‘A new morning’: Asheville businesses find hope after Hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — One year ago, floodwater climbed as high as the windows in Asheville’s Biltmore Village. Cars, dumpsters, and debris floated down the streets as Hurricane Helene left businesses under water.

Today, hope grows in unexpected places. Right outside New Morning Gallery , a morning glory flower winds up a fence — a simple bloom that has become a powerful symbol of survival.

For Director of Operations Neal Reed, the flower reflects the community’s comeback. His building’s first floor — filled with plumbing, electrical systems, and elevators — was gutted by the storm.

“Our building sustained massive damage on the first floor. It took eight or nine months of very hard work by crews, contractors, and a core group of employees,” Reed said.

Down the street, restaurant owner Mik