Biltmore Village: After Hurricane Helene, a Town United and Rebuilding

The calm after the storm is here, but it'll take time for Biltmore Village to regain its glow. A nearby river, once beautiful, now looks like a trash dump with mud, metal, and dirt scattered about. Shops are closed, restaurants too. It’s been over a week since Hurricane Helene hit, leaving watermarks as high as street signs. Buildings were flooded, businesses washed out, and it felt like the whole of Asheville was knocked down. A big truck lay face-down in a puddle, surrounded by debris. Gabriel Smith, 19, wants his town back to normal. “It’s tough,” he said. Police directed traffic while construction crews cleared lots. Scars of Helene lingered—a bent railroad crossing, fire trucks rushing, helicopters flying overhead. Residents cried seeing their beloved river walk, arts district, and Biltmore destroyed. But they found strength in unity. Renee White, 59, saw people coming together regardless of differences. Kareem McDowell, 50, said panic turned into action. “We’re looking out for each other,” he added.