SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Plans for a new main post office in Swannanoa are moving forward, with design work for the facility nearly complete, according to Buncombe County Commissioner Jennifer Horton.

The former building was damaged beyond repair by Tropical Storm Helene.

In an update posted on social media, Horton said the design phase for the new post office at 2230 U.S. 70 is close to being finished, marking a significant step in the project.

“That is the step the project has been waiting on,” Horton wrote.

Once the design is completed, the U.S. Postal Service will award a construction contract and then provide a construction timeline, Horton said.

Postal Service officials have cautioned that construction schedules can change because of factors outside their control, and no completion date has been announced.

Horton said she will continue working with USPS officials and provide updates as new information becomes available.

The update follows a May announcement that the Postal Service had signed a long-term lease for the property, which is expected to become the community’s new main post office. The site is the former Family Dollar store located along U.S. 70 in Swannanoa.

The lease agreement was announced by Horton, who said USPS had secured the building and property as part of efforts to establish a permanent postal facility for the community.

Residents responding to Horton’s latest update noted recent activity at the site, including the installation of a new roof and other exterior improvements, which they said appeared to signal progress toward construction.

The new facility is expected to serve as Swannanoa’s main post office, though USPS has not yet announced when the location will open.