Perhaps the Museum's most significant artifact is the red brick building that houses the collection, designed by Biltmore Estate supervising architect Richard Sharp Smith.

Located in Black Mountain, the structure was built in 1921 as the town's original firehouse. The building is listed both locally and nationally as a "contributing building" in Black Mountain Downtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

After the Black Mountain Fire Department vacated the building in 1984, it stood empty until 1989 when the Museum moved in. In 2000, the Town of Black Mountain deeded the property to the Museum. Now eighty-seven years old, the structure is in need of many upgrades and repairs.

This building is in dire need of renovation that will preserve the historic façade while at the same time provide safe, clean well-lighted, and climate controlled space for its contemporary use as a museum.

At present there is:

1. No hot water in the building
2. One heater on the lower floor to heat the entire building
3. Deterioration in the plumbing and wiring systems
4. A single unisex bathroom to serve the entire facility
5. Cramped and inefficient exhibit, work, and storage space.

These conditions not only threaten the integrity of the structure itself, but they also severely limit the Museum's capacity to grow and fully serve the community. Recently, the Board of Directors voted to undertake the job of restoring and saving the old firehouse, while at the same time enlarging the Museum.

A 2004 design charrette with a preservation architect, museum conservator, and exhibit designer helped determine the basic layout of the expanded Museum. Please see the section entitled "Funding Objectives" in the above menu to see the detailed proposed scope of work. With loving preservation and efficient use of space, the Museum will be better able to share the rich living legacy and cultural heritage of the region with community members and visitors alike.