A New Era for Hendersonville’s 7th Avenue
For over 11 months in 2024, Hendersonville’s historic 7th Avenue was transformed through a comprehensive streetscape project. This initiative aimed to revitalize the area and bring new life to the community. While the process was not without its challenges, it ultimately led to a vibrant transformation that has reinvigorated local businesses and attracted both residents and visitors.
Matthew Hickman, owner of Underground Baking Company, shared his perspective on the experience. “It has been, I wouldn’t call it a struggle, but challenging,” he said. “A lot of locals fell off the radar a little bit due to COVID and the streetscape. [The project] went on for longer than any of us wanted it to go.” Despite these difficulties, the community remained resilient, and the efforts paid off.
Some locals found it difficult to access the businesses that remained open during the construction period. Jim Petiton, a regular at Underground Baking Company, noted, “I’m here at least a couple times a week. I would come to the [Underground Baking Company]. I’d park elsewhere. I didn’t have access.” However, by the end of 2024, 7th Avenue was reborn, bringing with it a renewed sense of community and vitality.
“It’s the equivalent of getting your life back again,” Petiton said with a smile. “My wife and I missed it. It’s a lot more inviting to sit outside now than it was previously. Even with the farmers’ market open, it’s not unusual to have lines out the door. Certain items might sell out because they’re so popular.”
Hickman also observed a significant increase in foot traffic and customer engagement. “It’s a huge bump in the numbers of foot and destination traffic,” he added. “The outpouring of folks has been fantastic. [I’m] very proud of the fact that we’re here, thriving, and doing better than we ever have.”
A Growing Community
The revitalization of 7th Avenue has not only brought back local customers but also attracted tourists from other parts of the country. “We’re more exposed now,” Hickman said. “More people are talking about 7th Avenue, discovering 7th Avenue and rediscovering 7th Avenue. There’s a lot of people coming to 7th Avenue for the first time.”
As the new street buzzes with activity, vacant properties have also found new life. “We have historically vacant buildings that have been regenerated and rejuvenated with new business,” Hickman explained. “Streetscape helped contribute towards the restoration of these beautiful old buildings that have been vacant for years.”
Brad Herron, owner of Hearth and Herron, shared his experience of opening a new restaurant during the streetscape project. “We thought that this was a cool part of town,” he said. “We wanted to make it our home.” Herron began building his restaurant during the streetscape and was fortunate to start rebuilding right when the street reopened.
He opened his doors for the first time last Friday, and the new 7th Avenue crowds welcomed him with enthusiasm. “We were full,” Herron said. “The first three nights we were open, we were booked. There were so many people that just passed by while we were building the place. People would stop by and ask what we were doing. I’d tell them, and they were the ones that came. That was the neighborhood and community.”
Herron believes that his success could inspire others to join the growing community. “The street is primed for some new businesses that’ll come and embrace the town,” he said. “We’re going to be in a small neighborhood. We want to appeal to and satisfy the neighborhood and the community. It’s a neighborhood spot that people can resonate with.”
