ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A long-anticipated Costco store planned for the Enka-Candler area is one step closer to becoming reality.
The proposed 160,940-square-foot warehouse — featuring a 32-pump fueling station and tire center — is scheduled to go before the Asheville Technical Review Committee on Nov. 17.
According to city records, the project was originally slated for TRC discussion on Oct. 6, later rescheduled to Nov. 3 and has now been moved to Nov. 17.
The development would sit on roughly 25 acres along Smokey Park Highway (U.S. 19/23) near the intersection of Jacob Holm Way and Enka Heritage Parkway on property owned by Brian Hall. Plans also include an extension of Enka Heritage Parkway to improve access to the site.
The project would be constructed in two phases:
- Phase 1 (2026): Construction of the Costco warehouse and fueling station.
- Phase 2 (2028): Addition of a 60,000-square-foot medical office building and a 7,900-square-foot restaurant.
A Transportation Impact Analysis prepared by Kittelson & Associates examined how the project would affect traffic at 14 nearby intersections along Smokey Park Highway, Sand Hill Road and Acton Circle. The analysis reviewed weekday and weekend peak-hour traffic through the projected buildout years of 2026 and 2028.
To manage expected congestion, the study recommends several roadway improvements during the first phase of construction, including:
- Adding turn lanes at the intersection of Sand Hill Road and Smokey Park Highway.
- Restriping lanes near the I-40 eastbound ramps and Acton Circle to improve traffic flow.
- Constructing a dedicated right-turn lane on Sand Hill Road at Lake Drive.
- No additional improvements were recommended for Phase 2.
City planning documents show the project’s pre-application meeting was held July 2, 2025, followed by a neighborhood meeting on Aug. 21, 2025. The TRC hearing later this month will determine whether the development moves forward.
If approved, the Costco would be the company’s first location in Buncombe County.
