Once an abandoned 1923 warehouse in Asheville, North Carolina, this century-old building was reimagined by a creative team of designers, artists, musicians, chefs and local entrepreneurs. Their collective effort transformed a neglected industrial structure into one of Asheville’s most intriguing and bold hotel projects.
© ExploreAsheville.com
Opening its doors in late 2023 in the city’s lively River Arts District, The Radical quickly became a destination for locals and visitors drawn to its artistic spirit and vibrant culinary offerings. The restored property features 70 distinctive guestrooms and suites, each reflecting the building’s layered history alongside contemporary design.
Owned by Atlanta-based developer Hatteras Sky and operated by Lark Hotels, The Radical is more than a boutique hotel; it’s an assemblage of personalities and creative spaces that mirror Asheville’s independent arts community. Nestled in western North Carolina’s mountain region, Asheville is a small city of roughly 94,000 residents known for its thriving creative scene, and the hotel’s eclectic character amplifies that reputation.
© Matt Kisiday
Drawn from the avant-garde energy of the RAD, the hotel functions like a living art installation that revitalizes an industrial neighborhood now home to cafés, restaurants, artist studios and independent shops. Interiors by Suomi Design Works preserve industrial bones—towering concrete pillars and exposed brick—while showcasing murals and street art that span generations, from decades-old pieces to newly commissioned works.
© Matt Kisiday
The Radical appeals to both food lovers and design enthusiasts. Its two signature restaurants, Afterglow and Golden Hour, offer distinct dining experiences created by Asheville chef and restaurateur Jacob Sessoms. Guests find classic cocktails poured from a racetrack-style full bar centered in the dining room, and the menus emphasize inventive flavors and seasonal ingredients. For a more social atmosphere, The Roof provides an open, free-spirited space for dining, drinks, dancing and soaking in spectacular sunset views over the nearby French Broad River.
More than a hotel, The Radical acts as a cultural hub—an adaptive reuse success that preserves industrial history while supporting local artists and restaurateurs. Its combination of thoughtful design, art-forward rooms and dynamic food and drink venues makes it a standout addition to Asheville’s River Arts District, offering visitors an immersive experience that celebrates the city’s creative heart.