Lamplight AVL Announces New Mixed-Use Creative Space in West Asheville

2 Westwood will open in phases beginning in 2026

Lamplight AVL is excited to announce the development of a new mixed-use creative space in West Asheville, expanding our mission to support both emerging and established artists across the region. Located at 2 Westwood Place and currently undergoing renovation, the facility will open in phases beginning in 2026.

This expansion is a continuation of Lamplight’s Recover, Remain, & Thrive Program, created in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This program enables artists to recover, remain in the area, and continue to create work that inspires our community. It is also a commitment to supporting the broader creative community in Asheville through space-making, programming, and artist-first values.

About 2 Westwood:

The building was recently purchased by Emily and Adam McDaniel, who are committed to helping address the long-standing lack of affordable workspaces for artists in Asheville—an issue that has impacted the city’s creative community for years.

Lamplight AVL will be renting a portion of the space to provide at least four artist’s studios that are priced below market value. These studios will be the heart of the new space, designed to be affordable and community-minded.

To support long-term sustainability, market-rate rentals within the building will help offset costs and ensure affordable artist spaces remain possible. In addition, a portion of the building will become a community-funded, arts-forward event space focused on public programming and cultural engagement.

More Than a Workspace: 2 Westwood As a “Third Space”

Lamplight imagines the facility as more than just a workspace. 2 Westwood is being designed as a third space for Asheville’s creative community that will host:

open studios

shows

music

workshops

other arts-centered programming

Studio Artists will not only use the space to create work, but will also engage the community through hands-on programming and events.

While studios are estimated to open early next year, the community event space, focused on programming and public arts engagement, is anticipated to open later in 2026.

Support this Project

This project and its long-term sustainability depend on community support. Fundraising efforts will directly support:

Operation of the artist studios

Development of the community event venue

Keeping creative spaces affordable

Making inclusive, public arts programming possible

Every contribution helps create a space where artists and the Asheville community can thrive together.

Accessibility at 2 Westwood:

• We do not currently have a ramp but we are working getting one for our front entrance.
• Right now, there are two steps up from the sidewalk to access the property, and then two steps up to the porch.
• The front door is 33″ wide. 2 front studios both have 33″ doors.
• There is a hallway passage that is 31″ (we’re working on getting this widened).
• Beyond that passage, the studios doors range from 31″ top 33″ wide, including an ADA restroom.
• There are currently 3 working studios downstairs, and 4 upstairs.
• The second level to the studios are only accessible by stairs.
• The event space, in the back of the building (very much a work in progress), will be fully accessible once open.