McKibbon Hospitality celebrated a significant milestone at One West Pack Square as long-time tenant and building owner Glenn W. Wilcox Sr., chairman and president of Tower Associates, moved out of what was formerly known as the BB&T building. John McKibbon, chairman of McKibbon Hospitality, and Wilcox are developing a mixed-use project on the site that includes a boutique hotel, condominiums, a restaurant and bar, parking and retail space for lease. The interior demolition will begin this week with the exterior building renovation and construction to start in the fall. The new building will open in 2018.
“The BB&T building has served as an iconic anchor in downtown Asheville as the area has experienced tremendous growth over the past 50 years,” said Wilcox. “Along with John McKibbon, I am pleased to help transform the building into a beautiful new site that will complement the surrounding area, maximize the use of pedestrian space and public spaces surrounding the building, and incorporate the talent of our local art and culinary communities through its design and food and beverage components. Although one chapter of this building’s history has come to a close, I am very excited about the next phase of development of this great site in the heart of downtown Asheville.”
Mr. Wilcox moved his business to Asheville in 1965 and was one of the first tenants when the building opened that year as the Northwestern Bank Building. He has been in the building for 51 years, and Tower Associates has served as the building’s owner, operator and leasing agent since 1988. Wilcox has been a successful entrepreneur as chairman and president of Tower Associates, founder of Wilcox World Travel and Tours, and founder of Blue Ridge Printing Company. In addition to running several successful businesses, Mr. Wilcox has been an integral part of Asheville’s growth and development. He has also maintained an active role in the community through his involvement with the Better Business Bureau of Asheville and Western North Carolina, Mission Healthcare Foundation, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.
“As we celebrate the start of a new phase at One West Pack Square, it’s important to pause and recognize the great impact that Glenn Wilcox, his businesses, and his entire family have had and will continue to have on Asheville,” said John McKibbon. “Asheville simply would not be what it is today without Glenn’s involvement over the past 50 years. I am truly humbled to work with him to transform a site that is at the center of Asheville’s history into one that locals and visitors will enjoy for years to come.”
Once the new building is open, Wilcox will maintain office space within the building. McKibbon and Wilcox are also building the AC by Marriott Hotel and a 350-space garage with public access at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and College Street, which is slated to open later this year.