Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place

Asheville City Market. Events Series: Tailgate Markets

2008-07-23T10:57:49Z

I love tomatoes. How about you? . . .And . . .if you are relocating to, visiting or already live in Asheville, North Carolina-where can you go to find some of the best-tasting, locally-grown, organic, fresh-off-the vine tomatoes possibly in the entire world? Why...at one of Asheville's tailgate markets, of course...such as:

The Asheville City Market. This is a new tailgate market... just "sprouted up" in the Spring of 2008.

Yes, there are other tailgate markets in convenient locations around Asheville, and we'll try to visit them all as part of this series...

but aren't you curious about the "new kid on the block" ? I am. So last Saturday I headed out to find...Tomatoes.

Little did I know that I would encounter a lot more than tomatoes.. .such as

fiddlers

bakers

jovial companions

smiling neighbors

dogs with wagging tails...and some of the most attractive locally-grown, organic produce you could imagine. (see photo to your left, below)

I had parked in a City of Asheville Lot for free and snapped a couple photos (notice color of sky in the photo above,right) as I walked to the market. Asheville's renowned architecture was evident.
The carolina blue skies were, too. (see photo). But would the Asheville City Market prove to be so amazing ?. . .and would I find some outstanding red tomatoes?

IEureka! Tomatoes and more. Here, for your simple pleasure are interesting conversations with eco-friendly vendors. Sixty (60+ ) vendors enjoy telling you about their offerings- everything from organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy products, to farm foods, prepared foods, crafts, weekly entertainment, and ...

•       plants for your vegetable garden and landscape
•       fresh (oorganic) produce
•       farm-raised meats including lamb, pork, beef, and trout
•       goat cheese (three vendors!)
•       cage-free eggs
•       farm-made ice cream
•       cider
•       jams, preserves, salsas
•       breads, pastries, and cookies
•       herbs
•       honey
•       natural soaps and other herbal body-care products and gifts
•       hand-sewn quilts and other modern and traditional mountain crafts
•       shrimp from the family of NC fishermen

Oh. It's a delicious experience at Asheville's City Market! The smell of baked goods and coffee in the air, the sounds of music, laughter and neighborly chatting. The touch of a tomato still warm from the sun.

The Asheville City Market is just one of the cultural perks here in Asheville. It is an outreach of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project . The Project informs us:

"By buying directly from local farmers and shopping and dining at those businesses that support local farmers, you are getting the freshest, best-tasting food, contributing to a strong local economy, and helping preserve our rural mountain landscape."

To learn more about Appalachian Grown, ASAP's branding program for family farms, click here. Looking for Mountain Farm Tour information? You'll find it here.

Interestingly, the Asheville City Market is located at the Public Works Building, on S. Charlotte Street, right on the edge of downtown Asheville so it's convenient for visitors to Asheville- folks staying at nearby hotels and B&Bs. They amble in at intervals during the day.

MAP courtesy of ASAP Connections

Just a side note: If you choose to relocate to Asheville (or already live in the "Happiest City in the USA") you might want to discover a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) .

This is a direct connection between the farmers and the consumers. Every week throughout the season, the CSA community receives a box of that week's harvest. Most of the local CSAs deliver to several convenient area locations, but they always encourage the community to come to the farm, and even to participate in the growing of their food.

Hope you enjoy my candid shots of Asheville City Market,(seen in this post) but if you'd like to see what a professional photographer has to say about Asheville's City market...just click here for more photos

Now, I'm taking a poll. Who else love tomatoes and tailgate markets? Let me know.

(This was written for my friend LXS who's a Tomato Nut.)

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions and events you'll just love. Check THIS out!

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Asheville's 434-acre Public Garden Let's Get Together! EVENTS. (A Monthly Series about Asheville, N.C.'s ALLURING ARBORETUM

2008-07-19T01:46:48Z

Asheville's 434-acre Public Garden is a splendid gathering place. If you live in, are relocating to, or simply are visiting Asheville, North Carolina you can expand your dreams and ideas, brighten your days and feed your heart and soul within our eco-friendly community. Because so many of us love the idea of stewardship, this "events" column focuses on positive futures, the expressions of sustainable community, nature and eco-wise development all revealed on a regular basis at Asheville's Arboretum.

I am a member of the North Carolina Arboretum. And, I must admit, am not objective about this amazing place! Once you discover it, you won't be either. A center for education, research, conservation and economic development, and garden demonstration, the Arboretum offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.

It is a 434-acre public garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest. Surrounded by the dense folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, the Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural garden settings in America.

This photo of one of the numerous trails at the Arboretum is courtesy of the Center.

Established in 1986 by the General Assembly as an inter-institutional facility of the University of North Carolina, the Arboretum came into existence nearly a century after this country's father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted, (probably urged on by my beloved landscape architect, Charles Eliot first envisioned such an institution near Asheville.

The vision became a reality and is thriving today! North Carolina's Asheville's Arboretum invites you to enjoy the goings-on this summer. . .JULY EVENTS: Here are just a few of the events/programs offered in JULY:

1) Here's one those of you who love the idea of garden art are sure to find amazing. Ten (10) of our regional artists have won a place at the Arboretum this summer. They are exhibiting their work in a show called show. "Kaleidoscope". We like the idea that we can see beautiful form, pattern and change in three-dimensional art objects and in a natural setting as I tour the Arboretum's gardens. How about you?

