Commissioners discussed multiple options for preserving the city’s Lewis House during the July 21 budget work session, including relocating the structure to private property being redeveloped across the street and pursuing a school-based, lower-cost rehabilitation project.

Why the topic matters

The Lewis House is a historic structure that commissioners have discussed for several years. Commissioners said they want to avoid a repeat of prior long delays on other projects and requested a clear path forward — either a city-led restoration, a private-public partnership, or an educational restoration that would keep the structure publicly owned and accessible.

What was proposed and what staff reported

City staff said earlier conversations with the Longwood Historic Society and other stakeholders stalled because commissioners had not reached consensus on a relocation site or a long-term maintenance plan for a city-owned structure. The City Manager reported interest from a private developer, Brian Roy, who is renovating a nearby historic property (the Hopkins House). Roy proposed relocating the Lewis House onto a parcel behind his work on Wilma Avenue, restoring it to historic specifications and potentially operating it as a rental or short-term lodging. Staff said the developer’s proposal would reduce ongoing city maintenance obligations but would place future use largely in private hands, subject to historic-district protections and city approval where required.

An alternative was raised: engagement with Lyman High School’s engineering program as a low-cost, public-oriented restoration project. A commissioner said a program tied to students’ coursework could lower the city’s cash outlay and provide educational value while keeping the structure under public stewardship.

Funding and next steps

Commissioners discussed prior budget allocations for the Lewis House and were told that earlier funds previously set aside had been returned to the general fund by a former finance director; staff stated there is currently no dedicated city account for the Lewis House. An engineer’s earlier estimate (presented to staff about a year earlier) indicated the city’s previous set-aside would cover roughly half of a full restoration, but that full restoration costs exceed the amount previously reserved.

Staff direction

Commissioners asked staff to open direct discussions with Brian Roy and to explore a school-based option with Lyman High School. Several commissioners said they preferred a low-cost public option but did not rule out a private partnership if it reduced city maintenance obligations while preserving the building’s historical character. The City Manager said he would convene follow-up meetings and report back to the commission.

Ending note

No formal action was taken at the session; commissioners directed staff to pursue meetings with the developer and Lyman High School and to report options and cost estimates at a future meeting.