New Belgium Brewing – Asheville
From brownfield to brewery, an active hub for community life and riverfront revitalization.
RVi (formerly Russell + Mills Studio) transformed a dilapidated brownfield site into a thriving, destination brewery and event center on the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, sparking broader community redevelopment and standing as a testament to sustainable re-use in design.
GOALS
New Belgium Brewing envisioned a second flagship brewery and event space to match the organic, eclectic energy of its original Fort Collins, Colorado location through a deliberate planned approach. Finding a suitable home against the backdrop of Asheville, North Carolina’s River Arts District, New Belgium and RVi worked together to develop a dynamic space for community to congregate and beer production to flow with the rhythm of the river.
OUTCOMES
New Belgium’s East Coast Brewery emerged as a pillar of active community life, and one of the first major investments on the riverbank, just minutes from downtown Asheville. Intentionally designed with inspiration from the river, guests can access the brewery directly from the water on inner tubes or stand-up paddle boards, or from parking lots tucked into the trees across a curving bridge approach. Following RVi’s campus master plan, the facility includes a beer garden, restaurant, gathering areas, and a live music stage—each element transitioning seamlessly with one another.
Downstream, the production facility and distribution side incorporated industrial-scale logistics and truck access, and an on-site wastewater treatment plant for clean effluent streams to protect the ecological balance. Extensive cleanup and environmental efforts went into the brownfield site restoration to remove debris and stabilize the foundation. The team stockpiled reclaimed lumber and materials from the site for use in construction, reflecting New Belgium’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
Innovative bioretention strategies emerged through collaboration with Equinox Environmental, including native plantings to support the riverbanks and provide a vibrant backdrop for events. RVi worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to integrate new stormwater systems, supported through a public-private partnership with the City of Asheville. This integration of topography, hydrology, and sustainable design was essential to the site’s resilience through Tropical Storm Helene. With minimal damage incurred, New Belgium still stands as a hub of community life in the bustling City of Asheville.
