The Many Lives Of 16 Everett Street
The year 1908 saw the completion of Bryson City’s two most significant structures — a columned courthouse with domed cupola, and a permanent home for the town’s first financial institution, the Bank of Bryson City. Anchoring the town square at Main and Everett, the two buildings helped propel Bryson City into the 20th century.
Bryson City Bank had been established in 1905 with an original capital of $5,000. For more than two years, the fledgling bank conducted business in a corner of the D.K.Collins General Store on East Main Street. By 1908, they were in the new location at 16 Everett Street.
Organized by Stanley W. Black, D.K. Collins and others, Bryson City Bank was one of the few small banks able to survive the financial crises in the early 30s and pay the depositors in full. This was made possible in part by an infusion of added capital from local investors and a secured loan from a wealthy Chicago businessman — Mr. Black’s brother-in-law — Louis Fischer.
Bryson City Bank occupied the Everett Street building from 1908 until the mid 1960s, when it merged with Northwestern Bank. Soon, Northwestern built a modern bank building with a drive-thru window on the site of the old D.K. Collins General Store, where Bryson City Bank first began.
(Above) Two views of the Bryson City ‘Square’ separated by a century of change.
The historic Bryson City Bank building is now The Everett Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel and bistro.
The Bistro offers on-site dining for guests of The Everett and non-guests by reservation.
The Everett Hotel has guest lodging on three floors of the historic building.
Government and Civic Offices. When Northwestern moved out, a number of organizations were quick to fill the space, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Swain County government. It became a familiar location for locals to register, vote, apply for permits and pay taxes.
In 1987, 16 Everett became home to the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, managed by Dick and Carol Schaddelee. Ironically, in 2007, the Chamber moved into larger facilities across the street into the building formerly occupied by Northwestern Bank in ’60s and the site of Collins’ General Store before that.
A New Era of Hospitality. In 2010, new owners Ron LaRocque and Scott Mastej began transforming the old Bryson City Bank building into what is now the area’s premier, luxury boutique hotel and bistro – The Everett Hotel. They began by renovating the first floor into The Cork & Bean, a coffee house and wine bar. In 2013, it was expanded to a full restaurant and bar serving contemporary American cuisine, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
In 2015, the second and third floors of the building were renovated and a rooftop terrace featuring comfortable seating, a firepit, and beautiful views of downtown Bryson City and the surrounding mountains was added. This completed the evolution of the former Bryson City Bank into The Everett Hotel. Today, the Hotel offers its guests ten beautifully decorated suites, a complimentary hot breakfast, priority dinner reservations, upscale room amenities, a self-service concierge area, and free on-site parking.
The Everett’s reputation is such that it has been nominated by USA Today for Best Boutique Hotel in the US against 10 other travel favorites. Vote today to help The Everett Hotel win the #1 spot!
10best.com/awards/travel/best-boutique-hotel-2023/the-everett-hotel-bryson-city-north-carolina/
Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713
Karen Proctor
Executive Director
828-488-3681
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