A Community's Struggle

To Save A Landmark

The YMI, an 18,000 square foot, three-story pebbledash and brick building, was commissioned in 1892 by George Vanderbilt to serve as the African-American YMCA for the region.  The YMI soon became a center for social, cultural, business, civic and religious life for African-American Appalachians.  

Originally, the YMI flourished due to a large membership.  African-American workers from the Biltmore House were required to purchase a membership.  As Biltmore's work load decreased, unemployment for the men caused financial difficulties with the YMI.  Vanderbilt was ready to sell.

After struggling to raise $10,000 in six months, the Board of the YMI purchased the Institute from Vanderbilt in 1905.  Success following the transfer of property ended with the Great Depression when the building closed and fell into disrepair.  Although the Institute reopened in 1930, the war and finances kept the center largely inactive throughout the 40's.  In 1946, the building was sold to the Market Street Branch YMCA for use as its primary recreational facility.  

The 1960's saw a gradual decline in the Market and Eagle Streets neighborhood as desegregation prompted several homes and businesses to relocate.  The Market Street YMCA closed in 1976, unable to maintain upkeep.

Although the YMI was condemned in 1977, it was also recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.  With this, the African-American community rallied to regain ownership of the building.  The effort was led by representatives from nine of Asheville's African-American churches that made up The Friendship Nursing Home.  The Friendship Board soon voted to change their name to the YMI Cultural Center, Incorporated.  In September of 1980, the YMICC purchased the building.  

After contributions from the community, charitable organizations and government agencies, the YMI finally was recognized for their efforts in 1982 when they received the Stedman Incentive Award from the Historic Preservation Society of North Carolina.  Renovations were completed in 1988.  When the YMI joined other museums as a Pack Place partner, more renovations were made and the building now stands as a testament to the hard work of the community it has served for over 100 years.  

(Back to Contents)

The YMI Cultural Center now houses numerous exhibits, many dealing with the history of African Americans in Western North Carolina, and sponsors such cultural events as Asheville's "Goombay" Festival, an Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. They invite all people to come share in the rich heritage and celebration of African and African American culture.