Asheville Architecture Trail

Many of the city's bright light architectural achievements took place in the 1920's when Asheville danced to the tune of flocking tourists and new growth, when the city vectored towards becoming a mountain version of Miami, and when a heritage of splendid work already existed thanks to Richard Morris Hunt, Frederick Law Olmsted, Richard Sharp Smith and Raphael Guastavino, grand masters associated with development of the Biltmore House.  Moreover, all the elegant charms of Art Nouveau, Beaux-Art and Deco movements filled the air like a spice garden, when taking risks generally won the day, and the post-war twenties soared with creativity.

By the time the Depression went off like a bomb, in addition to a fresh outpouring of wonderful buildings, the city also inherited the highest per capita debt burden in the nation.  Such terrible news offered a corollary that turned into a godsend.  Since Asheville determined it would pay back every cent, it literally couldn't afford to tear down any of its jewel-like building inventory.  The twenties were sealed, as if captured in a snow globe.  

The city officially erased its debt in 1976.  Now, forty years later, the dozen buildings you are about to encounter on this walking tour are as fresh-looking and as conceptually brilliant as they were when their doors opened for the first time ~ when glasses of champagne (hidden from view or not) were raised to toast each one as a testament to practical use and timeless beauty.  By witnessing and enjoying these exceptional masterpieces, you will automatically become a part of their ongoing stories.

You can click through to descriptions of each of the 1920s Architecture stations on this site (beginning with Station #1, here), and/or view the interactive map here. A printable map of the Architecture Trail is also available. Teachers and students should download the scavenger hunt and teacher's guide or visit the teacher resources page to learn more about the history of Asheville.