Thirty Years at 60 Biltmore Avenue
2017 marks 30 years that Samsel Architects has been in our upper level studio at 60 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Although the company was founded in 1985, it wasn’t until 1987 that the business officially moved in the studio overlooking Biltmore. When our firm’s founding principal, Jim Samsel, and his real estate partner, Barry Olen, decided to rehabilitate 60 Biltmore, the long-abandoned building was severely dilapidated. Windows were broken or boarded up, decades of paint covered the original brick facade, and the interior was piled high with collapsed areas of both roof and floor structures. But there was potential! And, in
Jim Samsel Named one of Asheville’s Downtown Heroes
A big congratulations to Jim Samsel for being named one of Asheville's 2017 Downtown Heroes. He was recognized by the Asheville Downtown Association for his dedication to downtown revitalization at the Association's annual meeting on Wednesday night. Jim’s deep and active commitment to Downtown Asheville revitalization spans almost 40 years (1980-2017) and is characterized by his service and contributions. Over the decades, Jim engaged with the revitalization process through a wide set of roles: volunteer in early downtown planning efforts; strategist; investor in numerous downtown buildings; architect for many downtown projects; advisor and organizer for Pack Square Park; donor to downtown
Loft Renovation Becomes a Home for Art
Samsel Architect's recent downtown loft renovation delivers a welcoming new home for our client as well as for his extensive art collection. As both an artist and collector, the homeowner wanted a space that was not only comfortable to live and create in, but also one that provided the ideal setting for his diverse art collection. We met this challenge by incorporating thoughtful illumination and a sensible color palette. This loft is located on the upper level of a historic Downtown Asheville building built in 1905. A thoughtful repositioning of the original and more formal apartment yielded a new plan for
CCCD Celebrates 20th Anniversary on August 11
On August 11, from 7-10 pm, The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design (CCCD) celebrates 20 years of service to emerging artists, researchers, scholars, and the public with its 20th Anniversary Celebration & Benefit. The event will spotlight interactive art installations, local cuisine and entertainment. Guests will convene at CCCD's historic 67 Broadway Street building in downtown Asheville, to explore four uniquely themed floors filled with art installations, live music, craft food, and specialty beverages. The event features local cuisine provided by Posana, Gan Shan Station, and Foothills Local Meats. Mayor Esther Manheimer will welcome guests and the 55-member host committee,
Samsel Architects Looks Back During Preservation Month
May is National Preservation Month and 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, a program that aimed to preserve and protect America's historic resources. The history of Samsel Architects begins with preservation and rehabilitation projects, as well as civic leadership promoting preservation. We have a 30+ year history of revitalization projects in Asheville, including urban residences, retail, offices and galleries. One of the first preservation projects was 60 & 64 Biltmore Avenue, the location of our studio and nine local businesses. This project received a Griffin Award from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Samsel Principals Featured in Capital at Play Magazine
This month’s edition of Capital at Play magazine includes a feature article that profiles Samsel Architects and the importance of planning for ownership transition. The three owners of the company, Nathan Bryant, Duncan McPherson and Jim Samsel, were interviewed about the firm’s history and its future as the founding principal, Jim Samsel, prepares to retire over the next few years. Jim founded the firm thirty years ago after buying and renovating a dilapidated building on Biltmore Avenue during the very beginning of downtown's revitalization days. Since then, Samsel Architects has built an impressive portfolio of projects throughout the Southern Appalachian region,