Before Bele Chere, one of Asheville’s landmark buildings got a bath.

Last year the historic S&W building was sold to an investor group from South Florida. Rumors have swirled around high-end restaurants, but nothing concrete has been announced.

Workers pressure washed years of dirt off the front of the building, and have removed trees growing in the gutters at the top of the facade.

Sources from the workers indicate that the stand-alone portion of the building will be a new location for Dunkin’ Donuts. The large dining room, with unfounded rumors of a Paula Deen location, is currently envisioned to be a larger ‘Woolworth Walk’-type space with a lunch-type restaurant. A sign with that information has been placed in the window.