Two California organizations came to Asheville in late 2021, eager to purchase and convert the former Ramada Inn in East Asheville into permanent supportive housing for unhoused people. They pledged to use their “secret sauce” solution to address Asheville's longstanding challenges with how to shelter some of the city's 500 unhoused individuals.
BPR's Laura Hackett and Laura Lee examined hundreds of court records and interviewed dozens of sources. The reporting revealed unpaid city permitting fees, lawsuits against the California organizations, a foreclosure on the property and more.
In January 2024, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said the city would not proceed with the partners, ending a two-year delay on the project but leaving lingering questions about the future of the site. Learn more in the investigative series below.
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The future of the deed-restricted property, now owned by Stormfield Capital, is unknown.
A $100 million lawsuit in California alleges partners Shangri-La and Step Up committed fraud and breach of contract. The filing prompts a change of course after nearly two-year delay on the partners' project in Asheville.
Foreclosure comes as local contractor Beverly-Grant gets default judgment against the developer for nearly $400,000 for unpaid work.
Questions continue about the funding and future of the Step Up Asheville project.
What city officials’ emails show about decision-making and accountability on the Ramada Inn project.
The permanent supportive housing site is months behind schedule with no construction started.
