A project to repair the Asheville City Hall belfry roof begins this week. Workers will restore the original 1927 terracotta roof tiles and masonry. The belfry is the very top of the building – think pink tiles and chimes.
Deliveries of scaffolding and fencing materials began Nov. 9.
Fencing was installed around the perimeter of the building to meet code requirements to keep people safe from any construction debris that might fall from the work at the top of the building.
Pedestrian access will remain at all doors to City Hall, including the front doors.
The project will likely be completed in May 2021, weather permitting. As part of the construction, however, the Deagan chimes atop City Hall will not ring during construction. Normally they are programmed to alternate between two songs at noon daily, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America.” The chimes consist of 10 tubular bells.
Designed by Douglas Ellington and completed in 1928, Asheville City Hall is considered an eclectic Art Deco masterpiece. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.