The Asheville City Building is a colorful, massive and eclectic Art Deco masterpiece designed and developed by Douglas D. Ellington, an architect who came to Asheville in the mid-1920s.

The eight-story building was completed in 1928. City officials proceeded with Ellington's design even though municipal and county officials failed to agree on a common architect and mode of design.

Ellington went on to design other Asheville landmarks including Asheville High School, and the S & W Cafeteria. Ellington stated that the design was: "an evolution of the desire that the contours of the building should reflect the mountain background." He was referring to the remarkable scenery that surrounds Asheville and serves as the backdrop of City Hall.

The historic views of County Courthouse and City Hall present an advancement in color corresponding with the natural clay-pink shades of the local Asheville soil. The atypical octagonal roof is covered with triangular terra cotta red tiles. Between the two levels of the roof are angular pink Georgia marble piers along with ornamental green and gold feather motifs.

Asheville is the home of more than 50 galleries exhibiting works by local and national artists, including folk art, Native American art, and antiques.