FLS Energy has a new home. The solar energy company is moving to 130 Roberts St. in the heart of the River Arts District in Asheville. The new location will provide the fast-growing solar energy company more square footage and a stronger connection to the city's community in which it thrives. More than 60 FLS Energy employees will move into the former AVL Technologies building in early 2012. FLS Energy began their search for a new location this spring.

"We looked at more than 30 properties throughout Buncombe County," said FLS Energy President, Dale Freudenberger. "In the end, it came down to which property would best meet the needs of our employees: a central location, a connection to our Asheville community, and ease for alternate transportation. The River Arts District is a great fit for FLS Energy."

Pattiy Torno, co-Founder of the River Arts District, said FLS Energy’s move into the arts distric helps fulfill the creative community’s destiny of becoming an equal-opportunity employer. “FLS Energy brings skilled, well-paying jobs in a sustainable field to an urban neighborhood where people can walk or bike to work,” said Torno. “By moving into the RAD, FLS Energy is providing a higher quality of life for their employees.”

FLS Energy brought 20 employees to Asheville from Black Mountain in August 2009. Since then, the company has grown to more than 80 and employees more than 60 at the Asheville office. “FLS Energy’s growth is directly connected to the support of our Asheville community,” said Freudenberger. “Project partners like the Asheville YWCA and Mountain Housing Opporunities helped us to become a leader in the solar thermal industry.” 

George Stowe Architecture of Asheville will lead the interior re-design to customize the space for the company’s needs.  FLS Energy will to move into the neighborhood in early 2012. Construction will begin in December.