ASHEVILLE, NC - GBX Group LLC proudly announces the acquisition of three historic properties across Asheville that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The properties include the Flora Sorrell Boarding House at 100 Biltmore Avenue, the Whiteford G. Smith House at 263 Haywood Street, 255 and 251 Haywood Street and the Burlington Hotel and adjacent commercial building at 60 and 64 Biltmore Avenue. GBX companies partnered with The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. (PSABC) to protect the three properties with historic preservation agreements, which are designed to permanently protect the buildings’ historical façades. These GBX companies plan to preserve and adaptively reuse these structures, blending historic preservation with modern development.
By leveraging various federal, state and local incentive programs, such as historic tax credits and preservation agreements, project partners can access critical, non-traditional financing sources that make preserving these important assets economically viable. A GBX fund, managed by GBX Fund Management Ltd., acquired the Flora Sorrell Boarding House, the Whiteford G. Smith House and the Burlington Hotel and adjacent commercial building. With these additions, GBX companies have acquired and protected 21 historic properties across Asheville.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, GBX Group continues to invest in historic properties across the city, in addition to supporting relief efforts through WNC Tip It Forward, an initiative launched in partnership with GBX Group, AIR Asheville and Arts AVL to support culinary and creative workers in Western North Carolina.
Flora Sorrell Boarding House Historic Information and Improvement Plans
Built in 1911 by businessman Morris Meyers, this property opened in 1912. After hiring Flora McDonald Sorrell to run the inn, it became known as Flora Sorrell’s Boarding House. Over its 100+ year history, the boarding house has witnessed Asheville’s evolution through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the eras of Segregation, Integration, Urban Renewal, Revitalization and more.
Whiteford G. Smith House Historic Information and Improvement Plans
The Queen Anne-style Whiteford G. Smith House, constructed by its namesake who operated a local drugstore, is one of two remaining houses on Haywood Street. This late 19th-century structure is a relic in an area that has seen modern commercial development.
Currently functioning as an office space, the property’s short-term plans include continuing its current operational use.
Burlington Hotel Historical Information and Improvement Plans
The properties at 60 and 64 Biltmore Avenue were built in 1925 during Asheville’s 1920s boom period and are located in the Downtown Asheville Historic District. The Burlington Hotel at 60 Biltmore Avenue originally catered to the growing tourism industry and was later converted into office space prior to 1989. The adjacent commercial building at 64 Biltmore Avenue originally housed automotive and service-related businesses before undergoing a similar conversion.
Photos by Max Shindler, Shindler Solutions
About GBX Group LLC
GBX Group LLC specializes in acquiring, preserving and operating historic real estate in urban markets. The company partners with investors to fund the acquisition and preservation of historic real estate with the goal of generating community revitalization and economic growth. As of January 2025, GBX has been involved in 211 real estate projects in 24 states. For more about GBX, visit gbxgroup.com/.
About The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc.
The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc.’s mission is to conserve Asheville and Buncombe County’s heritage and sense of place through preservation and promotion of the region’s historic resources. For more information, visit psabc.org/
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Contact: Kelsey Sparacia
Public Affairs & Marketing Associate
kelseysparacia@gbxgroup.com
513-432-6156