How the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County protects our area’s history

How the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County protects our area’s history

Through easements, grant funding, technical support, and educational programming, the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is conserving a sense of place.

Preservation Programming

One of the cornerstones of the PSABC’s work is facilitating preservation easements, permanently protecting property through a legal agreement that restricts development or changes to privately owned property. Previous easements include the Manor Inn Apartments, which have a storied past and were protected from demolition by the PSABC in the 90s.

The historic grant program disperses funding, from $500 to $5,000, for projects that fall into three categories: brick-and-mortar (think repairs for structures 50 years or older), public education, and survey, planning, and designation. Projects in historically excluded neighborhoods and rural communities are given priority.

PSABC Executive Director Jessie Landl shares that perhaps one of the most overlooked programs the PSABC offers is technical support. Anybody who owns a historical structure, whether a private home or commercial building, can request a site visit where staff will advise on how to properly maintain or rehabilitate a property and can even give contractor recommendations.

Getting Involved

On Friday, May 17, you can party with the Society inside a gorgeous mid-century modern private home. Designed by notable architect Bert King, the Lakeview Park home was built in 1959 and still boasts nearly all of its original elements.

On Thursday, May 23, the Society will host the 45th annual Griffin Awards for Historic Preservation, highlighting local projects in categories like rehabilitation and adaptive reuse.

If you’re a history buff, you can explore the PSABC’s website for information on our area’s historical architecture, with deep dives into specific properties, mysterious histories, and common building styles throughout the area.

Supporting the Cause

To stay up to date with events and educational programming from the PSABC, sign up for its newsletter. You can also support the organization by volunteering your time and skills, making a donation, or becoming a member.