If you are intrigued, catch the "Kaleidoscope" ~ Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit. Now through October 31, 20088 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day
Arboretum grounds

2) Photography Exhibit.My son is a professional fine art photographer. He is also a great co-pilot as I scout the Greater Asheville area for eco-logical-home places. Here is something he recommends ..."fine art photographer Cynthia Walker's exhibition of favorite images of insects and flowers, inspired by the mountain region. The exhibit conveys hidden simplicity within the complexity of nature's patterns and light.
Now through October 14, 2008
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Education Center

3) Perfect for a Sunday afternoon...take the 10k Self-Guided Hike, a 6.2-mile tour of the Arboretum's gardens and woodland areas.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center

4) and if you don't feel like walking.... enjoy an environmentally friendly, smooth ride along Arboretum trails on this (see photo). . .

It's a Segway^TM Tour known as "A Glide Through Nature" Segway^TM. The tour lasts three hours and includes an instruction session followed by a tour of the Arboretum. $45 weekdays; $55 weekends. Call the Arboretum at 828-665-2492 (x317) to schedule a tour.

The photo of the Seqway adventurer's is courtesy of Wikipedia

5) On Wednesday, July 23. ..it's back to walking, so put on your walkin' shoes and join us for an "In-Depth Walk: What's New in the Garden." An Arboretum staff horticulturist will lead the way focusing on the alluring features in the gardens. We'll be meeting at 10:30 a.m. Baker Exhibit Center .This is the perfect opportunity to get to know Asheville's 434-acre Public Garden .

6) Next Thursday, July 24 how about exercising the old grey matter, too? You can avail yourself of a full day of seminars. Four speakers will discuss the unique medicinal plant biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians and the role of the Bent Creek Institute in their pioneering work of documenting medicinal properties of our mountain native plants treasury.
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Education Center

Let's Get Together! and Check back for my August Arboretum Picks!and some news about Creating a Beautiful Home Landscape.

Read the latest news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Check THIS out!

Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?
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Asheville's Sustainable Communities, a Series. This on Montford & Griffins (2)

2008-07-13T07:10:19Z

This second of the series on Montford might surprise you because it looks at some unusual "creatures" that "live" there...GRIFFINS... well, Griffins as architectural interest points for those restoring this neighborhood of Asheville, NC .

Much of the Montford neighborhood was designated as an Historic District and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Since that time, historic restoration has been on the rise. Today the Montford community is home to residential properties and even several businesses. This neighborhood has developed a new outlook centered around the historical restoration projects of a number of devoted stewards of a variety of architectural designs.

here is a photo of one of Montofrd's neighborhood parks..quality of life is important in this neighborhood

Even with the variety of designs throughout Montford, consistent patterns and use of materials like shingles, stucco, pebbledash and half-timbering comprise a cohesive Montford impression." . But, as you may surmise from the photo in the first post in this series,, it is the people in the neighborhood, through their vibrant sustainable community spirit, that make this neighborhood a great place to visit and an even greater place in which to live.

For many years, I've been keeping a close eye on homes being restored and looking for new stewards in Montford. Prices range from the low $200s (condo) to about $1.4M.

But, if you are curious and want to know how much an elegant, already restored home in the Montford Neighborhood costs...You may be surprised when I tell you! A residence e described as a "...stunning home adjacent to beautiful Montford Park (see photo) ... fully restored Queen Anne ..." winner of the Griffin Award from Asheville's Preservation Society. ...with handiwork of artisans known for their old-world methods of replicating woods, marbles, and distressed leather in such masterpieces. .. may sell for under $1M!

Just FYI: The Griffin Awards are named for the ancient Greek creature of mythology. You will remember that this character was endowed with the body of a lion and the wings of an eagle. Back in the day in Asheville, a griffin often was placed at the entrance of a building to protect those that entered and you can see them today at the entrance to the Grove Arcade in downtown.

There are numerous Griffin Award Winning restorations in Montford. Here's one from 2008.

The Gunn Residence... 2008 Griffin Award for Residential Rehabilitation

Designed by Richard Sharpe Smith in 1901, this building remained mostly uninhabited for 18 years until its purchase by Kate Gunn in 2006. Relying on the original architectural drawings, a restoration of the building has been recently finished.

You will find this neighborhood close to the downtown area of Asheville. Montford Road runs right into downtown which is within an easy walk or bike ride.

*Look for #3 in this series where I'll tell you about at least one cozy B&B ...also a Griffin Award Winner.
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~ Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ? Read the latest news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local eco-tourist attractions you'll just love then ~

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Asheville's Sustainable Communities. A Series. 1. Montford, a Charming, Sustainable Neighborhood of Asheville, NC

2008-07-11T22:33:01Z

The Montford Neighborhood ~ Asheville, N.C. ~A Community Embracing a Sustainable Future. Part I.

MONTFORD: Where one picture tells the story. (see photo)

The MONTFORD NEIGBORHOOD in Asheville, North Carolina: Historic and Happening!

Here is a neighborhood of about 300 acres that expresses a rich diversity of architectural styles, most constructed between 1890 and 1920.

Montford, like its residents, is a place of complex overall character.. .Romance and history are in the air, so expect to " feel" the artistic influences.

Even residents of other neighborhoods in and around Asheville find themselves drawn to Montford. Maybe you will see them strolling down a tree-lined boulevard. Maybe you will notice how often they stop to gaze at the majestic homes that grace the streets.

Maybe you will be amazed when you see this for yourself!

