November 28, 2010

Gothic Showoff
Asheville, North Carolina
2010

Read any introduction to downtown Asheville and one of the first things mentioned is that it is famous for its large collection of art-deco buildings. So it was surprising to see the neo-gothic Jackson building, complete with gargoyles on each corner, dominating the skyline. Built in the twenties, it was the first skyscraper in North Carolina (if a 14 story building can be considered a skyscraper anymore). It is also notable for being built on a tiny 27 foot by 60 foot lot. It’s diminutive size did not keep it from serving well as the set for the 1939 film version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.