Goelet Memorial Library

Unique historic site offering a prime incoming-producing residential opportunity!  Originally constructed to house church activities and the community school, the site is currently apartments.

Historical Information

Built in 1908 to meet the growing needs of the mission school operated by the neighboring Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration — and named after Julia F. Goelet, the school’s founder whose bible rests in the structure’s cornerstone — the Goelet Memorial library operated as a school (until 1922), parish house and office for the church, library and community center until the 1950s.

The structure has since been remodeled into apartments, and is now seeking a new owner ready to save and further rehabilitate this amazing property.  Prospective buyers would benefit from updating each of the apartment or transforming them into tourist apartments. They are currently occupied.  Systems have been updated but deferred maintenance items like exterior painting are needed with the buyer to inspect for any further work that may be necessary.

Area Information

Saluda is nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and is famous among railroad enthusiasts for the  Saluda Grade,  the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grade in the United States.  The Saluda Grade is currently in the process of being converted from “rails to trails”.  The property is approximately 100 yards from the new trail system and is in the Saluda Historic District.  It also features a large veranda across the back of the building overlooking Main Street and Downtown Saluda.

The town is popular with tourists and features a charming historic downtown with shopping and dining options, vibrant arts scene and breathtaking natural beauty. There are also historic sites, a variety of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, birding and kayaking in the area, plus the Saluda Arts Festival.  Saluda is 10 minutes to Flat Rock, and 45 minutes to Asheville, Greenville SC, and Spartanburg SC.   Saluda is located in Polk county which was formed in 1855 from parts of Henderson and Rutherford counties, and named for William Polk, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War.