Last Updated on June 26, 2025 8:09 pm
After being vacant for 25 years, the former Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Banner Elk is scheduled for demolition.
The “complex six-month process” starts Monday (June 30), according to Visit Banner Elk, the Official Visitor Guide by Banner Elk Tourism and Town Hall.
The first 2-3 months will focus on the asbestos remediation of the interior of the 120,000 square feet building. Another part of the clean-up will be cutting up hundreds of downed trees that blew down during Hurricane Helene’s high winds in September.
The full statement, with photos, from Visit Banner Elk is below:
After being vacant for 25 years and becoming a big eyesore in the middle of Banner Elk, the former Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital is finally being demolished. The complex six-month process begins Monday, June 30. Both locals and visitors will be delighted to watch the process as they drive by.
The 52-acre site was purchased in 2023 by Steve and Tiffany Gilliam of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Frequently in Banner Elk, they have purchased and sold several homes in the area during the past 10 years. “We are as tired of looking at this as everyone else”, says Mr. Gilliam.
During the past 25 years, the site has seen many development ideas that never came to fruition. Currently, there are no development plans for the site. According to Mr. Gilliam, “I am looking for developers that will work closely with the town and residents to create a plan that’s the right fit for Banner Elk. Who knows… someone may want to fund a park with a section of the land for the town!”
The Gilliams are working closely with Banner Elk Town Manager Rick Owen for guidance during the process. Owen says, “What great commitment to the community it shows for them to undertake the demolition of the building”.
The first 2-3 months will focus on the asbestos remediation of the interior of the 120,000 square feet building. After that is complete, the exterior walls will tumble down. To minimize the impact of the demolition, brick and concrete will be crushed on site to greatly reduce dump trucks hauling debris to the landfill. Mr. Gilliam hopes the chipped aggregate will be used on the property for roads or foundations. The rebar will be separated from the concrete and recycled.
Another part of the clean-up will be cutting up hundreds of downed trees that blew down during Hurricane Helene’s high wind in September.
The Cannon Memorial Hospital was built in 1962, replacing 1932 Grace Hospital – now Tate Dorm on the Lees-McRae College campus. The complex has been vacant since 1999 when the hospital merged with Sloop Memorial Hospital in Crossnore to create the current Cannon Hospital in Linville. The two hospitals were not financially viable, and the concern at the time was without a change, Avery County would find itself with no hospitals at all.
Photos: Visit Banner Elk Facebook page.
