The Arras, Asheville, NC’s tallest building at 18 stories, has reopened after major renovation under its new name as a Kimpton Hotel and luxury condos. The building was originally built as the Northwestern Bank Building in 1965 and later became the BB&T Building. Designed in the Mies van der Rohe style which was popular at the time, the building was embraced by Ashevillians with pride since it was the first major construction project in the city since the Great Depression. However, it never truly fit into the Asheville skyline due to its height and mid-century modern façade amongst Asheville’s prevalence of Art-Deco buildings. Long time building owner and tenant, Glenn Wilcox of Wilcox Travel, partnered with John McKibbon of McKibbon Hotel Group to redevelop the property. McKibbon has recently opened other hotels in Asheville including Aloft and AC brands. The new façade with Art-Deco design elements now better fits into downtown Asheville which houses the greatest number of Art-Deco buildings in the South except for Miami Beach. The building is as beautiful on the inside as it is outside.
Venture Development Consulting Group 