Certainly, you will find wondrous architectural details including those from such trendsetters as Bruce Price, Bernard Maybeck, the prominent Arts and Crafts architect, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Arts and Crafts style made popular in Asheville by noted society architect, Richard Sharp Smith, supervising Architect to Biltmore House is well-represented here in Montford. According to the National Park Service, "Smith's preference for pebbledash, shingles, high-pitched roofs and heavy stone foundations contributed to an overall form for the neighborhood.

* I'm going to visit Montford tomorrow on my way to the downtown tailgate market. I'll bring back more photos to share in # 2. Stay tuned for more on this very delightful neighborhood you may, one day, call home.

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Asheville Picnics and Day Trips: Trip # 2 of the Series

2008-07-11T16:29:02Z

Quality of Life. "Green" Communities. Sustainable Innovation in Homes and ECO-Friendly Living. THIS Asheville area picnic (one of a series of picnics planned with all of us in mind) includes all of the above.

It's an Appalachian wonder, all right, where you can just hang out, toss your picnic basket on a rustic table beside the mighty French Broad River (see photo) and really get into a slower pace.

Bring along some homemade peach cobbler, and just "BE" for an afternoon...or longer.

Today I'm taking you with me to a place where the French Broad River runs boldly and small towns nearby nestle comfortably beneath the sheltering wealth of the oldest mountains on Earth.

On the way, we will stop to chat with an organic farmer about the benefits of a gentle lifestyle for horse lovers, Permaculture advocates, and life in a small town.

Take the small college town of Mars Hill, in Madison County North Carolina, for example.(see #1 of this series) . Mars Hill, just twenty minutes or so north of Asheville-with its old-time white wood gazebo on Main Street is a place to find "good old-fashioned" things happening. Like this July, as I chatted with a couple from Michigan who are investing in a land trust for their family, a parade with horse-drawn floats and a 20-piece marching band distracted us. I could see my clients' eyes light up.

"How often do you get such homespun pleasure?" they asked.

"Life, as an art form, is present in our lives around Asheville almost every day!" I smiled.

Yes, you may come to know what the poet Albert Camus , one of my all-time favorite poets meant when he said,

"A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened."

Great and simple images.

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__~o
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Asheville Picnics and Day Trips Series

2008-07-10T21:36:46Z

This is the time of year when folks head for the mountains and the cool breezes to be found there.

For those of you who are yet to discover the splendor of Asheville's hills that quickly expand into peaks, come on over and visit...and you may just choose to stay. There's some local exploring to be done. So grab your picnic basket, fill it with locally-grown and baked goodies (more on our fabulous eateries later) and discover the art of relaxation all over again.

THIS IS A SERIES ON PICNICS and the sustainable culture that's on the rise in the Greater Asheville area. Check back for a number of day trips you can enjoy in the mountains just to the north of Asheville in and around neighboring towns and villages of Mars Hill, Marshall, and Hot Springs, all located in Madison County, North Carolina.

Today we're off to Mars Hill in Madison county.

Madison County, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, is a rural county. It is only about half an hour or so from Asheville, but with approximately 3,500 small family farms, agriculture is the largest industry in the County. In fact, agriculture accounts for half of the gross income in the County.

When you pack a picnic and head to Madison County, where streams and pastures and coves abound,you may look out your window as you drive the scenic country roads and notice tobacco crops. That's because Madison County is the largest burley tobacco producing county in North Carolina. In fact, there are approximately 2,350 farms with burley tobacco quotas. A decade ago, burley tobacco accounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But recently, as you may suspect, the demand for tobacco has been on the decline.

Not to be defeated, local farmers have become creative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying. You now will find local growers cultivating the most amazing organically-grown crops. Vegetable and organic and nursery crops have increased dramatically in the last 20 years. . Stop by the family-run vegetable, fruit, and flower market just as you come in to Mars Hill, and you will see what I mean.

And/or you simply could stop by a tailgate market at Mars Hill College. Tomatoes are almost in season. Time for the famous lettuce and tomato sandwich on home-baked bread? You can collect the ingredients all right there, then stroll across the street to campus (see photo I took not long ago, just below) for an incredible picnic.

Fresh. Old-fashioned. And sweet. What do you think?

All we need now is a banjo and a fiddle.

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    ~o
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Strong, Caring (and Green) Communities

2008-07-08T08:27:53Z

I'm out on the Land today. I'm out on the Land in an Asheville area eco-development we represent. It has open spaces and forest land and waterfalls and climbing cliffs and streams and an heirloom apple orcahrd now producing juicy specimens you'd love to eat...(see photo) oh it is amazing!

So here I am, out on the Land, feeling very privileged indeed... and thinking.

I'm thinking about a notable quote a real state client/friend here in Asheville sent for my review this morning:

"...we need to grow strong caring communities in which we get more of our human satisfaction from caring relationships and less from material goods. ..."

This notable quote comes from David Korten, BA in psychology from Stanford University and MBA and Ph.D. degrees from the Stanford Business School, Vietnam War as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Visiting Associate Professor of the Harvard University Graduate School of Business where I taught in Harvard's middle management, M.B.A. , and doctoral programs, and can be found in YES Magazine

I'm thinking.....As real estate professionals, we stand at a very powerful intersection of time and place where how we view the "landscape" really can have a positive outcome for our clients. So often, it seems to me, we lose track of that positive influence we can have on the lives and fortunes of our clients .

