Old-World Deco- Merrimon Avenue Fire Station

Old-World Deco- Merrimon Avenue Fire Station

by Dale Wayne Slusser “NORTH ASHEVILLE TO GET $40,000 FIRE HALL SOON”, announced the Asheville Citizen-Times, on November 21, 1926.  The article further announced that, “Plans for the new structure have already been drawn by Douglas D. Ellington, architect, and...
“Anything Goes…”: Ellington’s S & W Cafeteria

“Anything Goes…”: Ellington’s S & W Cafeteria

By Dale Wayne Slusser Douglas Ellington’s S & W Cafeteria is a product of it time and place. Its design reflects the spirit of the “Roaring Twenties” when excess and extravagance reigned, and “convention” was passé, and the mantra was as Cole Porter so aptly...
Transitioning: Ellington’s Asheville High School

Transitioning: Ellington’s Asheville High School

By Dale Wayne Slusser As construction of the new Asheville City Hall was nearing completion, in January of 1927, the Asheville City school board decided to appropriate $750,000 for construction of a new High School and accompanying Junior College, and they also voted...
An Art Deco Blend – Asheville’s City Hall

An Art Deco Blend – Asheville’s City Hall

By Dale Wayne Slusser Asheville’s City Hall building was designed by Douglas Ellington in 1926, following on the heels of his commission for the First Baptist Church. Ellington’s design for the City Hall would continue his blending of Art Deco with his Classical...
A Classical Masterpiece from an Art Deco Master

A Classical Masterpiece from an Art Deco Master

By Dale Wayne Slusser “What is that?” was my initial reaction to seeing First Baptist Church of Asheville for the first time, in 1993. But now after years of observing it both from its exterior, and attending numerous worship services and events where I have observed...
Asheville’s Master of the Art Deco: Douglas Ellington

Asheville’s Master of the Art Deco: Douglas Ellington

By Dale Wayne Slusser When we think of Asheville’s booming 1920s’ building frenzy, one architect stands alone as Asheville’s premiere architect of the period: Douglas Ellington.  In fact, at least five Ellington designed buildings remain in downtown Asheville as noted...