Roman Ira Levy wants to build an addition to the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham which would essentially extend from the old restaurant on the right, almost to the Third Avenue parking deck to add another 48 rooms to the Hawthorn property. (Doug Walker, RN-T.com)
Roman Ira Levy (standing) explains his plans to Historic Preservation Commission members Megan Watters and Tom Sills. (Doug Walker, RN-T.com)
Levy is proposing a two-story addition that would extend from the existing restaurant building on the Oostanaula River almost to the Third Avenue Parking Deck.
He already has received approval to renovate the hotel for additional rooms.
Plans for that 24-room renovation of the former restaurant area are being reviewed by fire and building inspection officials.
“Once they sign off we’re ready to go,” Levy said.
The proposed addition would have balconies on both floors overlooking the river but only on the second floor facing the existing parking lot.
Levy was asking for conceptual approval from the HPC before moving ahead with plans for financing.
“We’ve been particular about the plans we need to see,” said Steven McDowell, chairman of the HPC. “We’re not a concept board, we’re a plan approval board.”
Commission member Tom Sills also said he did not have enough information to make a decision,
Commission member Leigh Barba attempted to win conceptual approval, with final approval pending completed plans, but her motion failed on a 2-2 vote.
“I don’t think Mr. Levy’s going to do something that is hideously ugly,” Barba said.
Planning staff member Delmos Stone said the commission would potentially be setting a precedent if it approved the concept without formal site, elevation and materials plans. Ultimately the commission agreed, voting 4-0 to find the application incomplete.
“Sorry to cause y’all so much trouble,” Levy said as he left the meeting.
He said that he would come back to the HPC next month with renderings and more complete site plans. The addition would bring capacity of the Hawthorn property to more than 100 rooms.
In other business, the HPC approved a request from Wes Walraven and Brian Moore for an extension of the rear entrance hall, the addition of an outdoor living area with covered porch and some trim work on the rear of their home at 312 E. Fourth Ave. Rome’s Historic Resources Survey lists the building as being constructed in 1911.
Few if any of the changes would be visible from either East Fourth Avenue or East Fourth Street.
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