 It is the result of RiverLink's design to redevelop the urban riverfront corridor, built and expanded from the 1989 Asheville Riverfront Plan, which won the American Planning Association Award and represents the consolidation of over 20 years of community planning.The River Arts District runs north along the east side of the French Broad River from the Lyman Street Curve to Jeff Bowen Bridge and along Depot Street and Roberts Street from Clingman Avenue.Starting in the early-to-mid-19th century, the riverfront's even ground and untainted openspace made it a popular trade route.