Appalachian Design Center Conceptual Site Plan in Swannanoa, NC

Siler Climate Consulting is serving on the volunteer design team with the Appalachian Design Center to support the development of a conceptual site plan for Valley Hope Church in Swannanoa, NC, one of the communities hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. The conceptual site plan will create a roadmap for transforming the Valley Hope Church property into a multi-functional community hub supporting Swannanoa's disaster recovery and long-term community needs.

As Valley Hope Church transitions from emergency response to long-term rebuilding, the church remains committed to serving as a gathering place and support center for all Swannanoa residents regardless of race, religion, or background. Thoughtful site planning has become essential to accommodate ongoing recovery operations while building permanent community infrastructure that will serve the neighborhood for generations.

Appalachian Design Center is a program of MountainTrue working for healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. They connect communities with volunteer architects, engineers, graphic designers, landscape designers, and planners to partner place-based expertise with technical expertise, supporting local strengths and addressing local challenges with design.