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In light of the announcement that the BB&T building will be repurposed and remodeled, I thought it would be appropriate to pull this article out of the archives. In the attached video, local architect Mark Allison gives context to the architecture of the building in relationship to both other cities and Asheville itself. Enjoy! A Commentary on the BB&T Building in downtown Asheville.  Local Architect Mark Allison was generous enough to send me his new video commentary on the BB&T Building. Enjoy this interesting history into the architectural influences of Mies Van Der Rohe. The BB&T Building was completed in 1965 as the headquarters for North Western Bank.  It is 18 stories, was built by George Goodyear and designed by D. Gene Whittington. The BB&T building reflects the International style of Mies Van Der Rohe.  Mies's thirty years as an American architect reflect a more structural, pure approach towards achieving his goal of a new architecture for the 20th Century.  He focused his efforts on the idea of enclosing open and adaptable spaces with clearly arranged structural frameworks, featuring pre-manufactured steel shapes infilled with large sheets of glass.  His early projects at the IIT campus and for developer Herb Greenwald opened the eyes of Amercians to a style that seemed a natural progression of the almost forgotten 19th century Chicago School style.  His architecture with origins in the German Bauhaus and western European International Style became an accepted mode of building for American cultural and educational institutions, developers, public agencies, and large corporations. The BB&T building does not live up to some key design principles of Mies as Mark will point out in his video. Thank you Mark. Photo courtesy of the Pack Memorial Library

Contemporary Sold

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The Skinny on Modern to Contemporary Home Sales 2011 started out similar to the previous few years, but quietly came roaring to life as it nudged into 2012. A few realtor friends said it was one of their better years, but they had to work  extra, extra, extra hard for it. As far as contemporary homes are concerned we had a few special ones swap owners this year. Here is a brief look at some notable ones.In general, all shapes and sizes of homes found new owners in 2011 while some still remain on the market or have been pulled. The issue for the modern to contemporary home buyer in Asheville is lack of inventory. A good, open, one-level contemporary home of modest size with a view isn't around every corner as seen in my version of heaven. Kelly Erin-Spinney, realtor for Real Living, knows having previously worked real estate in both Florida and California that today's homebuyer is looking for less - not more. She states, "They are looking for their open and zen mountain retreat which opposes what builders were building in the past ten years. Times have changed." I know from my own clients that if I could find spaces that live like an urban loft, but exist privately in nature I might have a chance of retiring.This January seems to be one of the most active on record in our own office. Kelly and I have witnessed a few contemporary's being snatched up just before showings. Specializing in Modern, we have a back order of simple and clean buyers looking for the same polished diamond among the rustic.This vintage gem near Biltmore Lake was on the market for five months and just went under contract to the disappointment of our buyers. A 1972 contemporary with 3 Beds + 2.5 Baths listed for $349,000. Sweet! Buyers- you may have to be patient or creative (ranch remodel?) to find or create the one, but don't expect bargains. The interesting tidbit for all bargain hunters out there waiting to make half price offers: on average these homes sold for 94.7% of listing price. Yes, you heard me! I did the math myself and admit it put a crack in my jaded shell. Which means - it is time to make that deal and get on with your life here in Asheville. Here is a sweet, little mid-century built in 1965 on 2 acres in Fairview. Currently, listed for $295,000 it has 3 Beds + 2.5 Baths in over 2600 sqft with an extra workshop building. Sellers - get your homes to 2012 standards. Even with little inventory buyers still want something up-to-date or a clear understanding of what it will take to get there. Make it easy for them. We all know buyers have been nervous about the unknown future which means they don't care to add on the unknown expenses of bringing a home up to date at this stage in life. Sure - buyers like charm. But you can sit there on your charm as it often comes via Home Depot into inadequate spaces with lots of fresh air (drafts). Do something. Bring in an expert, listen and follow through. [ I often bring in Katie Rice from Bellwether Builders for both my buyer and seller clients. Having built contemporary homes, remodeled ranches she can provide some consulting from a range of $85 to $250 to look at a home and give you some ideas and costs. I know many architects, including Mark Allison offer consultations. ]Yes, it's been a rough few years. But as predicted by the Mayans, 2012 is shaking and speeding things up. So, let's all soften into our yoga matts (insert uji breath), ease our resistance and drive one-handed into our Subaru future. Isn't that why we are here -- in Asheville?

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One of the things I feel strongly about is the need for interesting infill housing and mixed use buildings to better serve the residents of our community.  Mark Allison is always exploring these issues.  I was excited to see his design for this duplex/mixed use style dwelling.  As a realtor I have many clients looking for such properties to either lower their initial investment, to share common spaces and/or to gain some return on their investment.  Here is what Mark has to say about his design strategy."Infill housing strengthens the urban core so that we are not forced to use our cars to get from place to place. This 6,500 square foot prototype is shown on a ¼ acre semi-urban lot, but can be adapted for zero lot line situations. The front of the building can house a business or a cafe, enhancing the experience of the street. Automobile and bicycle storage is provided in the rear of the building. The two dwelling units feature open living, dining, and kitchen areas with a powder room on the middle level. Two bedrooms with private baths along with a private porch are located on the top level. Some other green features include solar water heating, rainwater collection, and energy efficient construction."Images courtesy of Mark Allison

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I wanted to share this impressive photograph taken by  photographer Stewart Young.  He captured this imagine of the Navitat Welcome Center using a infrared camera.  The center was designed by local architect Mark Allison.