It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Thomas Wolfe Memorial gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Enka, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Carrier Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Vue 1913 or visit Enka Clock Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Enka, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Enka, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Enka, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Not only is a Costco being proposed along Enka Heritage Parkway in Buncombe County, but the project also includes a gas station with 32 pumps and a tire center.Developers met Wednesday, March 5 for a pre-application meeting with the City of Asheville's Technical Review Committee. News 13 requested notes from the meeting as part of an open records request.Here is what we know about the proposed project.The proposed Costco will include 152,000 square feet. The parking lot plans include 839 pa...
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Not only is a Costco being proposed along Enka Heritage Parkway in Buncombe County, but the project also includes a gas station with 32 pumps and a tire center.
Developers met Wednesday, March 5 for a pre-application meeting with the City of Asheville's Technical Review Committee. News 13 requested notes from the meeting as part of an open records request.
Here is what we know about the proposed project.
The proposed Costco will include 152,000 square feet. The parking lot plans include 839 parking spaces, a 4x4 fuel facility with 32 pumps and an out parcel for future development. There will be two onsite retention ponds on either end of the lots. It will also have a tire center that is only for tire changes.
COSTCO CONSIDERED FOR ASHEVILLE SITE AS DESIGN PLANS HEAD TO CITY COMMITTEE REVIEW
The project will require an amendment to the existing conditional zooming, which requires approval by the city and county, and review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The amount of proposed parking exceeds the maximum allowed in the UDO and would either need to be reduced, included as a technical modification, or meet the standards for parking spaces above the maximum.
To develop the site, there are conditions under the current Conditional Zoning process which includes preserving the Enka Clock Tower along with interpretative signage of the American Enka Company and a seating/amenity area. There is also an easement for the proposed Hominy Creek Greenway along the western edge of the site that will need to be preserved.
Staff during Wednesday’s meeting encouraged the developers to reference the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, specifically the “Urban Center” future land use designation, to make the design and operational changes to the site that would enhance the project’s compatibility. This could potentially include the following:
The “Urban Center” designation encourages a mixed-use style of development that is walkable and human-scaled, according to city information.
FREE WI-FI NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL ASHEVILLE PUBLIC BUSES
Since the site currently lacks trees, Costco will also need to meet the 15% TCP requirement by planting new trees or paying a fee in lieu of planting of upwards of $875,000. For the site size, Costco would need 3.7 acres of trees to meet the requirements.
Developers were also informed about how they will need to manage stormwater runoff.
Because of the size of the development, the North Carolina Department of Transportation must oversee a traffic impact study.
Wednesday's pre-application meeting was just the first step in the development process.
ASHEVILLE LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO TRACK HELENE RECOVERY, INSPIRED BY COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Before the developer can submit an application, according to the city’s process outlined on Asheville’s website, the developer must have a pre-application meeting and neighborhood meeting to notify property owners within 200 feet of the proposed development site.
The next step is the permit application and then the review process starts.
Notes from Wednesday's meeting did not include a timeline for the project.
After decades of speculation — and yearning from Costco devotees — the city of Asheville has received plans for a store to be built in the Enka Commerce Park, Asheville Watchdog has learned.“I can confirm that we have a pre-application meeting to the Technical Review Committee scheduled for tomorrow for a proposed Costco on Enka Heritage Parkway,” Will Palmquist, principal planner with the city of Asheville, said via email Tuesday.Fletcher Partners is the development company that owns and has de...
After decades of speculation — and yearning from Costco devotees — the city of Asheville has received plans for a store to be built in the Enka Commerce Park, Asheville Watchdog has learned.
“I can confirm that we have a pre-application meeting to the Technical Review Committee scheduled for tomorrow for a proposed Costco on Enka Heritage Parkway,” Will Palmquist, principal planner with the city of Asheville, said via email Tuesday.
Fletcher Partners is the development company that owns and has developed much of the commerce park. Partner Martin Lewis did not respond to a request for comment, but rumors have swirled about a possible Costco at the site for years.
