End of an Era: Historic Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock to Shut Down

1:38 PM EST |May 14, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|History, News Articles, People

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Blowing Rock, NC (WNN)- The Green Park Inn, a historical hotel in Blowing Rock, NC, is set to be demolished, marking the end of an era for one of the state’s oldest operating hotels. Condos and a smaller hotel will replace the 133-year-old hotel.

Outside of the Green Park Inn Hotel. Photo from The Green Park Inn Website.

Demolition Currently In Progress

Demolition is currently ongoing at the hotel, marking the beginning of the long-awaited redevelopment project to bring new life to one of the town’s most famous properties.

During a February meeting, the Town Council collectively approved a rezoning request, allowing developers to start redesigning the aging hotel. The plans involve reducing the number of hotel rooms from 88 to 40 as well as adding eight duplex-style cottages, 12 condominiums, and updated features such as an event space and restaurant.

The project includes adding 151 parking spaces and upgrading drainage systems to handle flooding better and make access easier. During the February meeting, many attendees supported the redevelopment. They believed the hotel was in bad condition and believed the new project might revive the community.

The construction process will last around three years. Additionally, Town officials estimate the new project could bring in about $4,000 each year in property tax revenue to match every $1 million put into it.

A Historical Legacy

This historic hotel was founded by the Green Park Company, a group of three businessmen from Lenoir, NC. Ultimately led by Civil War veteran Major George Washington Findlay Harper, the hotel first opened to guests in the summer of 1891.

What The Hotel looked like in 1891. Photo from The Green Park Inn Website.

Over its 133-year historic legacy, the hotel has hosted a number of memorable figures, including Annie Oakley, J.D. Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and Margaret Mitchell, who wrote part of “Gone With the Wind” while staying at the inn. The hotel has also welcomed the musical group The Smiths.

The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Ownership and Redevelopment Efforts

In 2010, brothers Eugene and Steven Irace bought the aging hotel. They started major renovations to bring back its historic beauty. By the end of that year, the hotel was welcoming guests again with 88 rooms, event spaces, the Chestnut Grille restaurant, and the Divide Tavern. The tavern’s name comes from the Eastern Continental Divide that crosses the property.

Over time, keeping the building updated and functional became harder. Renovating the entire structure, including the original 1890s section and newer additions, was found to be too costly. In July 2024, John Winkler, Bill Warden, and Will Miller signed an agreement to buy the Green Park Inn. The deal isn’t finalized yet, but Winkler has taken the lead on redevelopment plans. He asked the Blowing Rock Planning Board to approve conditional rezoning. In January, the board gave unanimous approval to his proposal.

Crews started tearing down parts of the old inn soon after. As they demolish large portions of the historic building, it’s not clear how much—if any—of the original structure will remain standing. The developers have said and shown in their plans that the new project will mirror the 1890s style and keep the site’s historic feel. Even as some structures are replaced.

Looking Ahead

As the demolition carries on, many in Blowing Rock think about the role the Green Park Inn played in the town and the memories of countless visitors over the years. The upcoming development claims to bring modern features and more economic opportunities, but it also leaves some feeling the loss of a cherished building that lasted over 100 years. It’s unknown if the project will keep the Green Park Inn’s legacy alive, but its role in North Carolina’s history is already secure.

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