Possibly, just being in a "strong caring community"
(such as the one where I am today) it is easier to keep in mind.

All this strong caring community musing has me thinking about grandkids. . .just now learning to scramble across the floor...and a carpet that contains toxic chemicals they could ingest that has been shown to cause cancer...as opposed to a non-toxic surface... What would that surface be? ECO Certified® Real Estate Consultants and ECOBrokers know the answer. . .. Just ask us and we'll tell you =)

Again from Korten: " Wouldn't it be nice if it turned out the choices we must make together to survive together are the same as the choices we need to make to create the very world everyone wants? If that were true, then we should be able to just get together and make it happen. Wouldn't that be cool?

Maybe we should start a conversation to find out to find out what people truly want." As a real estate professional, I'm up for that. How about you?

Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Join the conversation at the Eco-All-Stars Group where AR Members "Cycle in" to the Latest in Trends & Green News ...like this handy home energy saver calculator .

Curious about green sustainable communities? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
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(*)/'(*)

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The opinions expressed by the Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of janeAnne "Greenolina" http://activerain.com/janeanne Broker/Owner of The ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm www.EcoStweardRealty.com which is not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Workforce Housing in Asheville and /or Your Town

2008-07-07T18:40:13Z

Asheville's primary community development goal is to "preserve and increase the supply of workforce/affordable housing so that decent, safe housing is available in Asheville for people of all income levels."

As Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultants, today, keeping the above statement in mind, the "E-Team" at our Firm has been checking around to see what's out there for first-time home buyers. We are looking to see if we can find several single residential properties that could meet the needs of (for example) a schoolteacher with a young child. Here are a couple one of our Brokers found right off the bat:

"... a new starter home with large living area and spacious kitchen. Dining area features french doors to back yard. Neutral colors throughout and all kitchen appliances provided. Large master suite with nice walk in closet. solid new home in convenient location - a great opportunity for first time buyers."( $159,000)
"...a darling new bungalow with nice covered front porch and cedar siding. Open living, dining and kitchen areas with wood laminate. Large master suite with views. All kitchen appliances included. The convenient location and great price make this an excellent starter home. " ($165,000)

Noted: "BRING AN OFFER" is a prevalent remark ...HMMM! something to think about. . .

Now, looking to 2009 opportunities for workforce housingin Asheville, NC, we are keeping an eye out for the disposition and The Eagle-Market Street Redevelopment site where a 10-story building with 46 for-sale residential units over 3,600 square feet of retail space and 27 on-site parking spaces close to the center of town is proposed.

According to City officials, among the goals of re-development are:

• Increasing housing opportunities for a diversity of residents, including those earning less than area median income.

• Activating currently under-utilized areas to further strengthen Asheville's economy.

• Supporting sustainable developmentpractices that include mixed-uses, multi-modal transportation opportunities and efficient use of existing resources.

• Supporting projects that will include a number of environmentally sensitive design features and the use of LEED standards. .

• Seeking high standards and best utilization of public assets.

• Incorporating vibrant public spaces into developments.

• Promoting living and working in downtown.

Interesting to watch how what we set out as objectives can become trends. In the consumer-driven area of sustainable development and affordable housing, we are thinking "trend"! How about you?

Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Join the conversation at the Eco-All-Stars Group where AR Members "Cycle in" to the Latest in Trends & Green News ...like this handy home energy saver calculator

Curious about sustainable workforce housing? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*)

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The opinions expressed by the Activerain Network and it's members and those providing commentsare theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of janeAnne "Greenolina" http://activerain.com/janeanne Broker/Owner of The ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm www.EcoStweardRealty.com which is not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

RIVERS and REALTORS® Series

2008-07-06T07:50:05Z

River Update

As REALTORS®, more and more we are educating ourselves about and facing environmental issues. One such issue is pollution. Pollution affects quality of life. And quality of life is important to our real estate clients and to all of us. This post is one in a series of posts on environmental issues having to do with water, water supply and rivers. Although local in outlook, the story touches everyone, so please tell us what's happening with your rivers.

Situation: The Pigeon River Watershed struggled to improve its water quality for at lest 30 years. The Clean Water Act of 1972 helped as did improvements in the Canton Paper Mill, So, over the years, the watershed began to feel the positive effects.

However, for the first time in just as long, the water quality in the Pigeon River now is suffering and is on the decline. In fact, the NC Division of Water Quality's latest assessment shows that the number of failing or impaired streams in the Pigeon River Watershed has increased by 60% from 2006 to 2008. And this is true not only of the Pigeon River, but Greater Asheville area's mighty French Broad River as well. (see photo I took of this spectacular river to your left.)

Causes: Many people are embarassed to say...Human... including industrial waste, dumping and soaring population growth. North Carolina's rising population is affecting our natural resources. According to RiverLink, the regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play,

21 people move to North Carolina (NC) every hour - more than 500 people per day.
By 2030, NC's population will increase 50% to 12 million.
At least 383 acres per day are converted to new roads, shopping malls and housing developments.
NC leads the U.S. in lost farm and forest land - more than 1 million acres in 10 years.

But There's Plenty of Hope: Recently, at least one elected official accompanied by a group of paddlers, canoed the Pigeon River. They toured the paper mill, and performed health assessments that included monitoring sediment runoff and industrial pollution dumps, eroding construction sites, illegal mining, stormwater runoff, and effluent from the mill. They took water quality samples along the way. They noted that effluent from the mill all still have a major impact on the river. And they voiced concerns and charged the culprits.