The Watchdog reached out to Costco but did receive a response before publication.
Fletcher Partners bought the 200-acre site in 2008, when the Great Recession hit. The city of Asheville approved site plans, but development was slow to come.
In mid-February, Lewis; officials with Samet Corp., which just completed a large warehouse on the property and has two more buildings planned; and elected city and county officials attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the warehouse and a bridge leading into the property. The bridge was started nearly a decade ago but just opened last month.
Josh Drye, development manager with the Samet Corp., said at that ceremony that the company plans to start the second spec building when the first is 50 to 75 percent leased. That first building is ready for leasing.
Reached Tuesday, Drye declined to comment on a potential Costco. “That’s not my project,” he said.
Drye referred The Watchdog to Samet’s president of real estate, but he didn’t respond by deadline.
Plans on file with the city show the Costco situated on a 25-acre site within Enka Commerce Park, with 839 parking spaces. The plans also show the nearby historic Enka clock tower, which Samet has committed to preserving.
Coming before the Technical Review Committee is an early step in a project’s development. The eight-member body consists of six staff, a representative of the Urban Forestry Commission, and a member representing the Buncombe County Metropolitan Sewer District.
“As proposed, the project would require a conditional zoning since it is over 100,000 square feet,” Palmquist said. “After the project is reviewed by the TRC, it would be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission, and their recommendation would be forwarded to City Council for the final decision.”
The TRC was established in 1997 for consideration of site plans, subdivision plats, master plans for Planned Unit Development, plans for conditional use permit or other land development matters consistent with the provisions of the Unified Development Ordinance, according to the city’s website. “The members shall ensure that the proposed project complies with the development requirements and applicable City standards,” the site states.
Costco has more than 600 stores, or warehouses, in the U.S. The nearest Costco is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and for years Asheville shoppers have made the 70-mile trek down I-26 to buy groceries in bulk.
Buncombe County resident Evan Rosenberg said the development with Costco is “Awesome news,” as he’s been making regular trips to the Costco store in Greenville, South Carolina.
“We’ve been Costco members for many years now, and when we moved from Maryland (about five years ago) we’ve missed my regular pilgrimages to our favorite big box store,” Rosenberg said via email. “And it’s even better news that the Enka Commerce Park will be only a few minutes away!”
Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. John Boyle has been covering Asheville and surrounding communities since the 20th century. You can reach him at (828) 337-0941, or via email at [email protected]. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/support-our-publication/.
ASHEVILLE - With the recent opening of a long-awaited bridge connecting Smokey Park Highway to Enka Commerce Park, a long-sought-after business may now be coming to the commercial district: Costco.The city of Asheville will discuss plans to build a Costco at Enka Heritage Parkway during a March 6 Technical Review Committee pre-application meeting. A single page of development plans has been submitted to the city, indicating the wholesale company would build a new location on a nearly 40-acre parcel.The pre-application meeting i...
ASHEVILLE - With the recent opening of a long-awaited bridge connecting Smokey Park Highway to Enka Commerce Park, a long-sought-after business may now be coming to the commercial district: Costco.
The city of Asheville will discuss plans to build a Costco at Enka Heritage Parkway during a March 6 Technical Review Committee pre-application meeting. A single page of development plans has been submitted to the city, indicating the wholesale company would build a new location on a nearly 40-acre parcel.
The pre-application meeting is not a guarantee that an application will be received by the developer proposing the company, City Principal Planner Will Palmquist told the Citizen Times. The project would need a conditional zoning, meaning that it would go before Asheville City Council. Plans were first reported by Asheville Watchdog.
Costco currently operates 897 warehouses — 617 of which are in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The company is well known for its offerings of bulk products, similar to Sam's Club.
The March 6 meeting is just a preliminary discussion. It's not a guarantee of a development submission.
"It allows for an informal dialogue between staff and the applicant on the sketch site plan. It is a required step prior to any formal submission," Palmquist said.
