Only in Montclair, folks, only in Montclair. The Georgian Inn, one of the last places to stay in Montclair, will be converted to a mega-mansion. And in its backyard? Why townhouses, of course. From the Star Ledger...
The 14-suite bed-and-breakfast known as the Georgian Inn might soon pass into history. But the Montclair landmark won't be leveled by a wrecking ball. Instead, owner Bernard Kohout is looking to convert the imposing Classical revival structure into a single-family home.The conversion of the North Mountain Avenue mansion, however, is just one piece of a larger plan that would include tearing down a circa 1897 Queen Anne house in the rear of the property to make way for a dozen two-bedroom townhouses.
Just last week, Montclair's Historic Preservation Commission nominated the circa 1902 inn as well as the Queen Anne at 323 Claremont Ave. as landmarks, kicking in a 180-day moratorium against any demolition even before Kohout's plans get an airing before the planning board."The issue of the Georgian Inn and the Queen Anne house have been floating around for a long time," Ted Lippincott, the HPC's chair, said of the timing of the nominations.
The action was met with surprise by Kohout.
"Three-twenty-three is a dilapidated building," he said. "The foundation is totally collapsing. I think I'll have to have pictures taken."
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Who would want to buy a "mega-mansion" with 12 townhouses in the backyard?