Revitalizing Asheville: A Closer Look at 8 Remarkable Condo Conversion Projects

In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a city that merges past and present with seamless elegance – Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville has always been a haven for those seeking the tranquility of the mountains, an eclectic art scene, and a rich brew of history and culture. In recent years, it has also carved a niche for itself in the realm of real estate, specifically in the condominium market.

One of the noteworthy developments in this arena is the city’s innovative condo conversion projects. These ventures reflect a combination of architectural preservation and urban modernization, converting old and often historic structures into vibrant residential spaces. From renovated automotive buildings to transformed retail outlets and industrial sites, these converted condos provide a unique blend of classic charm and contemporary living.

These eight condo conversion projects in Asheville—Sawyer Motor Building, Ardmion Park, The Kress Condominium, The Aston Condominium, The Lofts at Mica Village, Old Penneys Building Condos, 17 N Market Street, and The Fitzgerald Condominium—offer captivating insights into how the city is reinventing its architectural landscape.

They represent a transformative journey of Asheville’s real estate, linking the threads of its historical past with the dynamism of its promising future. Each conversion narrates a tale of thoughtful design, respect for architectural heritage, and a focus on community-centric living. So, let’s dive into each project and explore how they are reshaping Asheville’s condo scene.

Sawyer Motor Building: Reviving the Automotive Past

Situated in the vibrant heart of downtown Asheville, the Sawyer Motor Building is a remarkable emblem of the city’s automotive past. Built in the 1920s, this structure initially served as a showroom for Chrysler automobiles, brimming with the elegance and glamour of the roaring twenties. As decades rolled on, the building’s purpose evolved, but its integral charm remained untouched.

Fast forward to the 21st century, this historic structure underwent a transformation, merging its storied past with Asheville’s present-day architectural trends through a condo conversion project. The initiative aimed at reimagining the building’s grandeur into modern living spaces, creating a harmonious fusion of history and luxury.

The condo conversion involved meticulous design plans that retained the building’s original features while integrating modern amenities. Each condo showcases exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large, industrial-style windows that flood the interior with natural light—references to the building’s past. Modern touches include state-of-the-art kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, and energy-efficient systems, ensuring a comfortable urban lifestyle.

Beyond the individual condos, the Sawyer Motor Building also offers shared amenities. Residents can enjoy a communal rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, a testament to Asheville’s scenic allure. Additionally, the building’s prime downtown location offers easy access to local shops, restaurants, and galleries, encapsulating the best of Asheville’s vibrant city life.

The Sawyer Motor Building’s condo conversion project is a true embodiment of Asheville’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while adapting to the evolving demands of urban living. It stands as a testament to the city’s ability to marry the old with the new, creating an urban dwelling that exudes both charm and modern comfort.

Ardmion Park: A Nod to Asheville’s Storied Past

Perched atop a ridge with panoramic views of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ardmion Park holds a distinct place in the city’s architectural landscape. Originally built in the 1920s as a luxurious apartment complex, Ardmion Park mirrors the elegance and grandeur of Asheville’s past. Its unique history and stunning location make it a fascinating candidate for condo conversion.

The project to convert Ardmion Park into condominiums was executed with a vision to restore and enhance the property’s original allure while adding modern amenities for contemporary living. The historical charm of the building, from its imposing façade to its detailed interior moldings, was diligently preserved, making each condo unit a piece of living history.

The condo conversion project has resulted in a collection of units that meld historical elegance with modern convenience. Each condo in Ardmion Park boasts original hardwood floors and timeless architectural details, paired with modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and spacious living areas. The large windows offer residents stunning views of Asheville’s downtown and the surrounding mountains, truly capturing the city’s unique geographical beauty.

Beyond the condos, Ardmion Park also offers beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, a feature that underscores Asheville’s love for nature. Residents can enjoy leisurely strolls around the property, soaking in the views and the tranquility it offers.

In a city where the old and the new coexist harmoniously, Ardmion Park stands as a symbol of Asheville’s ability to preserve its history while creating attractive, modern living spaces. This condo conversion project serves as an example of how Asheville is rejuvenating its architectural gems, allowing them to shine in a new era.

The Kress Condominium: Retailing History

In the heart of Asheville’s downtown, a prime example of the city’s architectural heritage and commitment to adaptive reuse stands tall – The Kress Condominium. This historic building, formerly the S.H. Kress & Co. department store, is now one of Asheville’s most coveted residential addresses, thanks to an ambitious condo conversion project.

Originally built in 1927, the Kress building served as a beloved retail institution in Asheville for many years. Its architectural style, defined by richly decorated terracotta facades and intricate detailing, spoke volumes about the city’s vibrant art deco period. When the department store closed, it was crucial for the city to retain this historic building’s architectural significance and find a new purpose for it. The solution came in the form of condo conversion.

The transformation of the Kress building into a residential complex was a meticulous process. Each of the five floors of the building was carefully repurposed to house modern, loft-style condos while retaining the architectural elements that give the building its historic charm. High ceilings, large windows, and original terrazzo flooring are preserved in each unit, contributing to the authenticity of the living experience.

Each unit within The Kress Condominium now boasts of open floor plans with modern kitchens, sleek bathrooms, and spacious living areas. Residents also have access to a communal rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, serving as a shared space for relaxation and socializing.

With its prime location and unique blend of historical charm and modern living, The Kress Condominium condo conversion project showcases Asheville’s successful revitalization efforts. It serves as a tribute to the city’s history, providing a beautiful example of how Asheville breathes new life into its architectural landmarks.