Costco has been a long-rumored possible tenant for the site, which has been in the process of being redeveloped since 2008. In 2020, the Greensboro-based Samet Corp. began submitting plans for development in Enka, as the "bridge to nowhere" slowly made progress. The parcel was obtained by Samet in 2022.
Preliminary plans sent to the city indicate that the Costco would include a fuel station, 839 parking spaces and would be built adjacent to the historic Enka clock tower. The Costco would be built off of Enka Heritage Parkway and the company has committed to preserving the clock tower.
Costco does not comment on locations that are opening more than three months out, according to the company's website.
The bridge to Enka Commerce Park was opened on Feb. 12, capping a decade of investment from Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
The Citizen Times has reached out to Samet Corp. for comment.
This story will be updated.
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected]. Consider supporting this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.LOCALAsheville Citizen Times0:001:40ENKA - The historic Enka clock tower, a symbol of the area's industrial heritage that has stood for nearly a century, has gotten a reprieve....
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ENKA - The historic Enka clock tower, a symbol of the area's industrial heritage that has stood for nearly a century, has gotten a reprieve.
The Samet Corp., which wants to build a 129,859-square foot distribution center on the site of the former American Enka plant, has announced plans to preserve the 139-foot tall tower. Initial plans called for the tower's demolition to make way for parking spaces.
"We are working with the owner’s representatives on an initiative to protect Enka Tower,” Brian Hall, Samet’s director of development, said in a press release. "All parties involved in the development of this area recognize the historic role the monument plays in Asheville’s history, and we would like the tower to stand for generations to come."
That's good news to local residents, many of whom worked at the plant, first run by American Enka and then sold to BASF, or had relatives who supported their families by working there.
"It sounds like they’re interested in keeping the clock tower, and being good neighbors," said Enka resident Roger Metcalf, 76. "I'm not sure they knew how important it was to the community, and it appears to me when they found out how important it was, they changed their plans a little bit."
Metcalf, an amateur Enka historian, said his father worked at the plant for 36 years and his father-in-law for 42.
Samet's original plans submitted to the city called for the demolition of the clock tower, originally erected by the American Enka Co., which built the sprawling rayon factory in Enka in the 1920s. While much of the original plant has been demolished, the clock tower has stood for 92 years.
At its peak, American Enka employed about 6,000 locals.
Samet's application to the city states: "The intention is for the clock tower to remain and be protected. A structural determination is currently being performed on the clock tower with the objective to allow the clock tower to remain. Should the final report indicate that the clock tower is structurally sound, it shall remain and be protected."
Samet is a construction company headquartered in Greensboro. It's the same company that built the Amazon distribution hub in Mills River.
The planned building in Enka has a similar design, and it will have parking for 696 vans, as well as 278 employee parking spaces, according to application documents. But Amazon has declined to say if it will be the tenant, with a spokesperson saying the company "is a dynamic business" and "constantly exploring new locations" but adding it is "not yet commenting on any specific operations plans in North Carolina."
Samet's press release states it is collaborating with the property owner, Enka Partners, the designer, and subcontractors "to manage the tower’s incorporation into the site design. The project will be subject to the approval of the city of Asheville, and Samet officials are working closely with the city to secure that approval."
The proposal for the warehouse/distribution center, which would stand 48 feet high and be sited on 32 acres, goes before the city's Planning & Zoning Commission at its Dec. 2 meeting. The commission is an advisory board to City Council, which will likely take up the proposal in January.
The building will go in the Enka Center, originally planned to comprise largely retail clients. Samet has submitted a request to rezone the site from "commercial industrial" to "commercial expansion, along with a change in the future land use map from Urban Center to Employment/Anchor Institution Center," according to planning documents.
Access to the new building will be off Smokey Park Highway, utilizing a new bridge into the Enka Center site. Samet plans to build a new cul-de-sac road off Enka Heritage Way, with the road being dedicated to the state and the N.C. DOT maintaining it in the future.
The new road also will include water and sewer main extensions constructed by Samet.
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