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Grove Arcade

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vampirefan
vampirefan
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5 out of 5
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A Must Stop for Shoppers

  • February 3, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
A Must Stop for Shoppers

Visitor's to the downtown area can not help but notice the art deco masterpiece known as the Grove Arcade, which is now a well known shopping haven filled with treats and amazing galleries.

The building was the vision of E.W. Grove, who also built the elegant and grand Grove Park Inn. It was the last shopping arcade constructed in the country and was a shopping mecca for the community.

The building began in 1927 just before E.W.’s death and was completed in 1929. Plans for the building included a 14 story tower but only the base of the building was ever completed. For more than a decade the shopping area was the center of community activity and offered everything from groceries, candy shops, cigar shops, and book stores. They also were home to several offices, photography shops, beauty shops, and barber shops.

During WW2 the government took over the building and just kicked everyone out. The building was large and was in a remote location so it made perfect sense to the government to house their operations. Instead of giving it back after the war ended, it would stay under the ownership of the US Government for more than half a century. It once was home to the National Climatic Date Center.

As I have mentioned many time, in the 1970’s people began to take our historic treasures seriously and the in 1970’s the restoration movement began that continues today. Many downtown areas were brought back to life including Asheville. Plans began to surface to return this glorious Art Deco masterpiece to its original use and allow it to be the center of the growing downtown area. In 2002 it was once again opened to the public and commerce once again returned to the building. In 1985 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the arcade is home once again to offices, condos, restaurants, and a number of galleries and stores. While here John and I checked out the cheese and spices at The Big Cheese. Crafters needed to take time to step into the Asheville Home Crafts store which has a whole room of nothing but incredible yarns of every type and color. And I had to go in and explore the Bath Junkie shop. Pure heaven!

Throughout the year the arcade hosts a number of events for the community including Jazz concerts and gallery crawls. Between Thanksgiving and through the first f the year, visitors can come by and see several dozen of the entries from the Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread competition. You can also rent out space for your next cooperate events or big shin dig. And they even have catering to help you out. You can even take a self guided tour of this fine building.

Hours/info

The Grove is generally open from 10 to 6 Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 on Sunday. Restaurants are often open longer hours and during some events, merchants may extend their hours as well as during the holiday season.

Website: www.grovearcade.com

Parking: There is metered parking on the street and a parking garage across the road.

I am sure EW has to be looking down and glad his creation is now once again a central part of this thriving community. While you’re here, come and share in his vision.

From journal Holiday Fun in Asheville

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