A historic clock tower in the Enka community will be spared from the wrecking ball.
A press release by the Greensboro based developer Samet Corp. says plans are in the works to preserve the 92-year-old tower.
“All parties involved in the development of this area recognize the historic role the monument plays in Asheville’s history, and we would like the tower to stand for generations to come,” Brian Hall, director of development, said in a press release.
Samet, which built Amazon’s distribution center in Mills River, is planning to build a 130,000 square foot facility in Enka for an unnamed company. Initial plans involved demolishing the 149 foot clock tower. Preservationists and Enka residents spoke out after the release of those plans, citing its historic and cultural significance to the community. Signs scattered throughout the neighborhood say "Save The Tower" in bold, black letters.
The clock tower was originally part of a building that belonged to American Enka Company. The Dutch-owned manufacturer of materials like rayon and paper products was a critical employer in the region during the Great Depression.
