FAQ - Historic Toxaway Foundation

When and why was the Historic Toxaway Foundation (HTF) formed?

The Historic Toxaway Foundation was established as a nonprofit entity in 2017 to promote the rich history and natural beauty of the area, encourage local businesses, establish a brand identity for our greater community, and develop a vision to plan for revitalization and development.

What boundaries define Historic Toxaway?

Broadly defined, Historic Toxaway extends along U.S. Highway 64 from Rosman to the Transylvania/Jackson County line at Sapphire and is defined predominantly by the ZIP Codes of Lake Toxaway (28747) and Sapphire (28774).

What is the summer population estimate?

8,000-10,000 people including residents, overnight visitors, and day-trippers.

How many existing businesses are there within the community?

There are approximately 125 businesses operating within the Business Alliance footprint (which includes Balsam Grove, Rosman, Quebec, Sapphire, and Lake Toxaway).

What is the make-up of the HTF Board?

The Board members include volunteer local business people and part-time and full-time residents of area neighborhoods. Read more about our individual members here.

What type of funding is required for the Historic Toxaway Foundation?

The current budget of the Historic Toxaway Foundation is approximately $100,000 per year.

Does the HTF have paid staff?

There is currently 1 part-time contract employee supporting digital marketing activity including our website, social media, e-mail, etc.

What are some of the most important accomplishments of the HTF to date?

The Historic Toxaway Foundation has established a brand identity for our community; an active website; greater media awareness resulting in articles in local and regional publications; the Business Alliance of Upper Transylvania (BAUT) to promote local businesses; erected six welcome signs at four locations along Hwy 64 and Hwy 281 to establish a brand identity for our greater community; and a growing social media presence with over 1,500 followers to date.

What does it mean to establish a Historic Toxaway brand?

Establishing a strong visual and verbal identity helps explain who we are and differentiates Historic Toxaway from other communities in North Carolina. The idea of a storied community paints a picture of our rich past and the red feather feature is first a tribute to the origin of the word Toxaway, believed to mean “red bird” in native Cherokee, and second a nod to the recording of stories in the past with a quill pen.

How is the Historic Toxaway Foundation preserving the history of the community?

The Historic Toxaway Foundation researches and produces blog features on both historical and current events (see an overview of our Stories, here). In that process, we have created a repository of photos, news clippings and other documentation, and in some cases, actual artifacts, from past local and regional events. We are currently in the process of developing a video library on a number of significant topics to share with residents and visitors.

Is the HTF advocating on behalf of Historic Toxaway communities with local government and community officials?

Yes, HTF is working hard to ramp up the awareness of our area in the broader, multi-county Community. HTF board members serve on the boards of both the Brevard and Cashiers Chambers of Commerce; the Transylvania County Tourism & Development Authority; the Heart of Brevard; and the Housing Assistance Corporation. HTF board members have met with the Transylvania County Manager and Commissioners, the Sheriff, School Superintendent, and Parks & Recreation Director and typically attend other county-wide public information meetings on such matters as fire protection.

When and why was the Historic Toxaway Vision Study completed?

The Historic Toxaway Foundation felt it was very important to have an objective inventory, assessment, and analysis completed that would identify the issues associated with future growth within the area defined by the Historic Toxaway Foundation. In 2018, we commissioned a Vision Study by Tessier Associates and Sitework Studios, who assembled a group of civil engineers and land planners to complete the private small area plan which is now referred to as the Historic Toxaway Vision Study.

What are the most important infrastructure issues in the Historic Toxaway Corridor/ US 64?

There are many issues that will affect the types of development outlined in the small area plan. These issues include water and sewer infrastructure, high-speed internet access, and workforce housing. We are pleased that Comporium is currently making upgrades to internet service in our community.

How will the existing land owners and the community be engaged?

One of the prime responsibilities of the Historic Toxaway Foundation is to facilitate interaction with the local business community, county officials, and the residential communities along the Highway 64 corridor.

Is the HTF involved in planning for improvements to Toxaway’s commercial corridor?

Yes, the HTF commissioned a Vision Study and small area plan by Tessier Associates together with Sitework Studios of Asheville. The first stage of this work has now been completed and is the concept behind the new development, Longcliff Village. The Historic Toxaway Foundation is involved in planning with Longcliff’s developer for a Village Center, including housing, hospitality and recreation venues, and commercial development.

What are the plans for the private 44-acre conservation easement located within the Longcliff Village development?

The Historic Toxaway Foundation is engaged with the property developer to convert the easement into a public recreation and community amenity.

How can I learn more about HTF?

We encourage interested parties to visit our website, where you can subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, The Quill, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. As well, BAUT, our offshoot organization, publishes a weekly digital calendar, The Red Feather Guide, and a seasonal print Visitor Guide to promote events and provide business information, and also maintains its own Facebook and Instagram accounts.