According to RiverLink,

"Five major trash dumps and four sites with sediment and erosion control problems were uncovered. One trash dump was over 30 feet tall, but the culprit left behind their mail enabling us to track them down. The slime and sheen on Waterville Lake was another major area of concern. This lake acts as the end of the drain, catching and storing much of the pollution from the Canton paper mill and polluted stormwater runoff."

To see pictures and read more about the trip, visit RiverLink's BLOG

Curious about green issues...building, remodeling and communities? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
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(*)/'(*)

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Exploring Green Communities: The Eco Villages and Eco Communities You Could Love

2008-07-04T16:26:34Z

The LOOKS COUNT Series. Urban infill communities. Part III.
Re-Development of a Brownfield Area/ The River Arts District.

"The plan celebrates the area's rich past, its present reinvention as Asheville's premiere arts district, and its future as a vibrant sustainable community."

FIRST Imagine

stepped pathways
public plazas
terraces and courtyards
a bowling alley
a children's library of art and architecture
an artists' cooperative
restaurants and shops

THEN check this out to see what the developer envisions.

A newsletter containing this artist's rendering from the develpoer reveals that, " ... the ground floors along [the street] and the pedestiran alley will be a vibrant, energized mix of art galleries, cafes and shops. The floors above will be residential lofts perfect for artist live/work space..."

If you are a person who values sustainability, the New Urbanism, and in establishing and engaging in green communities you may be attracted to a creative yet traditional approach.

If you are a person who wants a say in how this all comes together, as many of my clients are, you may be fascinated with how the developers approached the project. They hosted a design charrette with renowned urban planners and architects. Dedication to sustainability , in this case, includes studios, cafes, shops, homes on a "human scale" and on a workforce budget ( Loft presales are in the #150,000. range.)

AND if you are a person made thirsty for more... mark July 19, 2008 for the grand opening of Wedge Brewing complete with a showing the drive-in classic Thunder Road which was shot in Western North Carolina And get this...it includes a chase that roared right by the Wedge Brewery location.

Curious about green building, remodeling and communities? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*)

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The opinions expressed by the Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of janeAnne "Greenolina" http://activerain.com/janeanne Broker/Owner of The ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm www.EcoStweardRealty.com which is not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Green Communities, Eco Villages and Eco Communities in Greater Asheville, NC

2008-07-03T07:33:24Z

LOOKS COUNT Series. Urban infill communities, What's True Green?

The headline read, " Urban Infill Project Embraces Green Building Guidelines." Intriguing, eh? First of all...what are they talking about? 1) What is an urban infill project? And 2) what is meant by "Green Building Guidelines"?

Seems GREEN is red-hot these days, especially right here in Asheville, N.C. But, let's face it, there's small-case green, my friend the author calls this "Faux Green"... and then, well, there's True Green. As Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants, we are impressed with the WNC HealthyBuilt® Home program. It's checklist of Green Requirements encompasses all aspects of environmental design and construction including: site and landscape, materials, indoor air quality, heating and cooling systems, the building envelope, and water efficiency. Interestingly, an objective third party is required to check on and make sure buildings pass the WNC HealthyBuilt® inspection at various phases of building process. This tells us that we are looking at True Green possibilities.

There are a number of True Green urban infill projects in our town..

Today I will tell you about just one urban infill development where True Green building and community cooperation add up to a sustainable special find. This WNC HealthyBuilt® eco-community is within walking distance of downtown Asheville. Nineteen units (four townhomes and ten single family) equal True Green real estate for sale.....but this is not what might be considered "workforce housing". Prices range from the mid $400Ks to over $1M. And buildings are just over 1,000 to just under 3,000 square feet.

Proximity to downtown counts. And LOOKS COUNT! (I wrote about that earlier and this is the second in the series on that matter.) With views, stately trees preserved and cared for, top-of-the-line non-toxic finishes, common areas and outdoor living spaces, this is one example of an urban infill project that could thrill the home buyer. All this - a mix of condos, townhomes, and single family homes the interested person will find on just a 3.5 acre parcel, where literally dozens of 50-70 year old trees still stand because land planning and land use also count in this situation...and factor that into the cost..

"We felt compelled to honor this land, to do something that made sense for the neighborhood," said the eco-developer. And you will not find gates separating this green community from the rest of the area.

" We just want it to fit in, to have it feel like it's been there a long time, and we're hoping a variety of people, from young families to empty nesters, will appreciate our efforts. This will be home to people who make a conscious choice-to buy here because it's green and because it exemplifies a quality of life they desire."

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LOOKS COUNT!! ! What We All Can Do About 'Em ( Land Use, and Community Planning)

2008-07-02T17:11:32Z

Land, being mostly privately held, as you know, makes the landowners/stewards, developers, and the local city-county elected officials the land use decision-makers. That's something to consider when it comes to what we all can do in terms of land use and community planning right in our own/combined backyards.

So, bring on the Permaculture Pros, our real estate clients. They explain the above and more... that Permaculture is about designing ecological human habitats and food production systems. (further defined below) We sure have expanded our land use perceptions since we met them....and not only for farmland, but for urban-dwellers.

Our Permaculture Pros, with their innovative thinking and foresight, are a bonus of our being in the practice of real estate here in Asheville. As Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants, we're always intrigued with ways developers and builders can facilitate the creation of "green space" in their plans and, expanding on that, how urban communities can create green areas where previously there was a forgotten alleyway or small plot. If you asked, I'd tell you that how we use land and the land use decisions we make today are hugely important in long-term environmental issues. And I'd add...LOOKS COUNT.

