Chesterton’s Brown Mansion Restoration Plan Receives Initial Approval

Plans to restore the historic Brown Mansion and construct a new museum building received a positive response from the Chesterton Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) during a meeting held on Thursday. The Westchester Public Library presented its plans for the restoration and expansion, which will now move to a public hearing scheduled for March 26, 2024, where a final decision is expected.

The Brown Mansion, an example of distinctive Victorian architecture built in 1885, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For several years, it has served as the home of the Westchester Township History Museum as well as office space. The library took full ownership of the mansion in 2024 after previously leasing it from the Duneland School Corporation.

During the meeting, Heather Chaddock, executive director of the Westchester Public Library, along with Jeff Schroeder, an architect with the Moake Park Group, detailed their vision to restore the mansion to its former glory. The project includes relocating the museum to a new, two-story barn-like structure, which will span 4,568 square feet. Chaddock indicated that the total cost for the project is estimated to be around $5 million.

Before construction can commence, the library must secure various variances from town regulations. The restoration aims to include a front porch, but a variance will be required since the porch will feature a cupola with a spire extending 47 feet, exceeding the 35 feet limit set by zoning laws. The existing roof peak stands at 40.4 feet, and the tallest chimney reaches 44.8 feet, according to Schroeder.

Another essential variance pertains to the construction of the new museum building on property located off Porter Avenue. This building will cover 39% of the land, surpassing the 30% coverage limit established by local zoning codes. Additionally, a variance is needed to allow for 17 parking spaces, rather than the 26 typically required.

Town Engineer Mark O’Dell informed the BZA that he is well-acquainted with the project details due to ongoing discussions with library staff. BZA members expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Member Joel Carney stated, “I think it will be very attractive and I support what you are doing there.” Fellow member Joseph Ackerman added that the project is commendable, noting, “It’s refreshing to see a project with some character and detail.”

BZA President James Kowalski remarked that restoring the mansion’s front porch with balconies would enhance the beauty of “a remarkable structure.”

In a separate matter, the BZA approved a variance for a 20-by-36-foot addition to the Phillips 66 service station at 1598 S. Calumet Road. This addition, proposed by owner Amar Sangha of G & S Petroleum, will facilitate office space, a new cooler, and restroom improvements, with an investment expected to range between $75,000 and $100,000. The BZA stipulated that the addition must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, match the existing building’s design, and that a building permit must be obtained within three years.

The positive reception of the Brown Mansion restoration project reflects a commitment to preserving local history while enhancing community resources.