“I think it would really be a wonderful thing for the neighborhood,” Jacobs said, adding that the plans are not definite yet.
James Peifer, an attorney who is assisting Jacobs with the zoning change, said the process has gone smoothly so far. The property is now zoned as a medium density, single-residence district, but the change would allow it to be used as a low density, multi-family use residence.
Jacobs said his primary goal was to preserve the historic property. But he has family members with experience in the hospitality industry and said a bed and breakfast would bring something new to the neighborhood.
“It’s in amazing shape,” Jacobs said. “It just sang out to be a bed and breakfast.”
Bryan Heck, planning and zoning administrator for Springfield, said the application will come up for a vote later this month. He said Jacobs will also have to apply for a conditional use permit to convert the home to a bed and breakfast.
Heck said there has been no opposition to the proposal and said it seems like a good fit for the home.
Because similar homes in the neighborhood are so large, utilities and other costs could make it expensive for a single family to live in many of those residences, Heck said.
Harvey Bank, president of the East High Street Historic Association, said the project could be one step toward drawing more residents to see what the neighborhood has to offer.
“Personally, I think it’s a very good idea because we need a way to revitalize the area,” Bank said.
Bank, along with others, said while there are similar businesses in other parts of Clark County, there are no overnight accommodations in the East High Street neighborhood.
Martha Wojcik, executive director and curator of the Westcott House, said drawing visitors to stay in the neighborhood might also allow local officials to better tell the story about the neighborhood’s history.
The Westcott House is located close to the home at 1203 E. High St.
Wojcik said once residents see the neighborhood, they are often surprised.
“They are overwhelmed once they get familiar with the neighborhood,” she said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355.
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