff and pickup times.
David Lee, who will be the center’s landlord, told council he thought the childcare center will be a wonderful opportunity for parents who struggle to find affordable daycare for their children. A larger playground is planned for the property and the center intends to offer learning opportunities for the children who attend, he said.
“They really do take seriously the opportunity to educate young minds,” Lee said.
Kid City provides preschool and daycare for children in more than 100 locations across several states including North Carolina.
Lee said the veteran Kid City franchisee will operate a top-notch facility.