ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County is moving forward with plans to establish its first standalone Emergency Operations Center, with commissioners set to vote June 2 on whether to authorize the purchase of the former JCPenney store at Asheville Mall.

The site would become a central hub for emergency management and disaster response, part of broader goals outlined in the county’s Preparedness Action Plan and Helene Recovery Plan. Officials say the space would help unify response efforts and strengthen continuity of operations during major emergencies.

If approved, the location would also serve year-round as the base for the county’s Emergency Services Department, giving staff more room for training, planning and disaster response work. Leaders also say the property could eventually house Public Safety Communications, including 911 operations, along with other county functions.

“Helene taught us that we needed to improve our infrastructure in order to better respond, manage, and maintain government operations following a disaster,” County Manager Avril Pinder said in a news release. “With this purchase, we will be able to facilitate more effective information sharing, resource allocation, and fast and efficient deployment of people and equipment in field operations.”

Commissioners are expected to authorize the purchase at their June 2 meeting, with closing planned for June 8. After that, the county will begin design, engineering and retrofitting work, along with resiliency upgrades before the facility is expected to be ready for use in 2028.

The former department store sits on 6.24 acres at 7 S. Tunnel Road in Asheville. The purchase price is $5 million.