Sometimes the buildings that linger in memory aren’t the ones operating as they once were—but those that wear their pasts like living scars. The Battery Park Hotel in Asheville is one such structure. Originally launched in 1886 as a luxurious Victorian retreat perched atop a downtown hill, the hotel has been rebuilt, repurposed, and haunted by its stories ever since. Today it’s a senior-living complex, but you can still feel echoes of the grand lobby, the roaring 1920s ballroom, and whispered mysteries in its walls.
The original Battery Park Hotel was built by Colonel Frank Coxe and quickly became one of Asheville’s premier destinations, hosting politicians, artists, and wealthy guests drawn by mountain air and scenic views. That first structure met its end in the early 1920s, when entrepreneur Edwin W. Grove bought the property, tore down the hotel (and the hill beneath it), and replaced it with a new 14-story building in 1924, designed by architect William Lee Stoddart. The new edifice blended Classical Revival and Spanish-Romantic details, and operated as a hotel until 1972.
Key Highlights
The building’s architectural presence is striking: 14 stories of brick, limestone, and terra cotta rising over downtown Asheville. It marks a shift in style from the ornate wooden Queen Anne original to a more modern, commercially ambitious structure.
Its place on the city’s architecture trail underscores its value as a point of visual and historical interest. Walking past the façade, you can spot the detailing in windows, cornices, and the lobby scale that speak to its hotel origins.
A darker chapter lives on in local lore: the 1936 murder of Helen Clevenger in room 224 remains one of the building’s most enduring tales. She was found shot in the chest, and the ensuing trial and execution of a bellhop remain controversial to this day. Some ghost tours still visit the building to reflect on its spectral legacy.
Though no longer a hotel, its reinvention is part of its story. After closing in 1972, the building was converted into senior apartments, preserving much of its exterior character while altering internal use.
Atmosphere & Décor
As you approach Battery Park, the sense of solidity and vertical ambition is hard to miss. The scale feels more civic than residential—even with its modern function, the structure reads like a relic of a more aspirational era.
Inside, original hotel details (if still intact) are overlaid by renovation, but one can sense a spatial logic designed for reception, social rooms, and grand circulation. Imagine wide corridors, tall ceilings, and rooms that once hosted suitcases, lobbies, and ballroom shadows.
At night, the building takes on an eerie stillness. The stories of hauntings and the lingering past invite you to pause and imagine the bustle it once held. Lighted windows, muted brick tones, and its silhouette against the Asheville sky all contribute to a haunted-but-honored presence.
Other Considerations
Can I go inside?
Because it now serves as private housing, interior access is restricted. The building is best appreciated from the exterior. Ghost tours and architecture walks may include this stop.
Is it family-friendly to visit?
Yes — the outside is fully safe to view, and history buffs of all ages tend to enjoy walking by and taking in its façade. Just be respectful of residents.
So how’s the price?
There is no admission fee for viewing the exterior. Tours that include the Battery Park as a stop may charge for entry into their walking or haunted circuits.
What about parking or location?
The hotel is located in downtown Asheville, amidst parking garages and urban streets. Visiting on foot or by public transit is often more convenient than trying to park right next to it.
When is the best time to see it?
Evenings or golden hour make for dramatic lighting, especially for photography or ghost-tour ambiance. Daytime gives you clearer views of architectural detail.
Are there any cautions?
Be mindful that residential access points are private, and avoid crossing into restricted areas. Also, because the building is old, some parts may be under maintenance or repair at times.
Battery Park Hotel
📍 1 Battle Sq, Asheville, NC 28801
