Press release from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County:
The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC) is happy to announce that in 2018, we permanently protected five important historic buildings under our Preservation Easement program.
A preservation easement is a legal agreement between two private parties, affecting the current and all succeeding owners. The property owner is responsible for protecting the property’s historic integrity and the organization holding the easement, in this case PSABC, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the conditions of the easement.
As development continues to boom in our small downtown and around the county, we work to expand our list of permanently protected properties and encourage adaptive re-use as a solution for our ever changing community. PSABC Executive Director Jack Thomson notes that “Historic architecture is resilient and adaptive re-use is good preservation and good conservation. The greenest building is the one that is already built.”
Permanently Protected in 2018:
The Kent Building – 93-99 Roberts Street
Built in 1923 and named for local businessman Fred Kent, this building was originally home to Biltmore Wheat Hearts Company (breakfast cereal) and Ebbs Bros Company (wholesale grocery business). In derelict condition for years, this simple industrial gem in the River Arts District will be adapted by the current owners into a multi-use space with a boutique hotel, shops and artist studios.
The Windsor Hotel – 34-38 Broadway Street
Built in 1910 and used over the years as a hotel, apartment building and boarding house, it has not always been maintained to its current condition. This space will continue to be used as a boutique hotel.
Christian & Missionary Alliance Church – 16 S. French Broad Avenue
No longer home to a congregation, this Rustic Revival style stone church built in 1929 has now been taken into new ownership. Future plans are not known at this time, however the preservation easement means it will be cared for into the future.
The Beaufort House Inn – 61 N. Liberty Street
This classic Queen Anne style home was built in 1895 by General Theodore Davidson who was at times in his career a North Carolina Attorney General, North Carolina State Representative, Asheville Mayor and Justice of the criminal court in Buncombe County. Going forward, the Beaufort House will continue to operate as an inn.
Cedar Crest – 662-674 Biltmore Avenue
In 1885 banker William E. Breese, Sr. moved from South Carolina and opened the First National Bank here in Asheville. In 1891 he solidified his connection to the city by building this 20 room home for $10,000. It now operates as an inn as it has since the late 30s when it was first called Cedar Crest.
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