So here begins a from time-to-time series of shared stories as we learn more about how all of this comes together.

Resources:

PERMACULTURE. According to Wikipedia, "the word permaculture, coined by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren during the 1970s, is a portmanteau of permanent agriculture as well as permanent culture.

Through a series of publications, Mollison, Holmgren and their associates documented an approach to designing human settlements, in particular the development of perennial agricultural systems that mimic the structure and interrelationship found in natural ecologies"

Introduction to Permaculture: Concepts and Resources

Links to USDA Sustainable Agriculture Programs
Sustainable Agriculture Network

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center

Sustainable Agriculture GRANTS http://www.sare.org/grants/

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Green Communities, On the Path to Land Planning and Design, Part 3

2008-06-30T08:37:30Z

In yesterday's post I touched on the initial steps in land planning. I mentioned Equinox Environmental, one of a few Greater Asheville Area Firms whose core services provide land planning for our real estate clients.

The path to land planning is exciting.

It's another kind of "party" than I've described so far in the other posts in this series. . . and it takes longer.

Oftentimes, our clients use land planning services during the due diligence period. Then the land-savvy professionals may have deadlines but manage to help our clients.

Sometimes too, land planners come in after acreage has been acquired to help our eco-developer clients to, as David of Equinox says, "... develop and make use of their properties while protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural resources on their lands."

That's essential in a green community.

So the next step is also a "party" but it's not only on the Land, but with the Land...And it has to do with sustainable design -the water, wetlands, rare species, habitat, and historic features there.

Two examples of the latter:

1) Recently we listed a property with the remnants of an old gristmill on it. The eco-developers of this green community chose to replicate the gristmill. It will serve as the hub of the eco-community.

2) Also just this past month we did a site evaluation on a potential urban infill project. Although very close in to Asheville, it contains the ruins of an 18^th century building. These are the kind of historic features that could, with thoughtful planning, become centerpieces of a new green community.

While on the path to sustainable land planning and design, our real estate clients (and we) appreciate being able to consult ,during and/or after due diligence, with eco-savvy experts who can transform special features of and on the Land into site amenities. These, David of Equinox tells us, " hold functional, aesthetic, and educational appeal....[whether that be for]... large scale planning of greenways and developments to site specific design of residential landscapes or restoration projects....".

The opinions expressed by the Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of janeAnne "Greenolina" Broker/Owner of The ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm www.EcoStweardRealty.com which is not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Join the conversation at the Eco-All-Stars Group http://activerain.com/groups/GREEN where AR Members and you can "Cycle in" to the Latest in Trendy Green News -- Curious about green building, remodeling and communities? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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Green Communities, A Party on the Land, Part 2

2008-06-29T13:16:35Z

This is the second of a series of posts on eco-sensitive land development and eco and/ or green communities in the mountains of western North Carolina.

As a point of interest...

Here are a few criteria for such stewardship projects as set out by the Green Communities organization:

Integrated Design
Site, Location and Neighborhood Fabric
Site Improvements
Water Conservation
Energy Efficiency
Materials Beneficial to the Environment
Healthy Living Environment
Operations and Maintenance

(To learn if your project has the potential for green classification and Green Communities grants and funding, see the full criteria and requirements. Request the Green Criteria.)

In the first post, I told the story of how we had gone out on the Land (and a very nice sized building site it will be) and had staked out the site with spritely little orange flags. It was a party.

Of course, this is just the "first shovel" so to speak. If you love the Land, (as I do) you need to be prepared for at least 500 questions that such an experience will evoke from the soon-to-be new stewards of this Land...So today, I'm tossing just a few of those questions your way.....and possibly a smile or two ...

First of all, I have to tell you that there really is nothing like hanging out at the local eateries in a vicinity to get the latest news...and answers to questions such as: How's the soil for growing things, what options exist for getting power to the Land, can we make a swimming hole? and so forth... But, as Eco Certified® Real Estate Consultants, we 're inclined to refer our clients to even more experts for answers, as you will see as you read the answers to the first round of questions are new Land Stewards had for us.

First Round of Questions...Your Turn is Coming Up Next

Q. How's the soil for growing things?
A. Have a soil analysis done by Professional Analytical Lab

Q. What kind of animals could/would you have there?
A. seems good to me for farm animals, but let's ask the Permaculture people

Q. What kind of animals will be roaming around?
A. deer, turtles, snakes, bugs, maybe a coyote or two, bear??

Q. What options exist for garden/mini-farming?
A. First let's ask the solar -orientation expert you select and then , again the Permaculture people

Q. What are some grading options?

A. We can give you three references to just the folks who can answer that questions

Q. Where's the spring? Could/would we set it up so it irrigated a garden?
A. Let's ask the Seller/Seller's Broker to show you the spring...and ask the pond expert you select to talk with you about irrigation/ponds, etc.)

Q. How exactly does one put in a pond that would be home to wildlife, fish etc.
A. Again... let's ask the pond expert you select to talk with you about irrigation/ponds, etc.

Q. Could there be a swimming hole part (14' diameter section)?
A. Lots of regulations about this. We will need to consult. We will refer you too a number of experts for their opinions.

