Built in 1904 as the first Mayor of Weaverville’s home, the property at 56 North Main Street has seen many remodels and updating since its inception. Finally in 2005 the Grand Madame positioned in the center of downtown Weaverville, North Carolina received her due reward… an extreme makeover by visionary designer, construction consultant and artist Jacob Lions.

Jacob is known by his friends and family and certainly by the architects, builders and construction artisans as a guy who has excellent taste. His passion and drive for outstanding quality can be seen in the projects he takes on for himself and his clients. “I love design and construction. The older properties that have history, character and age on them are my favorites.”, says Jacob Lions as he walks around a new project. “I see these properties already finished in my mind before we begin.” As the first sledge hammer was thrown, the ideas and creativity started to flow. Jacob partnered with nature and all the beauty she has to offer by introducing stone, rock, slate, marble along with simple and unique woods. Metal, water and fire were then applied to create his masterpiece of reconstruction. “I believe in using as many natural materials as possible and only using man made materials that are environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. My vision for the property at 56 North Main Street was to marry the Appalachian and Asian cultures. This area of North Carolina is so rich with Mountain heritage and has so many similarities with Asian plant life and design. Having an appreciation for both, the Appalachian and Asian cultures allowed my vision to be born."

Taking a Victorian and Craftsman style home such as this one and transforming it into an Asian/Appalachian Mountain home had many wondering "Has this Yankee gone crazy? What is he doing”. Comments like this could be heard during the months of demolition and those prior to finalizing her look. As the roof and façade were being completed, neighbors could finally begin to see the original vision and the newly remade building as elegant, beautiful and a tribute to the Grand Dame! The re-design of each room in the home was thought out to accomplish not only a uniquely different display of rich and warm aspects of nature, but to also bring a sense of functionality and simplicity of use and look. "My philosophy is that simple is elegant. Nature is that way, and it is her inspiration that drives and influences me.", says Lions. The almost ¾ of an acre of property has been meticulously re-done as well by world renowned Japanese Gardner Masashi Oshita as a simple Japanese Garden with pond and waterfall. Oshita was involved in the design and construction of the Bonsai exhibit at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. Upon completion, there was an open house for a week to re-introduce the community to one of her oldest homes in Weaverville. The raves and reviews were overwhelming, and the support by the Town Mayor, town council and neighbors were incredible. Everyone was in awe with what had had been accomplished and how beautiful it all looked. Impressed with the dedication, devotion and extreme effort put into the makeover by all the contractors, it was time to give back. Even though it was the middle of August, a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for all that worked on the project and their families seemed appropriate. Over 150 people show up to give thanks! As you preview the following pictures that were taken before and after the makeover, please remember this was all completed in 6 months  from  demolition to reconstruction. From start to finish, Jacob can help you to restore an older building into the place of your dreams. Call him today to find out what he can do for you! Phone: 828 280 0919  e-mail him by clicking here.