September 16, 2025
The team behind The Radical Hotel in Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD) opened new artist studio and retail space RAD Rendezvous at 87 Roberts Street on Tuesday, September 16. Located next door to the hotel and open daily from 9am-5pm, RAD Rendezvous was designed to support and spotlight local artists and creatives seeking visibility, flexibility and connection. This expands the network of The Radical’s local, art-focused sister properties in the neighborhood, including Phil Mechanic Studios, which is also owned by the group behind the hotel and is home to over 20 artists.
The grand opening celebration which took place on Tuesday, September 16, was open to the public and sponsored by The Radical Hotel, Hi-Wire Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Rise Over Run and The RADA Foundation. The evening kicked off at 4pm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, followed by drinks and music from DJs inside the studios from 5-6:30pm. Guests also attended an afterparty on The Roof, the rooftop bar at The Radical Hotel.
Built with a neighborhood vision in mind, RAD Rendezvous can accommodate up to 50 artists within rental studio spaces, including solo and shared, collaborative studios and two retail spaces for creative commerce tenants. The community will serve as a platform for creatives to showcase their work in a high-traffic area with opportunities for cross-promotions with the hotel, pop-ups and event tie-ins. Building amenities also include tenant and guest parking, and lease terms as short as six months.
RAD Rendezvous aims to uphold the artistic character of the neighborhood in an area heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, and provide support to both emerging and established artists, including as a refuge for those who may have lost their art studios or galleries in the aftermath of the storm.
Bringing Rad Rendezvous to life will be a community of artists and makers leasing space in the building, including Mara Viksnins, Jenny Bass, Brian Luzader, Nicolette Leigh Yates, Betsy Kendrick, Elizabeth Hanna, Louise Genetti, Cynthia Llanes, Mary Rivera, Christa Capua, Christina Wilson, Fernand Poulin, Rand Kramer, Katie Kummerer, Jasmine Steinacker, the RADA Foundation Welcome Center, and more.
See here for images of Rad Rendezvous courtesy of The Radical Hotel. For more information & the latest updates, please visit Rad Rendezvous’ website and Instagram.
The Radical – Located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina’s River Arts District, The Radical is a boutique hotel and living art installation that debuted in October 2023 owned by commercial real estate development firm Hatteras Sky and capital partner Somera Capital East and operated by Driftwood Hospitality Management. Housed in a once-abandoned 1920s warehouse that was formerly a cereal factory, the hotel is Asheville’s newest destination for travelers and locals alike, with 70 unmistakable guest rooms and suites, a flagship wood-fire restaurant named Golden Hour, a rooftop bar and a cafe and bar called after/glow – all from local Asheville resident and two-time James Beard nominated restaurateur Jacob Sessoms. Inspired by the River Arts District’s RAD moniker, The Radical brings together a collective of buzzing energy, creative talents and shared experiences designed to inspire all guests to be fearlessly radical. The Radical Hotel was named to Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2025 List and USA TODAY 10Best’s number two 2025 Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Hotel.