Jackson's Western Store Relocates for I-26 Connector
The retailer moves to Patton Avenue as the city acquires its long-standing site for a major highway project.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Jackson's Western Store is relocating its operations from a long-standing site in Asheville to a new facility on Patton Avenue. The move follows the North Carolina Department of Transportation's acquisition of the original property for the I-26 Connector project.
Why it matters
The relocation highlights how major infrastructure projects can force local businesses to shift physical operations, necessitating site preparation and logistics planning. The current site will ultimately be repurposed for the I-26 Connector and local utility infrastructure.
Jackson's Western Store occupied its original site since 1972 before beginning its move to a location one mile west. The transition requires a 30-to-60-day window for site inspections and asbestos abatement prior to the demolition of the existing structure.
The players
Jackson's Western Store
A long-standing retail business in Asheville that has occupied its original storefront since 1972.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the acquisition of the store property to construct the I-26 Connector.
Duke Energy
An electric utility provider planning to install a transmission tower at the former store site.
The details
The relocation process involves significant site prep, as the original building must undergo mandatory inspections and asbestos abatement before demolition can proceed. Following this phase, the site will transition into part of the new Resort Drive, while Duke Energy prepares to install a transmission tower. The business is shifting into a larger space on Patton Avenue to continue operations during the transition period.
Timeline
1972: The store opened at its original location.
October 2026: The business began moving and removed its landmark signage.
November 2026: The new location is expected to open to the public.
Late 2026: Demolition of the original building is anticipated to begin.
Late 2031: The I-26 Connector project is scheduled for completion.
Market Landscape
The relocation of Jackson's Western Store is a direct consequence of land acquisition for the I-26 Connector project. This development follows a pattern where large-scale municipal infrastructure projects reshape local commercial corridors and force long-term business displacement.
Operators in areas slated for state infrastructure projects should review their current property lease terms and prepare for potential eminent domain or acquisition processes. Establishing a clear timeline for facility transitions is critical when local transit developments, such as the I-26 Connector, begin utility and site work.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects require businesses to account for extensive regulatory timelines, including mandatory asbestos abatement and utility site integration. Operators should track the I-26 Connector development milestones through the North Carolina Department of Transportation as the 2031 project completion deadline approaches.
Further reading
For more on local commercial shifts, visit Asheville Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
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