Westchester Public Library got the green light from Chesterton’s Board of Zoning Appeals to proceed with plans to restore Brown Mansion and to move the museum into a new barn-like structure.
The four board members present Thursday unanimously approved the four variances that the public library needed before construction can commence.
Board member Joseph Ackerman complimented the Westchester Public Library for what he called “a great project.”
“I have heard nothing but full support from people for this. People are excited about this,” Ackerman said.
Jan Bapst, a Dune Acres resident and former library board member, noted how the library’s project with Brown Mansion will complement efforts of the Duneland YMCA, which is in the midst of renovating and adding to the nearby former Chesterton Middle School building.
Under the plan projected to cost $5 million, the Brown Mansion will be renovated with a front porch and cupola built to conform with the original Victorian style. The building will also be made compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act rules. The mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum, which had been housed in the mansion, will be moved into a new two-story, 4,568-square-foot barn-like structure. Unlike the mansion, the museum will have the type of heating and cooling system that is more conducive to keeping archives.
The four variances obtained by the Westchester Public Library will allow them to:
•Build a spire on the cupola that will reach a height of 47 feet, which is 12 feet above the standard.
•Build a second structure — the barn — on the property.
•Cover 40% of the property with building space, which is higher than the 30% standard.
•Create 17 parking spaces, when 26 normally would have been required.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
