My hometown of Asheville, NC, has an amazing variety of Art Deco structures gracing its streets, one of the best examples of this style of architecture in the country. Growing up and spending my life here, in my early years I really never paid any attention to this fact; to me they were just buildings I passed by when my mom would take me and my brother to town. And then in the 70’s, Asheville suffered the same fate as many other cities with the coming of malls, whereupon all the major retailers moved out of town and the city began to die.
That began changing in the ’90’s, though, and since then there has been a great resurgence of new businesses and shops opening, especially small, independent endeavors, giving Asheville consumers a unique shopping experience. And walking the streets is an eye-opening experience when confronted by the stylish beauty of the surrounding buildings.
FLATIRON BUILDING
Asheville’s answer to New York’s Flatiron Building. And, ironically, the street to the left of the building is Asheville’s own Wall Street, flanked on the right by Battery Park Avenue.
One of the most famous Art Deco structures in Asheville is the Flatiron Building, whose construction began in 1925, twenty-three years after its sister building in New York was built. But the reason for its shape had more to do with the size of the available lot as opposed to copying the famous New York structure. But it is one of the most photographed buildings in Asheville. It houses many small shops and business offices, but it is also home to Sky Bar Asheville, a not-so average rooftop bar. To get to the bar, you go up on an old-world Otis Elevator with an actual operator running it. Once there, you can choose a table at one of four metal balconies which was actually once the fire escape. There’s not a true bar; all your needs are taken care of by the wait staff. It’s a perfectly intimate spot to have drinks and dinner, especially if you’re there around sunset to see the stunning view of Ol’ Sol sinking over the western horizon.
THE JACKSON BUILDING
The Jackson Building was built on the original site where Thomas Wolfe’s father had his tombstone shop, the inspiration for Wolfe’s famous first novel Look Homeward Angel. One of its unique features are the gargoyles poking out of the side corners. It’s been said that the building is haunted. Supposedly a man’s face can be seen looking out of a top story window, a man who committed suicide after losing his fortune during the great depression. I don’t know if that means he jumped out of the Jackson building for I could find no reference to such a thing happening. There is also the neat little Jackson Underground Cafe located here in the lower level of the building. One of my most distinct memories of this building was when President Richard Nixon visited Asheville in October of 1970. During his speech given in front of city hall and the courthouse, I could look around and see all his security, especially the snipers posted on top of the Jackson Building.
THE S & W CAFETERIA
The S & W Cafeteria was one of several eateries in the southeast, operated by a Charlotte, NC, based company founded by two WWI mess sergeants. It’s an Art Deco masterpiece now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Though it ceased operation in 1974, it has since been renovated and now hosts special events, weddings and such. My fondest memory of this building is from back in the 60’s. Zeb Lee who owned the local radio station WSKY did a weekday “Man on the Street” interview right in front of the S & W. Many a time I would walk back and forth in front of him, hoping to be invited to talk, not realizing he wasn’t going to ask a kid to speak. Still, later on, I did get to meet him when the business I was managing did advertisements with his station, leading me to meet his wife, Betty, who had went to school with my mother. Another indication to the truth of that phrase, It’s a small world, huh? And it was then that I did get to be interviewed on the radio by our legendary, local DJ, “Little Joe” Brown, which was truly an adventure considering his wacky sense of humor. He had such a way of putting you on the spot in a fun sort of way.
KRESS BUILDING
Kress was one of those quaint Five & Dime stores, and my mom took us there many times over the years. But, as many of the Asheville stores did, it died. But in 2000 it was renovated. The lower level now houses Kress Emporium which showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen while the upper floors are spacious condos.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND ASHEVILLE CITY HALL
These two magnificent neoclassical structures were built side by side in 1928 on the lower side of Pack Square Park. Pack Square Park was named in honor of George Willis Pack, a great New York philanthropist who made his home here for awhile, who then donated the square area to the people of Asheville. Another great Art Deco example is the Pack Memorial Library, which is now home to the Asheville Art Museum. As I spoke of earlier about the Jackson Building, when President Nixon gave his speech here in front of these two buildings, there were also snipers posted on them just as at the Jackson Building.
