GBX Group LLC Announces Rehabilitation of the Historic Flora Sorrell Boarding House in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, NC- GBX Group LLC ("GBX") is pleased to announce construction to rehabilitate the historic Flora Sorrell Boarding House at 100 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. In partnership with the local firms Buchanan Construction and Carleton Collins Architecture, the project will preserve the building's historic character while adapting it to accommodate 10 boutique hotel suites.

A GBX fund, managed by GBX Fund Management Ltd., acquired the property in 2024 as part of its continued investment in preserving and revitalizing Asheville's historic buildings. The rehabilitation marks the next chapter for a property that has been part of the city's history for more than a century, connecting its origins as a boarding house with new opportunities to welcome guests.

"We are excited to revitalize and breathe new life into the Flora Sorrell Boarding House with a plan to reposition the property in a way that builds on its long history of welcoming visitors to Asheville," said Jeff Prioreschi, President of Development at GBX. "Through our partnership with Buchanan Construction and Carleton Collins Architecture, we have developed plans that will allow hotel guest stays in boutique suites at the historic Flora Sorrell."

Originally operated by Floral McDonald Sorrell after its initial construction, the property became known as the Flora Sorrel Boarding House. Over its more than 100-year history, the boarding house has witnessed Asheville's evolution through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, segregation, integration, urban renewal and revitalization. Its rehabilitation will carry that history forward through the continued use of the building.

Buchanan Construction is an award-winning, locally owned design-build firm headquartered in Asheville, with more than 20 years of experience across residential and commercial construction. The firm has earned more than 100 local, state and national awards, including national recognition for historic preservation and restoration. Its collaborative approach and deep roots in Western North Carolina bring both construction expertise and a local perspective to the project.

"As a locally owned company, we take great pride in helping preserve the places that tell Asheville's story," said Rick Buchanan of Buchanan Construction. "We are excited to partner with GBX Group to reimagine the Flora Sorrell Boarding House for modern visitors. This project is an opportunity to pair careful craftsmanship with thoughtful updates, honoring the building's history while preparing it to welcome a new generation of guests."

Carleton Collins Architecture is an Asheville-based firm that brings a collaborative, community-focused approach to design. Founded in 2018 by Asheville native Carleton Collins, the firm draws on its principal's more than 40 years of experience serving clients throughout Western North Carolina.

"The Flora Sorrell Boarding House has been part of Asheville's story for more than a century, and we're excited to help shape its next chapter," said Carleton Collins, Owner and Principal of Carleton Collins Architecture. "Our approach is to honor the building's historic character while making it comfortable and functional for the people who will stay here. As an Asheville native, it's especially meaningful to help bring renewed purpose to a place with such deep local roots."

The project reflects GBX Group's ongoing commitment to finding productive uses for historic properties and working with local partners to support the communities around them. By bringing boutique accommodations to 100 Biltmore Avenue, the rehabilitation will continue the property's legacy as a place to stay and call home.

About GBX Group LLC

GBX Group LLC focuses on the acquisition, preservation and operation of historic properties in urban communities. Working alongside investors, GBX finances projects that give historic buildings a lasting role in local economies and support neighborhood revitalization. As of January 2026, GBX's work encompassed 216 real estate projects across 24 states. Learn more at www.gbxgroup.com.

About Buchanan Construction

Buchanan Construction is an award-winning, locally owned design-build firm headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, serving Western North Carolina and the surrounding region. With more than 20 years of experience, Buchanan has built a reputation for delivering exceptional custom luxury homes, transformative renovations, commercial construction, multifamily developments, and thoughtfully planned communities. Recognized with more than 100 awards at the local, state, and national levels, Buchanan Construction's work has been honored for excellence in craftsmanship, custom home building, interior design, renovations, historic preservation, landscape design, and innovation. For more information, visit https://buchananconstruction.com/build/

About Carleton Collins Architecture

Carleton Collins Architecture is an Asheville, North Carolina-based architecture firm founded in 2018 by owner and principal Carleton Collins. An Asheville native with more than 40 years of professional experience in Western North Carolina, Collins leads a collaborative team serving residential, commercial and community projects. The firm combines personalized service with a commitment to functional, sustainable design that responds to client goals and strengthens the connection between buildings and their communities. For more information, visit carletoncollins.com.

Photos by Max Shindler, Shindler Solutions

Sketch by Tim Mclendon