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If you’ve been tracking commercial development in Western North Carolina lately, you know that "business as usual" went out the window about eighteen months ago. Between the ongoing Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) rewrite and the critical resilience measures following Tropical Storm Helene, the rulebook for Asheville commercial construction has been redrafted. For developers, these changes aren't just red tape, they are a fundamental shift in how we calculate ROI and proj

If you’ve been sitting on a blueprint, waiting for the "perfect" moment from the economy to break ground on a commercial project, you’re not alone. Market cycles, interest rates, and volatile economic headlines can make timing feel uncertain. But from where we stand as builders- on job sites, in preconstruction meetings, and in daily conversations with owners and developers- there’s a strong case that now is is one of the smartest times to move forward. Here’s why.

What happens when you combine an upbringing on a family tennis camp, architectural studies at Oxford, and a passion for community service? You get The Village of Cheshire —a "new urbanist" community in Black Mountain, North Carolina, that feels less like a standard subdivision and more like a carefully crafted Hallmark movie set. We recently sat down with Sikes Ragan, the founder and driving force behind Cheshire, to discuss the past, present, and future of this unique "livin

Planning a commercial construction project is a marathon, not a sprint- an undertaking that requires careful coordination, clear goals, and smart decision-making from day one. The groundwork you lay before a single shovel hits the dirt determines your project’s ultimate success. Whether you are developing a new retail space, warehouse, or mixed-use facility, strong planning can mean the difference between a smooth project and one plagued by many delays and cost overruns.

Why does the end of each year feel the most reflective? It seems to be a time for gratitude, review, and looking forward to what the future will bring. We’d like to participate in this honored tradition by taking a look back at some our most memorable Commercial projects from 2025.

Discover two stunning homes built by Buchanan Construction featured in the 2025 WNC Parade of Homes. Tour the Kingston Home in the Village of Cheshire and the modern townhomes at Reynolds Mountain Villas. Experience the charm, craftsmanship, and lifestyle diversity that define living in Western North Carolina.

Architect Peter Alberice of Progressive shares insights from his collaboration with Buchanan Commercial on Asheville’s Bauhaus Townhomes. From innovative site solutions to timeless sustainability principles, Peter discusses how technology, teamwork, and intention drive enduring, purposeful architecture.

Matt Keene, Vice President of Buchanan Construction’s Commercial Division, leads a skilled team delivering complex, customized builds across Western North Carolina. With decades of hands-on experience, Matt discusses leadership, adaptability, and standout projects that define Buchanan Commercial’s trusted reputation in architecture and development.

Meet Emili McMakin, AIA, of Form & Function Architecture. With nearly 15 years of experience, Emili blends creativity and practicality to design spaces that reflect her clients’ needs. From residential retreats to local restaurants, her work—like the Storybook Villas at Reynolds Mountain with Buchanan Commercial—shows how purposeful design can transform communities.

From fast-tracked retail upfits to large-scale medical expansions and luxury multifamily developments, Buchanan Construction’s Commercial Division delivers diverse, high-value projects with precision and scalability. Explore our latest work at Alloy Personal Training, Vista Falls Veterinary Hospital, and Storybook Villas at Reynolds Mountain.