New Life Begins at the Former Ice House in Black Mountain.
If you’ve passed by 128 Broadway Street, you might have seen the lively Christmas lights illuminating the area. These lights give just a sneak peek of the exciting changes ahead, signaling a rejuvenation for the former Ice House.
The Overlook, a restaurant and rooftop bar slated to open next spring within the historic Black Mountain building. The new Owners Casey and Amanda McKissick, who also own the Foothills Grange next door have visions to bring new life to the building. The owners envision it as an ideal setting for a cozy “date night” ambiance for diners. Additionally, they plan to make the venue available as an event space.
The Overlook is also set to showcase a rooftop bar that boasts breathtaking panoramic views of mountains in three directions. The menu plans to offer elevated cocktails and small plates within an intimate setting, and stands as the couple’s newest venture in the town they have proudly been a part of for 21 years. This addition complements The Grange, the very popular outdoor eatery situated adjacent to the 1930s brick structure that opened in 2022.
The upcoming restaurant marks a new era for a building crafted circa 1933, initially serving as the Black Mountain Ice, Co. It catered to locals and seasonal visitors, delivering ice blocks before the prevalence of electric refrigeration. Cyril E. Huffman and his wife, Virginia, built and ran the establishment, initially an ice and coal business, for almost 30 years. Before its incarnation, the site housed the town’s fire department in 1919 and evolved to accommodate a town hall and jail by 1924, as documented in the National Register of Historic Places.
