Arras Residences vs. The Fitzgerald: At a Glance
The core difference between Arras Residences and The Fitzgerald comes down to positioning: Arras is a hotel-branded, full-service tower in Downtown Asheville, while The Fitzgerald is a smaller, more private residence set in the Grove Park area. Both sit at the very top of Asheville's nine-building luxury condominium market, which spans construction from 2004 to 2025. Arras offers 54 units priced from roughly $850,000 to $3.2 million, whereas The Fitzgerald concentrates just 24 units priced from $1.1 million to $3.5 million.
That contrast in scale tells you a lot. Arras casts a wider net with more entry points into ultra-luxury ownership and a lively urban address. The Fitzgerald leans into scarcity, with fewer than half the units and a higher entry price that signals a more exclusive, insulated experience. For buyers weighing the two, the decision often rests less on which building is objectively better and more on which lifestyle fits.
Price and Value Comparison
The Fitzgerald is the most expensive luxury condo building in Asheville, holding both the highest floor and the highest ceiling in the market with a range of $1.1 million to $3.5 million. Arras Residences follows closely at $850,000 to $3.2 million, giving it a lower point of entry while still reaching near the top of the price spectrum. For context, market data shows Asheville's broader luxury band starts far lower, with some buildings beginning near $307,000, so both of these towers command a clear premium.
Value, however, is not only about the sticker price. With only 24 residences, The Fitzgerald's limited supply may support stronger long-term value retention through scarcity, since fewer comparable units come to market in any given year. Arras, with 54 units and a wider mix, offers more flexibility for buyers who want to step into a branded, full-service building without committing to the market's absolute highest floor.
Buyers should confirm current details directly, since price-per-square-foot benchmarks, monthly HOA assessments, and what those fees include can meaningfully shift the value equation between two buildings at this level. Available inventory also changes quickly at the top of the market, and some tiers at both addresses may already be spoken for.
Amenities and Services Head-to-Head
Amenities are where the two buildings diverge most clearly. Arras Residences is built around Kimpton hospitality, offering Kimpton room service, valet parking, and a concierge desk alongside a rooftop terrace and a private spa suite. The Fitzgerald takes a more self-contained, residential approach, emphasizing private amenities such as guest suites and its own private spa suite.
In practice, this means Arras functions like living inside a luxury hotel. Residents can lean on staffed services and the daily conveniences that come with a hospitality operator running the building. That appeals to owners who want turnkey living and who value having help a phone call away, whether they are in residence full time or using the home seasonally.
The Fitzgerald, by contrast, is designed for buyers who prize privacy over bustle. Guest suites let owners host visitors without giving up their own space, and a private spa suite delivers wellness amenities without the traffic of a larger building. Both properties share the hallmarks of Asheville's top tier, including spa facilities and elevated finishes, but the service model is the real dividing line. Prospective buyers should verify specifics such as fitness facilities, EV charging, pet policies, and whether Kimpton services at Arras carry recurring fees.
Location and Neighborhood: Downtown vs. Grove Park
The right choice between Downtown and Grove Park depends on the lifestyle you want. Arras Residences sits in Downtown Asheville, placing residents within walking distance of restaurants, galleries, and cultural venues, ideal for buyers who want energy and walkability at their doorstep. The Fitzgerald offers a quieter counterpoint in the Grove Park area, a setting associated with greenery, views, and the prestige of Asheville's historic resort district.
Downtown living rewards those who want to trade the car for a short stroll to dinner, live music, and the city's creative core. That walkability is a genuine luxury in itself, and it is central to the Arras proposition. The tradeoff is the natural liveliness of an urban address, which not every buyer wants outside their window.
Grove Park delivers the opposite: a more residential, tranquil environment with a strong sense of place. Buyers drawn to mountain views, mature landscaping, and proximity to the historic resort scene will find The Fitzgerald's setting compelling. When comparing the two, check precise drive times to Biltmore, the airport, and downtown, along with the view orientations, whether city skyline or mountain, available at each building.
Which Building Is Right for You? Buyer Profiles
Arras Residences best fits buyers who value turnkey, hotel-branded convenience, downtown energy, and a wider range of price entry points. The Fitzgerald best suits those seeking maximum exclusivity, private amenities, and a calmer, more residential setting in Grove Park. Both rank among the best luxury condos in Asheville and represent the market's most expensive options for buyers prioritizing top-tier finishes.
Investors and second-home owners may weigh the choice differently. Arras's Kimpton-supported infrastructure and full-service model can appeal to owners who want a managed, lock-and-leave experience, while The Fitzgerald's scarcity-driven positioning speaks to buyers focused on long-term exclusivity. Anyone evaluating rental potential should confirm each building's leasing and short-term rental policies before committing, since those rules directly affect an investment thesis.
The smartest path is to tour both. The numbers frame the decision, but the feel of Downtown versus Grove Park, and hotel-style service versus private residential calm, is what separates them. Explore the full profiles for Arras Residences and The Fitzgerald to compare current availability and finishes side by side.