Press Room.

DYKEMAN VISION, LEGACY AND LOVE FOR THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER INSPIRES NORTH ASHEVILLE DEVELOPER

Beautification process nearly complete at northern end of Wilma Dykeman RiverWay

The French Broad is a river and a watershed and a way of life where day-before-yesterday and day-after-tomorrow exist in odd and fascinating harmony. -Wilma Dykeman
Excerpt from her book, The French Broad

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - On Thursday, June 14, the North Carolina House recognized the life long contributions of Asheville native Wilma Dykeman. She was a writer, activist and environmentalist whose book, "The French Broad" painted a vivid picture of an ancient river and how it affected the lives of many people in western North Carolina.

One chapter from that book titled, "Who killed the French Broad?" paints a distinct picture of a river in decay due to pollution created by industrial, commercial and other sources.

But the French Broad River these days is cleaner and recent news about development along the river has garnered headlines. The first riverfront development in Asheville, The River Condos, has been taking massive measures to clean up a former industrial site along the river north of downtown, drawing inspiration from Dykeman's legacy. Dykeman died on Dec. 22 at the age of 86 after complications from a broken hip and subsequent infection.

"It is amazing how much this area has changed in the last few months," said Tony Cecil, with Urban Spaces and developer of The River Condos. "I think Ms. Dykeman would be proud about what is taking place down here."

The 104-unit condominium building is located just south of Woodfin near the 19-23-70/Broadway interchange on I-26. The site was home to an old warehouse, but with assistance from Asheville-based landscape architects Siteworks Studios, what was once considered a blighted area is now a tranquil park anchoring the northern end of the 17-mile Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. Urban Spaces has also cleaned up areas north and south of their property line to provide future residents pristine views along the French Broad River, further beautifying the area.

Construction of The River Condos is expected to begin this summer and the environmental-friendly theme will not end at the Dykeman RiverWay. The River Condos will boast true green living in harmony with the French Broad. The River will also incorporate many "green" features including: corkwood or bamboo floors, a partial green roof, a cistern to catch and reuse rainwater, automatic recycling system and an atrium in the center of the building to bring in natural light. The developers have also committed to using Energy Star rated products wherever possible. The River is also being built to uphold the ideals of LEED certification, Smart Growth, and Urban Infill. The project will also feature a kayak/canoe launch, multiple birdhouses, overlook, gazebo, reflecting benches, fire pit area and meandering paths along the river.

The River Condos has also partnered with River Link, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project and Appalachian Voices to ensure that life along the French Broad will serve as a fitting tribute to the Dykeman legacy.

The River Condos is also a member of Adopt-a-Stream and is planning its first river clean up day in August. The Adopt-a-Stream program is a hands-on way for local residents and businesses to get actively involved in improving the water quality of the French Broad River Watershed.

For more information on The River Condos, call 877-717-4837 or 828-734-0411. Or visit: www.therivercondos.com.