Much Achieved in 2023 by Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County - TribPapers
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Much Achieved in 2023 by Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

The Headquarters of the Preservations Society of Asheville Buncombe County at 324 Charlotte Street, Asheville. Photo courtesy of PSABC.

Asheville – Under the leadership of Jessie Landl, the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC) has achieved significant milestones. This year, they welcomed Amanda Moore as the Director of Historic Preservation, Amy Hornaday as the Office Manager, and transitioned Jamie Moody into the role of Director of Development. Over the past year, PSABC has successfully protected five historic buildings through the donation of preservation easements. Their Preservation Easement Program, which began in 1981, has experienced substantial growth in recent years, doubling the number of easements held in the last five years alone.

The Trolley parked at Raoulwood for the Time Travel Gala this September. Photo courtesy of PSABC.
The Trolley parked at Raoulwood for the Time Travel Gala this September. Photo courtesy of PSABC.

A preservation easement is a legal agreement between a property owner and a qualified preservation organization, such as the PSABC, that limits the development and alterations to a privately owned historic property. The property owner commits to preserving the property’s historic integrity, while the organization is granted the authority to enforce the easement and monitor the property. Despite the limitations, the owner retains the right to manage, care for, and live or work in the property. Preservation easements are crucial in North Carolina as they provide the only means to permanently protect historic structures, making them an invaluable preservation tool.

Cappadocia Church

The project at Cappadocia Church, in the East End Valley Street neighborhood of Asheville, is moving forward slowly. The church, once slated for demolition, was purchased by PSABC, and their goal is to rehabilitate it into three units of deeply affordable housing. Thanks to the support of Dogwood Health Trust, they have hired an architect to lead the design phase of the project. They were also able to purchase the lot next to the church for much needed parking and green space. The design phase should be completed in the second half of next year, and they are hopeful construction can begin shortly after.

Matching Gift from Biltmore Company Augments Grant Program

PSABC’s grant program experienced significant growth, starting in 2019 with a $20,000 award. The Preservation Society of Asheville recently announced its largest grant round to date, thanks to a generous $35,000 matching gift from The Biltmore Company. This enabled support for six historic projects: Shiloh African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church received $5,000 for HVAC system replacement, Bascom Lamar Lunsford Homestead received $5,000 for roof replacement, Public Education: Riverside Cemetery received $4,100 for an interpretive history panel installation, St. Matthias Episcopal Church received $5,000 for gutter replacement, Violet Hill Cemetery received $5,000 for a new entrance gate, and the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum received $5,000 for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

Continuous Membership Events

Events are continually held throughout the year for members and guests. On December 7th the annual Holiday Party with over 250 attending was held at the historic Manor Inn. A slideshow was given to illustrate the 125th anniversary of Albemarle Park, both a National Register and Local Historic district. In late September a sold out Time Travel Gala was held, which toured three historic homes in Biltmore Forest. The guests visited the homes of Judge Junius G. Adams, built in 1921; The Thomas Wadley Raoul House, built in 1923; and the Eugene Sawyer House built in 1927. At the final trolley stop of the evening, all 300 guests came together when they were treated to live music, delicious food and libations.

Guests enjoying themselves at the Time Travel Gala at the Sawyer House in Biltmore Forest. Photo courtesy of PSABC.
Guests enjoying themselves at the Time Travel Gala at the Sawyer House in Biltmore Forest. Photo courtesy of PSABC.

To join the PSABC as an individual friend is only $35, with family membership being $50. For more information on other categories and to find out about monthly upcoming programs, go to www.psabc.org.