New Owners Get Keys to R.J. Reynolds Building

The buyers of the former R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. headquarters in Winston-Salem officially took ownership of the building Friday.

Officials with PMC Property Group and Kimpton Hotels received the keys from Reynolds Tobacco president Andrew Gilchrist during a press conference on the ground floor of the building. Work is expected to begin within 30 days to transform the building into a boutique hotel, upscale apartments and a restaurant.

Gilchrist says he's confident that Reynolds found the right new owners for the building.

The 85-year-old building has been mostly vacant since 2009. Joe Long, Chief Investment Officer for Kimpton, says he is impressed with how well the building has been maintained during that time.

Long estimated that the hotel will lead to about 250 direct jobs, and will also boost the surrounding community through purchases by hotel guests. The new owners bought the building for almost $8 million last month and plan to put about $60 million into renovations.

The Reynolds Building was constructed in 1929 and for more than 45 years was the tallest building in North Carolina. The 22-story former tobacco company headquarters served as a model for New York City's Empire State Building.

The sale represents a major transition not just for the building but also for the Winston-Salem community. Ron Caplan, president of PMC, describes the building as a focal point for the city. He says the renovation will maintain the building's historical feel. But he adds it will also be upgraded for the digital times.