BUILDINGS MAGAZINE – April 2022
by R
A ‘Rad’ Approach To Adaptive Reuse
The adaptive reuse of the historic Kent Building into a new hotel, aptly named The Radical, is currently underway to transform the abandoned brick structure into a 70-room hotel featuring five venues including a coffee shop, fine dining restaurant, ice cream kiosk, rooftop bar and a bar hidden in the building’s core.
History, Sustainability, and Existing Conditions
Built in 1923 and named for local businessman Fred Kent, The Kent Building was originally home to Biltmore Wheat Hearts Company, a breakfast cereal company, and Ebbs Bros Co., a wholesale grocery business, as well as tenants who sold coffee and other supplies. Outside, the building’s brick walls display the remnants of painted advertisements from a few of its original tenants.
Developer Hatteras Sky issued a directive to utilize local talent as much as possible, and Suomi Design Works is taking it to heart, sourcing local artists, craftsmen and furniture makers, for example, to outfit the interiors.
Because of the historic significance of the building and Hatteras Sky’s commitment to restoring the interior, the development will benefit from generating historic tax credits. Suomi said the project team will be replacing all of the exterior windows and exposing existing concrete and brick wherever possible, and are aiming to meet stringent energy and water conservation goals in the process.
Read the full Building Magazine article HERE.
Learn More about Hatteras Sky and our boutique hotel projects in Asheville HERE.