RiverLink’s newest waterfront venture, the Sculpture and Performance Plaza on Riverside Drive, is now open and available to the community as a venue space for parties, special events, and fund-raisers.

The Sculpture and Performance Plaza replaces the former 26,000-square-foot “Blue Buildings” across from the Cotton Mill. The recent event produced by the creative folks at the Phil Mechanic Building was a great success and featured a festive dance party under the stars with the Firecracker Jazz Band (the photo on the left will show you what a great time everyone had!). The party was a benefit for Flood Fine Arts Gallery.

Our Sculpture and Performance Plaza is not very fancy, but has much potential and offers an unmatched riverfront setting. The venue is large with plenty of parking and a huge concrete pad for tables, dancing, and even a stage.

RiverLink bought the Blue buildings a few years ago as the last “missing link’ on Riverside Drive between 12 Bones and the Smith Bridge. River District artist Sean “Jinx” Pace and friends helped us with demolition. A grant from the Asheville Merchants Association enabled us to hire D.H. Griffin to finish the job. We were able to recycle 85 percent of the entire structure.

Contact us to find learn more and how this plaza, the only such venue on the river, can stage your next event on the French Broad River.

Karen Cragnolin is the executive director of RiverLink, a regional nonprofit organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play. For more information, visit riverlink.org.