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

The Historic Toxaway Foundation was established 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 and 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 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 signage to delineate the boundaries of Historic Toxawat; and a growing social media presence with over 2,000 followers.

What is the Business Alliance?

BAUT was formed by the Historic Toxaway Foundation to give a voice to local businesses. The organization publishes a weekly digital newsletter, The Red Feather Guide, that provides timely information about events, goods and services provided by our local business members, as well as a Visitor Guide with a business locator map.

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.

Was the HTF involved in installing the new identity signage seen in the community?

Yes, we have installed six “Historic Toxaway—A Storied Community” signs at four different locations along Highways 64 and 281.

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 helping to ‘preserve the history’ of the community?

The Historic Toxaway Foundation researches and produces blog features on both historical and current events. 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 have also funded four professionally-produced videos (Sunday Night Stories) that have documented historical moments in the history of our area.

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

Yes, the HTF commissioned a Vision Study and small area plan in 2018 by Tessier Associates together with Sitework Studios of Asheville. The foundation felt it was very important to have an objective inventory, assessment, and analysis that would identify the issues associated with future growth in the area. Civil engineers and land planners worked to complete the evaluation which is now referred to as the Historic Toxaway “Small Area Plan Vision Study,” which became the inspiration for the Village at Longcliff’s mixed-use development.

Is the Historic Toxaway Foundation working to create a Small Area Community Plan which will require zoning regulations to be established?

The Foundation is NOT working toward any plan that would impose new zoning regulations on the community.

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.

What is the estimated summer population in the Historic Toxaway community?

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.

Does the HTF have paid staff?

There are currently 2 part-time contract employees supporting HTF and BAUT marketing activities.

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.

How can I learn more about HTF?

We encourage interested parties to navigate our website, where you can read selections from our Stories series, 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.