Real Estate Developers Push For Expanded Lodging In Natick
There are a lot of barriers to finding occupants for historic, single-family homes, according to Natick developer and architect John "Gerry" Horne. That's why he and his business partner, Randy Johnson, are pushing for zoning changes to allow what they think is a more feasible use: lodging.
Existing Natick zoning laws allow hotels and inns to do business in the area around Route 9 and other commercial districts, but Horne said older homes that would be suitable for bed-and-breakfast-style establishments typically stand outside the parameters. The only requirement is houses must be 100 years or older.
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Creating New Development Prospects
Through a proposed zoning change, Horne said real estate developers like himself will have greater access to profitable business opportunities. Under existing zoning laws, there isn't much return-on-investment for potential buyers of historic homes, according to Horne. They aren't practical as single-family residences in many cases, because they are too large, and hospitality uses aren't allowed.
"You end up with very marginal kinds of uses," Horne said. "Let's say you could turn (an old house) into an inn or a hotel…you'd be a better position."
Horne and Johnson, owners of Horne and Johnson/StepOne Architects, are considering purchasing a 14-room downtown Colonial built in the late 1800s and redeveloping it as a lodging house, called the Walcott Inn, with between 10 and 15 guest rooms.
The Grove Street house is what prompted them to pursue the zoning amendment through a petition. An article will appear on the warrant at Fall Town Meeting.
Downtown Natick A Niche For Boutique Lodging
Boutique lodging options, like those one Horne and Johnson are pursuing, are typically built where developers see a niche, according to Horne, and he believes downtown Natick could be a niche for this type of business. The area is also home to many Victorian homes that have been converted into multifamily housing.
As businesses along Route 9 expands, drawing more business travelers to town, Horne thinks such ventures could do very well in town. The Route 9 corridor in Natick has a number of hotels, including a Courtyard by Marriott, a Crowne-Plaza, a Travelodge, and a Hampton Inn.
Traditional hotel options are too "vanilla" for some, Horne said.
"If you want a mocha frappuccino, you're going to come to the Walcott Inn," Horne said.
Town officials have been enthusiastic about the zoning amendment, according to Horne, but he thinks it will be a tougher sell to residents who might not want to see new business uses introduced in residential neighborhoods.
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