More Public Art is Coming to Wall Street
Phase II of Wall Street's transformation begins this October, as Dayna Walton extends her Wall Street Steps artwork onto the garage wall. Local artist Dayna Walton will paint a new mural on the Wall Street parking garage wall in Downtown Asheville, building on the Wall Street Steps artwork that anchored Phase I.
Phase I recap
Phase I transformed the Wall Street Steps with a mural by Dayna Walton, who was selected by a panel of Wall Street neighbors, Downtown stakeholder, and local arts professionals in a competitive RFQ process. The resulting artwork, Meander, is an homage to the Southern Appalachian ecosystem, starting at the base of the stairs, which echo the lower elevations and their flora and fauna, climbing up to the higher elevations and everything in between. The reception to the staircase has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people taking their time meandering up the staircase, learning the species’ names, and posing for photos. With the success of Phase I, the Asheville Downtown Improvement District Board voted to support a second phase to further activate and support Wall Street.
Two friends pose on the steps
Viewers can learn species featured in the mural on the accompanying signage
Phase II: the garage wall
Phase II carries the artwork up and across the garage wall, connecting the steps, the plaza, and the surrounding Downtown space into one continuous visual experience.
Phase II turns to the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, waterways that shaped this place and that many of us have thought about differently since Helene. The mural features the beloved hellbender, a native salamander and fish species that depends on clean, flowing water.
Installation is planned for October 2026 and should take about two weeks. Crews will use a bucket truck on site, so please follow posted signs and give the work area some room. You are welcome to watch the mural come together.
Phase II activation: Lunchbox Live
Phase II also brings daily programming to Wall Street Plaza. Lunchbox Live runs October 1 through November 20, 2026, with live music from local buskers from 12 to 1:30 p.m. We provide tables and chairs, Ambassador presence, and promotion. If it rains, we will try to move performances inside a participating Wall Street business. Significant weather may cancel a slot.
Wall Street and nearby restaurants are invited to offer a Downtown Lunchbox Special, a simple grab-and-go meal aimed at under $15. Grab lunch, find a seat in the plaza, and enjoy the music. [Add participating restaurants as they confirm.]
Why Phase II
Phase I gave Wall Street a destination. Phase II gives people a reason to keep coming back. Permanent public art paired with daily programming makes the space more visible, more comfortable, and more useful to visitors, workers, and neighbors, and it supports the businesses around the plaza, especially at lunchtime.
