Jackson Building (Asheville, North Carolina)

The Jackson Building, completed in 1924, stands as the first skyscraper in western North Carolina, reaching 140 feet with 15 stories in downtown Asheville's Pack Square. Built on a surprisingly small lot, it showcases Neo-Gothic architecture designed by Ronald Greene. The building features an observation tower equipped with a powerful telescope and a searchlight to attract visitors. Its unique grotesques serve a practical purpose, allowing water drainage to prevent freezing. The building's history is intertwined with local real estate development, and it remains a notable landmark in Asheville's skyline.