In partnership with the City of Asheville, the Historic Resources Commission invites the public to join partners for a lunch and learn featuring Donovan Rypkema of PlaceEconomics. The event will take place at the YMI Cultural Center on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided; seating will be limited to 75 persons and pre-registration by Friday, June 5th is required to attend.
“Donovan is a world-renowned expert on the economic impacts of historic preservation as it relates to housing affordability,” said Alex Cole, Historic Preservation Planner for the City of Asheville. “As communities across the country continue to confront ever-increasing housing needs, highlighting the positive role historic preservation has to play is essential to protecting the places that define Asheville.”
Friday, June 12, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
YMI Cultural Center, 39 S. Market St., Asheville
Registration information
The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County recently saved this historic home in the East End-Valley Street neighborhood from demolition. PSABC then undertook a full-scale renovation of the home, partnering with the Community Land Trust and the City of Asheville to ensure it was maintained as neighborhood-scale affordable housing. Photo courtesy of Will Hornaday.
This event has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect views or policies of the U.S. Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior.