Multiple businesses in Asheville’s Biltmore Village have started reopening almost nine months after Hurricane Helene, including Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Their renovations include a special tribute to those who lost their lives in the storm nearly nine months ago.

Sotheby’s took on significant damage, with six inches of mud left throughout the office. While rebuilding, they used restored wood from Helene to create new beams, conference tables and a reception desk. They also included a plaque to commemorate victims.

The plaque reads:

The lower edge of this plaque is equal to the height of flood waters brought by Hurricane Helene on the 27th of September, 2024. May these timbers of White Oak, torn from the Earth by that very storm, stand here in memory of those who lost their homes and their lives.

Broker In Charge Beatrix Masotti said she was working on renovations when her son suggested the idea to use restored wood and create the plaque.

“I didn’t know about the restored wood portion of it until the plaque came up,” Masotti told News 13. “He called me right before we opened and said, ‘Mom, I want to create this plaque.'”

“We certainly don’t want to forget what happened, and we are still in recovery across the area, but it feels good to know that we are just stronger than ever, and we are back,” Masotti said.

Monkee’s of Biltmore, a women’s clothing store, and the New Morning Gallery have also reopened their doors in Biltmore Village in the past few weeks.