Following approval from City Council at Tuesday’s meeting, the City of Asheville will begin construction on a critical capital repairs and restoration project for the downtown Municipal Building. Located at 100 Court Plaza, the building serves as the headquarters for Asheville Police Department (APD) and houses Fire Station 1. Construction will begin this summer and is anticipated to last one year.
The primary focus of the project is a vital structural improvement: the demolition and replacement of the elevated slab floor in the Fire Station 1 apparatus bay. Originally constructed in 1925, the two-story Municipal Building is a landmark fixture of downtown Asheville. In 2021 a structural assessment revealed that the existing nearly century-old slab is structurally insufficient to safely bear the weight of modern, heavy-duty fire apparatus. In addition to replacing the heavy-duty apparatus bay floor, the project will require extensive renovations to the interior spaces directly beneath the slab that will be impacted by construction to maintain operational continuity.
“This project is a necessary investment in our city’s core infrastructure,” says Capital Management Director Walter Ear. “By reinforcing the structural integrity of the Municipal Building, we are ensuring that our first responders have a safe, modern facility to operate from as they continue to protect and serve the Asheville community.”
No Interruption to Emergency Services
Public safety remains a top priority. Both fire and police operations will remain fully active throughout the construction period, and the police station will remain open to the public. Fire Station 1 will retain one fire company out of Station 1, while the remaining two trucks will respond from nearby stations In preparation for the project, Asheville Fire Department administrative staff moved into a leased office space in 2025.
Support for First Responders
Because the building’s current fitness facility will be unavailable during construction, the City will temporarily activate the property at 179 S. Charlotte Street as a fitness and wellness center. This ensures first responders can maintain physical readiness.
The project team will conduct outreach to any property owners, businesses and residents directly impacted by construction. To stay informed, subscribe for updates on the project web page.