Thomas MacMIllan Photo
After 20 years of abandonment, a historic west side home is set for rebirth as a new bed and breakfast.
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) gave a green light to the B&B plan on Tuesday night. Westville developer Thea Buxbaum (center in photo) appeared before the board to request the zoning variance that will allow her and her business partner, Rebecca Gratz (at right), to open the inn on Austin Street, in the shadow of West Rock. After hearing from several neighbors in favor of the proposal, the board voted unanimously to approve Buxbaum’s request.
The Greek Revival house dates from the 1820s. With $525,000, Buxbaum has renovated the house into a six-bedroom house. See previous stories on the house here and here.
On Tuesday night, Buxbaum filled board members in on the details of her new venture. The inn will offer a continental breakfast for guests. That means no cooking, Buxbaum said. The B&B will not serve lunch or dinner, but one of the two staff people will make reservations at area restaurants for guests, if requested.
The B&B proposal received the support of several people at Tuesday night’s meeting. Westville Alderman Greg Dildine spoke in favor. Beaver Hills Alderman Carl Godlfield sent in a letter of support. Gabriel Dasilva (at left in photo) and Chris Heitmann, the president and director of the Westville Village Renaissance Alliance respectively, both added words of praise for the plan.
The inn is expected to open in the next couple of months.