Asheville Masonic Temple

The Asheville Masonic Temple is a four-story red brick building with an impressive two-story portico featuring Ionic columns, limestone trim, and a red tile hipped roof on granite foundations. It houses eight Masonic organizations and contains a 200-seat dining hall and theater within its walls.

Construction began in July 1913 under Samuel Isaac Bean's supervision, with the cornerstone laid at Broadway and Woodfin Street. The building was completed in 1915 and quickly became an important gathering place for Masonic organizations in the region.

The temple displays symbols and elements that architect Richard Sharp Smith deliberately incorporated into the design to reflect the meaning of the brotherhood. Inside, the theater with painted scenery hosts performances and events that bring the community together.

The temple is located in downtown at a central corner, making it easy to find and access. Visitors can explore the building, which remains open for community events and private gatherings of various organizations.

During the 1918 flu pandemic, the temple was converted into emergency shelter for African Americans who were denied access to other medical facilities in town. This unusual role shows how the building served a vital function for the community during a crisis.