Helene destroys 80% of Asheville’s River Arts District, a 1 billion dollar loss to Buncombe County [Video]

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — More than two weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc and widespread devastation in the mountains, officials are providing an update on the impact it may have on important sectors of the economy of Western North Carolina.

On Sunday, the Executive Director of ArtsAVL — which supports the arts in Asheville and Buncombe County — said roughly 80% of Asheville’s River Arts District was destroyed in the storm, which could carry some major financial implications.

“Our artists and arts organizations are a major economic driver, and revitalizer,” said Katie Cornell, ArtsAVL’s Executive Director.

Cornell says the River Arts District alone is home to dozens of art warehouses, studios — and hundreds of artists.

“The loss is devastating,” she said. “An estimated 80% of the district is destroyed. For perspective, the River Arts District was home to 26 warehouses and 300 …