News

Ask Matt ... about potential land sales on U.S. 64

Two acres in the 800 block of Sixth Avenue West are among parcels for sale.

By Matt Matteson, Published: February 5, 2020

Q. What’s up with all the properties for sale in the 700 block of Sixth Avenue West in Hendersonville? Is something big going to happen?

There are four vacant properties for sale along Sixth Avenue West between Justus and Oak Streets across from the new Health Science Center building which is home to Pardee, Wingate, and Blue Ridge Community College. The block is zoned MIC (Medical, Institutional, Cultural) which permits banks, offices and medical facilities but only certain retail businesses. Restaurants are allowed with conditions. Three of the lots are owned by Dr. Leon Elliston. A wooden sign in front of the former Pampered Palate Restaurant advertises the property as a potential business development with 9,735 sq. ft. of retail space on the ground level plus residential units on the second and third floors. The asking price for the three lots is $1,397,000. Suzanne Woolsey, a Beverly-Hanks commercial realtor, reported that the properties have been on the market for over a year however there has been recent interest. Woolsey said the tract could be used for housing such as for Wingate University students, but those developers tend to prefer projects at larger institutions.
The fourth property, which also faces the YMCA, had many tenants over the years (it was the first of three addresses for Two Guys Pizza & Ribs and also operated as the Back Street Grille). This 0.4-acre corner parcel is listed for $475,000. “I’m amazed the lot hasn’t sold,” said James Wilson, a Pulliam Properties agent who has the listing. “Maybe it’s the price point. It is a great opportunity for a medical office complex.” The only property in the 700 block that is not for sale is the law office of William Alexander Jr. “I’m surprised the hospital has not bought the property,” said Alexander. “I hope it’s put to good use.”
A block west on Sixth Avenue (800 block) you will notice another for sale sign. Tom and Mike Cooper have 1.9 acres of prime real estate also zoned MIC. This property has great visibility (14,000 vehicles pass by daily) but site has a steep back slope. Tom Cooper said many people have inquired about the parcel but they have not gotten to an agreed upon price. Pulliam Properties lists the land for $1,295,000.
While we are looking at lots for sale on U.S. 64 let’s go back through town to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Beverly-Hanks has a 162-acre tract for sale inside the Hendersonville City Limits. Often referred to as the Thomas tract, it borders Jackson Park but has access from Tracy Grove Road. A sizable portion of the property is in the floodplain and you may recognize the portion along the south side of U.S. 64 East as that huge wetland that comes to life in the springtime. A real estate description boasts that 68 acres are “high and dry” with a potential for up to 800 residential units, subject to city approval. The asking price is $4 million.

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