Oh my word. I can’t believe we are undertaking another building project of this magnitude but sometimes projects choose us. It’s been less than a year since we finished the Sixty-One Park Farmhouse and this is our new project that I’m calling One-Twenty Main:
I’ve been in love with these two buildings since we moved to Bryson City. The brick store was built around 1950 and the little attached house might be as old as 1900. I still have a lot of research to do. Both have been empty for 25 years. The store was H&B Jewelers for a very long time, run by Hazel and Bud Jacks. They lived in the cute little house attached to the back:
We are partnering again with the Perkins family on this restoration! The front brick building is going to be my new art studio/shop downtown. The plan is to have some open studio time where people can come work on their own and also take classes (not just from me, I have so many artists I want to take classes from too!) The adorable cottage on the back will be a vacation rental right on Main Street near our other store Bryson City Outdoors. Also, isn’t that huge wall just calling for a mural?!
I’ve set up an account on Instagram too where even more photos will be shared soon: @onetwentymain I can’t wait to share all the cool things we’ve already found that will eventually go back into the house. I’ve also been glued to the microfiche machine at the geneaology society tracking down all the info I can.
So happy to get to join you on another project!!
Oh to be young again and tackle the adventures you are doing. I look forward to following the progress of your new project.
i so agree with Linda Reed.
Oooh can’t wait to see the work progression! It will be beautiful I’m sure!
Hi Ashley,
I love how this property called to you. The cement steps to the little house remind me of my grandparent’s home when I was just four or five years old. The alcove to the front entrance of the store is so vintage looking, I love it! I can’t wait to see what you do with it, and what a wonderful idea to open this space up to the public to enjoy as well! If I’m ever down that way I will definitely stop by and take a look in person. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
I really enjoy your adventures!. This one is a great one. I appreciate that you are not tearing these buildings down and erecting a “new” one. I love the old too. In fact you make your area so appealing I’d like to visit! Maybe someday I’ll get to. In the meantime keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll live vicariously through you to enjoy it. Thanks!! (I’m 71 and may not be traveling much in the future.) –Pam
I love hearing you like to save the old buildings downtown! I can’t wait to see what develops. Your own art shop/studio. Way to go, Ashley. So very happy for your family & the Perkins family, too. Now I have you to live my dream. I wasn’t going to I open an art studio. I was hoping to open a sewing classroom with room for all crafts. Can’t wait until the process begins & see your found objects.