Discussions about renovating and reutilizing the depot have occurred informally in recent years, however, redevelopment has not occurred. The depot’s central location and close proximity to the headquarters of Regional Consolidated Area Transportation Services (RCATS) make the property ideal for a transportation hub should the city launch a fixed route bus service in the future. The Depot’s large exterior loading platform also lends itself well for transformation into an eating establishment, retail use, or a cultural asset. Obstacles to redevelopment include the current owner’s interest in maintaining the property as is to support railroad operations. Other constraints include the absence of pedestrian connectivity with the core of the central business district. The property is separated from the heart of downtown by the rail line and a major thoroughfare, and no adequate pedestrian crossing signals, crosswalks nor sidewalks exist to create a safe, walkable connection. Partnership between the city, NCDOT, and Norfolk Southern to address the preceding infrastructure limitations may be a necessary part of any redevelopment project for this site. Property acquisition or long term lease by the city, with the willing support of Norfolk Southern, could also be a means to address infrastructure and site limitations.
Figure 8 | Asheboro Freight Depot in mid-1900’s B. Street Layout Changes In order to facilitate safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian movements and the provision of public services, it may be advisable for the city to construct two public streets or alleys on property presently owned by VSR, LLC. Publicly maintained access from Church Street and Academy Street would help to provide continuous, redundant and unfettered access to an area of dense development and intense commercial activity. The locations of these potential public-ways are shown in Figure 9.
14
