Thomas Wolfe Cabin / Writer’s Retreat Feasibility

Asheville, NC

Randall Gross / Development Economics (RDGE) worked as a sub-consultant to Lord Aeck Sargent on a master plan for the writer Thomas Wolfe’s historic cabin and site in Asheville, owned by the Asheville Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Gross assessed the potential for various uses of the site within the parameters set by key stakeholders to help generate revenue in support of the restoration, operations and maintenance of the site. Ultimately, Mr. Gross tested and recommended use of the site as a Writer’s Retreat venue that would draw on the site’s Thomas Wolfe heritage but also on Asheville’s thriving arts and literature scene. Mr. Gross tested the market potentials for the writer’s retreat concept, examined comparable venues and operations worldwide, and tested the financial sustainability of the concept. He provided strategic recommendations that guided the plan including a concept for overnight accommodation cabins, dining lodge, and reuse of the historic cabin to house a visiting writers program. He also recommended a collaboration of local writer’s groups and university writing programs to develop and conduct programming at the site, and to operate the facilities under contract to the City. The concept has gained traction with the City and stakeholders and appears to be moving forward.

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