News

Town celebrates 100th anniversary of King & Allen Building

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 2, 2025

The King & Allen Building at 101 East Allen Street celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday.

The ceremony welcomed more than 100 members of the community, along with city officials and local business leaders to explore the fully revitalized historic building.
The King & Allen building has served many purposes over the past century. Originally built as a Ford automotive dealership, it later became Chimpman-LaCross textile mill, a typewriter manufacturing facility, central office for Henderson County public schools and the Henderson County Land Planning Department.

For 12 years, the building sat vacant behind a 1960s brutalist architectural brick façade. In 2019, that façade was removed and a full renovation began. What was once a ramp for cars inside the building now forms the floor of a bright corner suite. Today, the building is fully leased and home to a diverse mix of small businesses, and wellness providers.

During opening remarks, building owner Andrew Riddle, the project developer, thanked Tippy Guffey, Patrick Gallagher, Anne Whitmire, Dr. John Godehn and Sam Riddle for their work in researching and assembling the History Hallway—a permanent display honoring the building’s past and its many uses over the years.

“We didn’t know exactly what we were getting into when we started,” Riddle said. “But we knew the building had strong bones and could serve this community again. Seeing it full of people and businesses today—it’s been worth every step.”

Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, beverages, dessert and coffee stations throughout the building, as well as a self-guided “passport tour” that encouraged visitors to stop by open suites. Twelve tenants opened their doors for the event, giving attendees a glimpse into the thriving businesses that now call the King & Allen Building home.
For more information on the history of the King & Allen Building, visit 101eastallen.com or stop by and visit the History Hallway weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.