The Aston Condominium: Art Deco Turned Residential

Positioned in the heart of Asheville, The Aston Condominium paints an impressive picture of the city’s architectural journey. Originally an Art Deco office building erected in the 1920s, The Aston stands as an iconic reminder of Asheville’s prosperous commercial past. Its conversion into a residential condominium exemplifies the city’s innovative approach to preserving its architectural heritage.

The Aston’s transformation into a condominium was executed with careful precision and creative foresight. The goal was to maintain the building’s historic character while introducing modern-day amenities, creating an appealing blend of the past and present. This transformation resulted in a series of residential units that carry the building’s Art Deco lineage while providing a comfortable, modern living environment.

Inside each condo unit, you find a perfect balance between classic charm and contemporary elegance. The units maintain the building’s high ceilings and expansive windows, which bathe the interior in warm, natural light. Simultaneously, the units are equipped with modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and open living spaces that reflect the demands of today’s urban dweller.

The Aston Condominium also offers a shared rooftop terrace for residents, providing a remarkable vantage point to admire Asheville’s cityscape and the surrounding mountain vistas. Its central location is another asset, with a plethora of shops, restaurants, and art galleries right on its doorstep.

The condo conversion of The Aston is more than a real estate venture—it is a testament to Asheville’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future. By adapting this Art Deco icon into a modern residential complex, Asheville underscores its commitment to sustainable urban development and architectural preservation.

The Lofts at Mica Village: Industrial Charm Meets Urban Living

In East Asheville lies a unique residential complex with a rich industrial heritage – The Lofts at Mica Village. Originally, this site housed the Mica Factory, which played a pivotal role in the local economy in the early 20th century. As the industrial age waned, the factory was abandoned, leaving behind a structure with immense architectural potential. Recognizing this, the city embarked on a condo conversion project to bring new life into the industrial relic.

The transformation of the Mica Factory into The Lofts at Mica Village was no ordinary task. It demanded careful planning and execution to preserve the industrial aesthetics of the factory while creating functional and inviting living spaces. The result is a collection of loft-style condos that honor the building’s industrial past while providing all the comforts of modern living.

The Lofts at Mica Village retain many of the factory’s original features, including exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and high ceilings. These elements, coupled with large windows and open floor plans, create a sense of space and an industrial-chic aesthetic. To balance the industrial elements, the condos are fitted with modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and high-quality finishes, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.

The condo complex also includes shared green spaces and a communal courtyard, allowing residents to enjoy Asheville’s natural beauty. The proximity to the Swannanoa River and the nearby nature trails add to the appeal of The Lofts at Mica Village, offering a unique blend of urban living and access to nature.

The Lofts at Mica Village condo conversion project showcases Asheville’s dedication to reinvigorating its historic structures. It stands as a testament to the city’s innovative approach to repurposing old industrial buildings into modern, sustainable residences.

Old Penneys Building Condos: Remodeling Retail Memories

Standing in Asheville’s bustling downtown is a building that bears witness to the city’s vibrant retail past – the Old Penneys Building. For years, this structure housed the popular J.C. Penney department store, making it a staple in Asheville’s commercial landscape. However, as retail patterns shifted, the building was left underutilized. A condo conversion project was conceived to repurpose this historic building, transforming it into an attractive urban dwelling – the Old Penneys Building Condos.

This ambitious project was designed with dual goals – to preserve the historic charm of the building while equipping it with the comforts of modern living. The original architectural features of the building were meticulously conserved, and the interiors were redesigned to house residential units that meet contemporary standards.

Each condo unit within the Old Penneys Building maintains features from its retail past, such as high ceilings and large windows, creating a sense of openness and light. Modern elements are also abundant, with state-of-the-art kitchens, updated bathrooms, and spacious living areas ensuring comfort and convenience for residents.

One standout feature of the Old Penneys Building Condos is its prime location. Situated in the heart of downtown, residents have Asheville’s vibrant city life at their doorstep, with access to an array of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. The building also boasts a shared rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the city and the nearby mountains.

The condo conversion of the Old Penneys Building underscores Asheville’s commitment to adaptive reuse of its architectural treasures. By transforming a part of its retail history into contemporary residences, Asheville not only breathes new life into an old structure but also enriches its urban living experience.

17 N Market Street: From Commercial to Residential

An innovative more recent example of Asheville’s condo conversion scene is the residential transformation of 17 N Market Street. Originally a commercial structure, this building had a significant presence in Asheville’s downtown business district. However, as the city evolved, the building’s purpose was re-envisioned, culminating in a successful condo conversion project.

The project aimed to retain the commercial charm of the structure while adapting it for residential use. This entailed a careful redesign of the interior spaces while preserving key architectural elements of the building. The result is a series of condos that exhibit a unique blend of business-inspired aesthetics and modern residential comfort.

Each unit within 17 N Market Street has been meticulously designed to offer an optimal living experience. They maintain elements of the building’s commercial past, such as high ceilings and expansive windows, while incorporating modern amenities. Each condo boasts a modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, and spacious living areas, ensuring residents have all they need for a comfortable urban lifestyle.

The building also enjoys a central location, offering residents easy access to Asheville’s downtown attractions, including restaurants, shops, and art galleries. A shared rooftop terrace provides panoramic city views, adding another dimension to the residential experience at 17 N Market Street.

The conversion of 17 N Market Street is a prime example of Asheville’s adaptive reuse strategy. By transforming a commercial structure into a residential space, the city showcases its innovative approach to real estate development and its commitment to sustainable urban living.