Cherry Hotel, Wilson, North Carolina, NRHP-listed
The Cherry Hotel is a historic building in Wilson, North Carolina, constructed in 1917 in the Beaux Arts style and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The six-story red brick structure features a U-shaped layout with a two-story lobby embellished with Art Deco light fixtures, originally designed to accommodate around two hundred guest rooms.
The building was designed and constructed in 1917 by architect Charles Collins Benton and builder Joe W. Stout as a symbol of Wilson's growth during the early industrial expansion connected to agriculture and tobacco. The hotel ceased operations in 1981, was converted into residential apartments, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The hotel served as a gathering place for locals and travelers, becoming woven into Wilson's social fabric for many decades. It represents a time when hospitality was central to how communities connected and conducted their affairs.
The building sits on East Nash Street near other historic sites, making it accessible as part of a walking tour through Wilson's past. Since it now houses residential apartments, visitors can view the exterior freely, though interior access may be limited.
Originally designed to hold around two hundred rooms, it was among the larger lodging facilities in the region during its era. The 1981 conversion to apartments proved instrumental in preserving the structure, demonstrating how historic buildings can adapt to new purposes while maintaining their architectural integrity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
