Radical Hotel in Asheville Reopens After Major Flooding

News Summary

The Radical Hotel in Asheville has reopened its doors following months of renovations after severe flooding. The historic hotel played a vital role in recovery efforts and seeks to uplift the local community through art collaborations. Despite recent challenges, owner Amy Michaelson Kelly expresses optimism for the hotel’s future as it aims to contribute to the area’s resilience and cultural revival.

Asheville’s Radical Hotel Reopens After Flooding Misadventure

The charming city of Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Radical Hotel prepares to welcome guests once again after suffering a major setback from severe flooding. Located in the historic Roberts Street building, this unique hotel has opened its doors to visitors as of January 3, 2023, marking a fresh start for both the establishment and the local community.

The Flood: A Hard Hit

It may come as a surprise, but despite being situated outside the flood plain, the Radical Hotel faced an unexpected challenge when more than two feet of water inundated the premises. The disaster forced the hotel to close its doors to paying customers for several months, leaving a void in both hospitality and the local economy.

Aiding Recovery Efforts

Throughout the recovery phase, the hotel stepped up, opening its doors to police officers from different jurisdictions and construction workers involved in the restoration efforts. Highlighting the spirit of community and togetherness, the Radical Hotel played a crucial role in providing much-needed support to first responders and workers during a challenging time.

Creativity & Community Collaboration

In a move to uplift the local arts scene, the Radical collaborated with the River Arts District Artists Foundation, Explore Asheville, and Ponce City Market in Atlanta to set up a pop-up art gallery. This gallery showcased the artistic talents of local creators who were impacted by the floods, blending beauty with recovery, and helping to support those trying to rebuild their lives.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite its recent flood woes, the Radical Hotel has been recognized as USA Today’s #2 for the 2025 Reader’s Choice Award for Best New Hotel, reflecting its commitment to providing a unique experience to guests. Nevertheless, while the hotel has reopened, some amenities, such as the rooftop bar and hotel restaurant, will remain closed until spring 2023, as the management prepares them for a grand debut later this year.

Local Optimism

Hotel owner Amy Michaelson Kelly expressed hope and excitement for the future of the River Arts District. After weathering the storm, she emphasized the ongoing creativity and investment happening in the area, truly capturing the community’s resilience. Guests visiting the Radical are not just looking for a place to stay; many are eager to join in the efforts to help the River Arts District bounce back from this difficult chapter.

Weather Woes Across the Region

As Asheville works towards recovery, the rest of North Carolina is bracing for its winter storm with expected snowfall ranging from 1-4 inches and gusts of wind as high as 55 mph. Alongside the beautiful snowflakes, power outages are an unfortunate expectation for many households and businesses in the region.

In Kentucky, parts of the state are anticipating 0.25-0.5 inches of ice, which is predicted to harm road conditions drastically. The storm has already caused significant disruption, with over 110,000 homes and businesses in the South experiencing power outages. Moreover, the effects of the storm have rippled through air travel, with over 3,200 flights canceled or delayed nationwide by noon on a recent Monday.

Stay Safe!

As the region faces impending severe weather conditions, the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross have shared important emergency tips to keep everyone safe. It’s essential for locals and travelers alike to stay informed and aware of the evolving situation.

As the Radical Hotel dives into a new chapter, it promises to be a part of Asheville’s recovery journey, where community spirit and creativity intertwine, proving once again the resilience of this vibrant city.