Q. How high up the ridge would it be prudent/ecological/economic to build?
A. We have some very definite opinions about this having to do with steep slope ordinances, erosion and soil disturbance....but... those are just opinions...so let's plan on asking this to the person you have chosen at Equinox Environmental.

Q. Could we put a trail with switchbacks up to the top and put a little fire pit up there
A There may be fire district restrictions. Let's check on that.

Q. How much poison ivy can one clear out or should we make just a trail up the hill?
A. If I were as allergic to PI as you are...I would want to look carefully at this.

Here's our local answer man...

Now it's your turn...ask away! We'll try to answer....

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of janeAnne "Greenolina" http://activerain.com/janeanne Broker/Owner of The ECO-Steward Real Estate Firm www.EcoStweardRealty.com which is not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

ECO Curious? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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Due Diligence: A Party on the LAND

2008-06-26T10:23:21Z

We've been doing lots of "due diligence" on acreage and eco-community building sites this year.

We actually love this time period. It's a "party" where we get together with everyone and enjoy a project of the land-kind.

Here follows a series of posts on the typical steps involved as we coordinate with land experts and professionals the new land stewards and those who have been taking good care of the land for many years (or maybe for just a few years)..and all of us aim toward a happy and successful adventure.

Step One: new land steward goes out onto the building site specifically to decide where to place the house, well and septic.

Oftentimes, the buyer/steward will seek the advice of land planners and designers, landscape architects, dowsers, solar-orientation folks and Permaculture experts before putting the initial footprint in place. (see photo I took to your left)

Timeframe: In any case, there is a time-sensitive element to the due diligence process so we pay close attention to coordinate the review and decision themes.. Here in the mountains near Asheville, many home sites require septic evaluations (Perc tests) so where the buyer/steward wants the home to be needs to be set out so that those responsible can apply for the septic permit.

We have found that the house and well locations do NOT need to be EXACT....but the DO need to be flagged so we also pay close attention during this time to make sure that ground flags to mark the drain field are in place.

What Happens Next: As soon as the buyer/steward has decided about approximate building site location...

a sketch of the building site showing the approximate locations of home/septic/well is prepared.... the well will be at least 100' from the septic field.
the septic permit is then applied for (fee is involved)..one thing we note is that one never can tell how long it will take to get the Perc Test Folks out to do the test... the more time we allow for the septic folks to get out, the better it is...
in the meantime, the Site for the perc test is prepared. Bright orange ground flags are placed to mark the drain field and where several test holes will be dug. We coordinate the diggers who do the clearing out the proposed septic area. Requirements as shown on the sketch are 60 linear feet per bedroom with the trenches spaced at least 10 feet apart. There also needs to be a reserve area of equal size to the active septic area.

For 3 bedrooms, there would need to be 180' plus 180' for a total of 360 linear feet. This could be six 60' long trenches in an area 60' by 60' wide. Or there could be four 90' trenches in an area 90' by 40' wide. Or three 120' trenches in an area 120' by 30'. you get the idea.

So that's the start...and oh...in order to increase the solar gain, we let those involved know that they may want to think about putting the field on the south side of the house, so any tree removal for the septic field will bring more light into the house.

Stay tuned...photos and the next step will follow.

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From a Marketing Perspective LEED for Neighborhood Development

2008-06-25T14:13:32Z

We've been introduced to a new project of sizable interest to our clients. It's called, LEED for Neighborhood Development . If you are interested in the "green" niche market this is something new on the horizon that caught our attention. It takes into account a number of "True Green" facets that those of us watching the growing interest in green-built homes and eco-friendly land use and design certainly are noting with great interest. So I have a couple of questions today. . .

First question: From a marketing perspective, how many of the following LEED 50+ features would you/your clients be attracted to when looking for eco-friendly homes, land, neighborhoods and eco-communities? (I've started this list with those I pay special attention to here in the mountains...)

Steep Slope Protection
Site Design for Habitat or Wetlands Conservation
Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands
Conservation Management of Habitat or Wetlands
Proximity to Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities
Wetland and Water Body Conservation
Farmland Conservation
Floodplain Avoidance
Minimize Site Disturbance through Site Design
Light Pollution Reduction
Innovation in Design
Open Community
Universal Accessibility
Community Outreach and Involvement
Local Food Production

Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
Certified Green Buildings
Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Reduced Water Use
Building Reuse and Adaptive Reuse
Reuse of Historic Buildings

Housing and Jobs Proximity
Smart Location
Brownfield Redevelopment
High Priority Brownfields Redevelopment
Reduced Automobile Dependence
Bicycle Network
School Proximity

Reduced Parking Footprint
Compact Development
Diversity of Uses
Diversity of Housing Types
Affordable Rental Housing
Affordable For-Sale Housing
Walkable Streets
Street Network
Transit Facilities
Transportation Demand Management
Access to Surrounding Vicinity
Access to Public Spaces

Contaminant Reduction in Brownfields Remediation
Stormwater Management
Heat Island Reduction
Solar Orientation
District Heating & Cooling
Infrastructure Energy Efficiency

Wastewater Management
Recycled Content for Infrastructure
Construction Waste Management
Comprehensive Waste Management

Just FYI...to our eco-friendly clients at least 40 of the features above
will be significant ...

Second Question: How many LEED Certified homes do you have in your town?

Although, here in Asheville, N.C. we have many HealthyBuilt® Homes, (about 500) and the certification process and outcome is said to be on a par (or even better than) LEED... There' only one LEED Certified home in our area! It's described as "....LEED certified home. Generous outdoor living space takes advantage of the gorgeous surroundings, while the interior showcases the latest in sustainable materials. Solar heat, hot water and electricity will minimize bills while maximizing comfort. A detached two-car garage with living space for a guest house..." and costs over $1M..

Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Join the conversation at the Eco-All-Stars Group where AR Members "Cycle in" to the Latest in Trendy Green News &. Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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Green-Built Homes Sold in Asheville, NC Jan-Jun., 2008 COSTS & a GREEN Trends Market Report

2008-06-22T13:52:06Z

FYI- DURABILITY:: Green-built homes are constructed to last for more than a hundred years.

(Here's a photo I took of "tree houses" each beautifully constructed and on a small footprint. No wonder these days more and more I'm hearing...'green is Beautiful!' )

WHAT DO HOME BUYERS EXPECT?

Expect not only durability, but increased energy efficiency, the use of building materials from local or regional resources...
Expect attention to eco-friendly design, environmentally sustainable building practices, site sensitivity and craftsmanship whether a residential property, new construction or remodel utilizes passive energy-saving principles or emerging green technologies.
Expect lower utility ,heating and cooling bills, better indoor air quality and the comfort of knowing that the home has passed rigorous inspections by objective professionals.
Expect decreased maintenance, indoor air pollutants, and long term costs. By the way, if you view upfront costs as an investment those costs will pay for themselves in lower energy and water bills, tax and insurance credits and reduced repair needs.

FYI- COSTS:: Are costs a deterrent in terms of the green-built home? Honestly, take a closer look at the cost. You'll find that price increases generally are only a few percentage points higher. And client demand is fast lowering those points as green practices become increasingly ainstream.

Many of the homes in this report are HeatlhyBuilt® Homes with Energy Star® ratings

GREEN Residential Market -Green-Built Homes Sold YTD in Asheville, NC

Green-Built and Energy Star Rated Homes Sold: Jan-Jun,2008 : 18

Price Range: $122,000 to $715,000

Average Days on Market: About 3 months

Sq. Ft: 850 to 2600

Just so you know...there is a huge demand for Green-Built Homes in the Greater Asheville Area... here's a quick peek at new (green/eco-friendly) construction CURRENT Green Market stats...

Current :: GREEN Residential Market -Green-Built Homes Listings in Asheville, NC

Green-Built and Energy Star Rated Homes: 197

Price Range: $150,000. to $1.5M +

Sq. Ft: 850 to 3,300

FYI:: Look for some or all of these Elements in a Green Home and Eco-community. . .Solar Orientation. . .
Stormwater Management Systems and Planning. . .Attention to Footprint Size . . .Recycling and Careful use of Local Materials.... Rain Catchment Systems. . .Solar Power. . .Tight Building Envelope. . .Durable roofing . . .Landscaping- sustainable design-drought resistant xeriscaping...all with an emphasis on Sustainable Community. . .

FYI:: Clients more and more are demanding energy efficient properties. They love the idea of green-built investment properties as the sustainability factor means excellent ROI. Green builders and/or remodelers for multi-family properties are much needed. Let me know if you can help out. All Statistics are gathered from the Greater Asheville Area MLS and Association of REALTORS®.

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Greater Asheville, NC Area Multi-Family & Eco-Friendly Market Report, Summer 2008

2008-06-22T11:02:19Z

Asheville, NC is home to the University of North Carolina/Asheville (UNCA ) It's a welcoming campus with paths beneath tree-lined streets leading to the various buildings. Off-campus housing is a big plus for many students. Some are first-time home buyers, but others possibly have convinced 1031 investors/ parents of the wisdom of investing in income-producing multi-family properties in this solid Asheville market.

Here in Asheville, we define multi-family properties as 4-plex, Tri-plex and Duplexes. Here's a typical description: "Tri-plex on great street in central location. Close to UNCA and downtown. Views of Sunset Mountain and Grove Park. Has excellent rental history because tenants love these apartments. Lots of windows, granite fireplaces and hardwood floors. Landlord pays for water and lawn maintenance only. . ."

How does that sound to you? If you are like me, it sounds intriguing...and enough so that more information on properties within 20 minutes of the UNCA campus is called for ..so here it is:

There are 41 multi-family properties currently are on the market and are for sale in Asheville's UNCA area. These income-producing properties range in price from (lowest) $140K to (highest) $2.3 M with an average list price of $350,000.
There are currently 4 pending multi-family homes in Asheville's UNCA neighborhoods.
So far in 2008, 14 of these properties have closed with sales ranging in price from $179,000 to $758,000 with an average sold price of about $400K. DOM: Average-78.

Now, looking a little deeper...here are some interesting details!

4-Plex:

7 active listings - Price Range-- $215,000 to $700K
YTD Closed: 2

Tri-plex:

7 active listing - Price Range--$225,000 to $1.8M
One sold YTD - $380K and on the market for about 4 months

Duplex:

17 active listings - Price Range--$140,000 to $480K
There are currently 2 duplexes pending sale
YTD 7 have sold , ranging in price from $170,000 to $400K with an average of about 60 days on the market. Highest -186 Days on the market- Lowest- 77 days on the market.

FYI: Clients more and more are demanding energy efficient properties. They love the idea of green-built investment properties as the sustainability factor means excellent ROI. Green builders and/or remodelers for multi-family properties are much needed. Let me know if you can help out. All Statistics are gathered from the Greater Asheville Area MLS and Association of REALTORS®.

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