11/25/2025
This is the best news … rebuilding floodplains …
Salvage Station Stages Comeback With Plans for Indoor Venue, Driving Economic Revitalization in Asheville’s River Arts District Artists, Asheville
Asheville, NC — Salvage Station, one of Asheville’s most beloved and nationally recognized music venues, is announcing major plans to rebuild after its Riverside Drive location was destroyed by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. Today, we are proud to share that our new home will rise in the heart of the River Arts District (RAD), on the iconic McMahan/Pace family property long known as Asheville Waste Paper.
This historic property—held by the McMahan/Pace family since the 1940s and formerly one of the oldest recycling facilities in the United States—was also devastated by Hurricane Helene. Now, in a powerful partnership rooted in resilience and community spirit, the family is opening its arms to Salvage Station to bring new life, energy, and opportunity back into the RAD.
Trey and Whitney Pace shared, “Our family was devastated seeing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Everything our family had worked for over 83 years was swept away overnight. Meeting Danny and Katie and feeling their excitement in their vision has brought so much happiness to our family in knowing our property will continue to serve the community, as it always has!”
The first phase of this project will center on extensive cleanup and rehabilitation of the historic 13.5 acre property, preparing the way to transform the massive, much-loved ‘Homer Simpson donut’ building into a world-class, year-round indoor music venue.
With its larger size and increased capacity, this redevelopment will generate even more jobs in the area than the previous location. In addition, it will bring live music—and the thousands of visitors it draws—back to the River Arts District, supporting hotels, independent artists, restaurants, galleries, and the many local entrepreneurs who help make Asheville the cultural capital that it is.
Salvage Station is committed to working closely with the City of Asheville, BCTDA, community leaders, and local organizations to ensure the space supports arts, culture, and community activities as plans move forward.
“Our mission has always been to uplift this community,” the Salvage Station ownership team explained. “We’re not just rebuilding a venue—we’re rebuilding momentum, rebuilding livelihoods, and helping keep the lights shining bright in the River Arts District. Our new home will honor the legacy of this land while offering an even greater future for Asheville’s music and arts scene.”
Salvage Station looks forward to continuing the spirit of connection, creativity, and community that defined its years at 466 Riverside Drive—now with a renewed commitment to helping the River Arts District thrive for generations to come.
Media Contact:
Katie Hild
Salvage Station
[email protected]
