Dave Faherty with WSOC reported that the historic Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock, which was built back in 1891, and sits on the Caldwell, Watauga County line is being torn down as demolition began this past week.
Town of Blowing Rock officials said that the new owners plans include building condos and a 40 room hotel on the site.
Back in January of this year the Blowing Rock Planning Board voted to approve owner John Winkler’s request for a conditional rezoning of the property. At that time the rezoning would allow Winkler to move forward with plans to remove sections of the property that were built in the 1920s and 1950s, renovate and save the original 1890s Green Park structure, and add condominiums facing the golf course and construct cottages on what is now the south parking lot.
But Faherty did confirm with city officials and workers that the entire building is being torn down.
During its 133-year history, the hotel’s guests included 2 presidents, Annie Oakley, and Margaret Mitchell, who penned a portion of Gone with the Wind while staying at the hotel.
Additional Information Source: High Country Press