The Longwood City Commission on Sept. 4 directed staff to pursue public-use options for the Lewis House rehabilitation, keeping the structure under city ownership and exploring locations within Ryder Park for a restored facility that could function as a welcome center, exhibit space or small event venue.

Community Development staff summarized two primary pathways discussed at the July budget workshop and in staff follow-up: (1) transfer the house to a private rehabilitator for private use with possible city-funded rehabilitation assistance (staff discussed a $120,000 rough restoration estimate from contractors), or (2) retain city ownership and rehabilitate the building for a public use such as a welcome center located in Ryder Park or the Clock Tower area. Staff said an architect's preliminary design estimate was around $30,000 for design and $100,000–$200,000 for construction depending on scope; staff added the adopted first-reading budget includes $150,000 for the project in this fiscal year.

Community Development staff said potential public locations in Ryder Park include the northeast corner of the Fire Station 15 parcel, a site behind one of the pavilions (where staff noted possible site conditions such as muck), and the Clock Tower area near the park entrance. Commissioners repeatedly favored siting the rehabilitated Lewis House within Ryder Park rather than the Fire Station parcel, citing long-term park planning and the desire to maintain the fire-station parcel for potential economic development. Several commissioners and members of the public also emphasized that operation and staffing options could include volunteer involvement from the Longwood Historic Society and limited weekend or event staffing rather than full-time city staffing.

Developer Brian (Ryan) Roy, present at the meeting, described his rehabilitation work in the historic district and urged commissioners to consider flexible public uses that would increase the building's regular use, such as a small event venue, exhibit space or rentable room for intimate weddings or meetings.

Commissioner Boney made a motion to proceed with the public-ownership pathway and direct staff to develop options for city control and use of the Lewis House; Commissioner McMillan seconded. The commission approved the motion by roll call: Deputy Mayor Shoemaker, Commissioner Boney, Commissioner McMillan, Commissioner Morgan and Mayor Brian Sackett all voted yes.