These beautiful buildings represent just the tip of the iceberg of the great architecture to be seen in my neck of the woods. It would take one hours to see all the great sites and I’ll not try to mention all of them. There is actually a great walking tour called the Urban Trail that covers much of my city’s history, a must-do for those who visit and appreciate the past.
I am always fascinated by out of the ordinary buildings. I love looking at them when I walk through Boston.
Asheville is a beautiful city. I always enjoy experiencing it when I’m in the area.
I love walking around looking at the buildings and landscapes. It’s my favorite part of traveling.
It is a beautiful city! I love exploring places like this. I like seeing how creative people are when they do stuff and also what the city has to offer.
I’ve always enjoyed visiting Asheville, but I don’t think I’ve ever noticed how beautiful the buildings are. The Flatiron building is really impressive. They all are.
I only get to visit Asheville once in a while but I need to make a point of getting a better look at these buildings. The courthouse and city hall really are beautiful.
Gorgeous buildings! They certainly don’t make them like they used to. The town I live in isn’t old enough to have such wonderful history and architecture, and I really miss it.
I’ve been to NC any times but never Asheville. Now I really want to go. The Flatiron building is especially cool looking.
I love old buildings. I can’t wait to visit one day.
I just love old and neat architecture.
I’ve never been to Asheville but these buildings are so beautiful. Great art and very unique
The building is beautiful. I’ve never been to Ashville, but I would love to visit someday.
I have never been there but looking at the photos makes me want to visit someday, just beautiful!
Honestly, I never heard of Asheville until now. But what a beautiful place to visit. Just looking at those beautiful buildings makes me wanna visit.
Asheville is such a wonderful place to visit. I love the scenery and the people are all so welcoming – not to mention the food is so good!
I love the look of the buildings in your town. They are so pretty to look at!
I love architecture. I love going to new cities and just walking around and seeing all the fab buildings!! This is a great post about the amazing architecture in Asheville!
I love to walk around Ottawa and look at all the fantastic historic buildings. We have so many interesting buildings here.
I’m not a city person, but Asheville is one of my favorites! There have been a couple of times in the Fall of the year when my husband and I have flown into Asheville, spent a couple of nights there and then driven the Blue Ridge Parkway. I would highly recommend that kind of a trip.
Love the pictures. Those old buildings are beautiful and it looks like the weather was really nice that day too.
These are really cool pictures. What a great place to visit and fun backdrops for photos. Love it!
I didn’t realize there were such cool buildings in Asheville. I always enjoy learning the history of buildings that have been around for years and years.
I love nice architecture too. And you’re right, it is def. a small world.
Those are some beautiful photos. It looks like such a wonderful place to visit. I love being able to look at buildings like this.
What a beautiful city! I love old buildings and beautiful photographs!
What lovely buildings! I would love to take a day and just look at buildings all day.
Some stunning buildings. My husband and I have been taking out my architecture buildings, I love it.
I always love towns and cities with really cool buildings. You can tell a lot about a places history by looking at the buildings.
I love Asheville, NC especially in Fall, I have to stop by again and see this list historical building. Have you heard about Biltmore estate that is one of the Asheville attraction that’s in my bucket list.
I have always been fascinated with architecture! I’m not sure if I’ve been to Asheville before since I haven’t visited NC since I was a child. However, I have heard so many wonderful things about it! Therefore, I wouldn’t mind visiting Asheville with my family someday.
It does look like a great place to visit! I love viewing older architecture and different styles. Great photos!
Love beautiful buildings! Architecture is one of my passions! Love all those buildings!
I enjoyed seeing the architecture in your neck of the woods. We have very similar buildings in our downtown area, and our city does a good job of keeping their original designs. Some still have the really old painted-on elaborate ads from way back when.
I live in North Carolina and try get to Asheville when every chance I can! It is such an awesome place!
I’ve never been to North Carolina, but have heard great things about it. Thanks for the virtual tour!
I really enjoyed reading it. I felt as if I was taking a personal tour of Asheville and I loved it. I loved the story of you following the radio guy as a kid and then to actually be interviewed by him later in life is wonderful. I love history and I love to learn. I really appreciate the past and I thank you for sharing this.