From 13 Members
Commercial Kitchen • Coworking • Community Garden
WE DIDN'T GUESS. WE LISTENED.
Before a single wall was moved, Luke and the leadership of Missional Wisdom Foundation spent one year listening to the neighborhood. They didn't ask "How do we save the church?" They asked, "What does Haw Creek need?"
What The Community Said
"We have nowhere to meet." Community spaces had been systematically closed over the previous 20 years.
"We need to work near home." Small businesses and therapists needed affordable, local office space.
"We need to cook." Asheville’s food trucks and caterers had a high demand for affordable commissary kitchens but no supply.
ADAPTIVE REUSE IN THREE DIMENIONS
Responding to these needs, the church undertook a complete adaptive reuse project. This wasn't just a renovation; it was a reimagining of what "sacred space" means.
The Commercial Kitchen (Economic Engine)
They installed a brand new full kitchen, becoming the second-largest rentable kitchen in Asheville.
Impact: Supports ~25 kitchen members (food trucks, caterers, bakers).
Food Justice: Home to the Equal Plates Project, producing thousands of meals a day for neighbors without access to farm-to-table food.
Affordability: Small businesses, like the Smashville Food Truck, found a launchpad with low upfront costs, allowing them to build equity.
The Coworking Space (Vocational Hub)
Classrooms were converted into 10 offices.
The Pivot: During COVID, as the need for mental health support skyrocketed, the space pivoted to focus on therapists. Today, 10 therapists operate out of the church and former parsonage. 14
Education: The basement now hosts an educational facility for homeschooled children and summer camps.
The Community Commons (Social Fabric)
The pews were removed from the sanctuary to create flexible event space.
Usage: Over 40 community groups rent space throughout a month.
Resilience: The space serves as a true "town square" for a neighborhood that ranges from million-dollar homes to HUD housing.
THE FLYWHEEL EFFECT
This is what happens when assets are activated. Haw Creek Commons proves that doing good is also good business.
$13,500 Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) generated for the ministry.
80-100 Local jobs supported through the kitchen and coworking spaces.
$1.2M - $2.2M Combined annual economic impact on the local community.
100% Occupancy of offices and kitchen space.
VOICES OF CHANGE
"We transformed the property into a place that was inviting to the public... We generally transformed the property into a place that was inviting to the public and invited use by the neighbors."
— Dr. Larry Duggins, Missional Wisdom Foundation
"I started in 2021 as a small business... businesses have a lot of expenses up front. To get equity back in, I was really grateful to find this space... It was very community forward."
— Owner, Smashville Food Truck
RESILIENCE IN ACTION
The true test of a community hub is how it stands during a crisis. Following Hurricane Helene, Haw Creek Commons utilized its transformed infrastructure—the distribution area, the kitchen, and the open sanctuary—to serve neighbors devastated by the storm. Because the relationships and facilities were already in place, the church was able to respond immediately with food, water, and clothing.
