The Grove Arcade, envisioned by millionaire E.W. Grove, was designed to revitalize downtown Asheville in the 1920s. Architect Charles N. Parker planned it as a grand 5-story base with a 14-story tower, intended to house shops, offices, and residences.

Grove died in 1927, before the project’s completion in 1929. Only the 269,000 sq. ft. base was built, but it still became the region’s largest building. For 13 years, it served as a bustling commercial center with diverse local businesses.

During World War II, the Federal Government requisitioned the building, later using it as the National Climatic Data Center. Public support eventually grew for restoring the Arcade to its original purpose.

In 1997, Asheville acquired the building and leased it to a foundation. The restored Grove Arcade reopened in 2002, featuring shops, restaurants, offices, and apartments, maintaining its status as Western North Carolina’s largest commercial building.