Biltmore loses historic interior

The Grand Ballroom and the exterior of the historic Biltmore Hotel are the only portions of the 68-year-old building that may escape the wrecker's ball, officials said Tuesday.

A spokeswoman said the owners, brothers Paul and Seymour Milstein, said they planned to continue interior renovations of the old hotel, which is being converted into a regional headquarters for the Bank of America.

Preservation groups fought a furious but futile three-day legal battle to save the interior after a demolition crew arrived at the hotel early Saturday morning Aug. 15 and began ripping up the interior to the surprise of guests and even the hotel management.