HOBART | A former bridal shop will now become a family's home following recent approval by city officials.
Resident David Payne asked city officials to rezone the former His & Hers Bridal Mansion, 912 Lillian St., so it can become a home. The former bridal shop, which features a large front parking area, has been vacant for a couple of years, city officials said.
The City Council approval finalizes approval by the Plan Commission at its Jan. 3 meeting.
Member Tom Ehrhardt said he was pleased about Payne's plans to restore the old house, which dates back to the late 1800s.
"I'm happy as a clam that it's being reclaimed as a residence, but my only concern down the road is the huge parking lot," Ehrhardt said.
City Planner A.J. Bytnar said he told Payne he would need to meet the city's residential standards in every aspect including the parking lot.
Bytnar said given the house is set so far back there is no backyard.
He suggested Payne may have to return to receive a special exception.
Payne's attorney told officials at the City Council meeting that he plans to return to seek a variance for the parking lot.
Plans include using landscaping to buffer the parking lot from yards of adjacent neighbors, Payne's representative told officials.
In other business, city officials also approved a four-lot subdivision at the southwest corner of Ind. 51 and U.S. 6 for petitioner attorney David Austgen.
Austgen, who represents McDonald's, said plans are to replace the existing McDonald's with a new building in coming months.
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