Moog Music Announces Downtown Asheville Headquarters

Moog Music, in conjunction with the City of Asheville and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville Buncombe County, is pleased to announce a $2.5 million investment in a new downtown Asheville company headquarters. On May 18, 2010, Moog Music finalized the purchase of the vacant 160-170 Broadway St., just north of the I-240 overpass.

The Broadway site was chosen by Moog Music for its close proximity to the downtown music venues and the river arts district. “This location is ideal for Moog and our employees; we will bring commerce, economic vitality and livability to this once neglected entrance to the city,” said Michael Adams, President of Moog Music. “Our plans include an extensive renovation of the structure that will transform the façade from an eyesore to a landmark that embodies Moog’s spirit of innovation, one that our company and our community can be proud of.” The location will house the company’s 35 employees engaged in worldwide sales and marketing, research and development, and manufacturing operations.

Moog Music designs, engineers, and manufacturers electronic musical instruments including the Minimoog Voyager, the Little Phatty Synth, and the recently introduced, patented, award winning Moog Guitar. Moog Music was founded in Trumansburg, NY in 1954 and was on the forefront of innovation of synthesized music. The company’s founder, Bob Moog, moved to the Asheville area in 1978. After some years consulting and teaching at UNC-Asheville, Dr. Moog began making electronic musical instruments in 1994. The first instruments were released under the name Big Briar and then, beginning in May of 2002, as Moog Music.

“This redevelopment by Moog brings the Broadway corridor one step closer to the vision long advocated by city and community planners,” said City of Asheville Mayor, Terry Bellamy. “The City is excited to welcome an employer like Moog whose international reputation for excellence, innovation and creativity will complement our vibrant downtown community.” Moog Music has been selected by the City to receive $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds in support of the project. As part of this expansion and expected company growth, Moog anticipates adding an additional 10 – 15 employees over the next three years.

“The County applauds Moog Music on this exciting expansion and its continued contributions to our economy and workforce. The move will not only strengthen our advanced manufacturing economy but enhance Asheville’s reputation as a premier music and arts destination,” said David Gantt, Chair of the Buncombe County Commission. Moog Music will begin renovations on the Broadway site in the coming weeks with the use of local architect, Keith Hargrove, and H&M Constructors. Work should be completed in late 2010.