Press release here:
The iconic Biltmore School Building on Hendersonville Road has been purchased by a local investment group that plans to restore the historic structure and create professional office space. Developer Rick Grant, President of Beverly-Grant, is leading the effort.
The 57,000 square foot building was constructed in 1927 and has stood vacant for more than a decade. Previous efforts to restore the building for adaptive reuse as a regional museum or condominiums were not successful.
“This is a project we have coveted for many years,” said Rick Grant. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the assembled project team, the high level of interest in the space already, and the encouragement from the community to put this beautiful property back into service. It’s a hometown landmark . . . getting needed attention from hometown people. For that I am most proud.”
Office suites are offered for lease or purchase in the building. Currently, the space is more than 30 percent purchased with early commitments coming from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Altavista Wealth Management and medical and dental practices. “The Community Foundation is pleased to collaborate with others to restore this historic Asheville building,” said Elizabeth Brazas, CFWNC President. “After an extensive downtown search, we could see the potential in this project and committed early to help move it forward.”
“We are very excited about the opportunity to relocate our main office to this historic building” added Dan Akers, Managing Principal of Altavista Wealth Management. “The Biltmore School Building is a treasure from our community’s past, and we look forward to seeing it restored to its original grandeur.”
Alan McGuinn of CJMW Architecture will oversee the restoration. The exterior façades will be restored with original design elements per the 1926 architectural drawings by W.H. Lord. The conversion will upgrade all major systems including plumbing, electrical and high‐efficiency HVAC with the addition of fire protection, elevators, solar panels and ample parking.
Total cost is expected to be $12 million. Renovation construction will be led by local general contractors Beverly‐Grant, Inc.
Local real estate broker and investment partner John Spake, CCIM of Spake Real Estate, is handling sales and leasing for the project. He can be reached at 828‐277‐9670 or john@spakerealestate.com for more information on available office suites.