Renovations are planned at the Inn at Longshore, which was built in 1890, under a 30-year, $8 million lease approved by the town last year.
Renovations are planned at the Inn at Longshore, which was built in 1890, under a 30-year, $8 million lease approved by the town last year.

By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — Another 8-24 request for the renovation of the Inn at Longshore has been made its way to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The application was filed July 25 by LandTech on behalf of the inn’s operator, Longshore Hospitality. The 168-acre park is owned by the town.

The P&Z unanimously gave a positive recommendation to an $8 million overhaul of the inn in May. The state’s 8-24 statute requires that a municipality’s land use body approve any significant reuse of a publicly owned property.

The plan then went back to the Architectural Review Board, which had concerns about an earlier version of the renovations. Among the concerns were an enlarged porte-cochere in front and the loss of distinctive dome at the rear.

After revisions, the ARB eventually signed off on the plan May 28.  

This new 8-24 request is for a Coastal Area Management Site Plan review. The property is the state’s Coastal Area Management area. The inn is about 190 feet from the Saugatuck River, according to Conservation Department comments included in the zoning file.

Revised plans for the Inn at Longshore’s rear terrace and ballroom entrance now feature a dome, reflecting a feature long associated with the building by many Westporters.
Revised plans for the Inn at Longshore’s rear terrace and ballroom entrance now feature a dome, reflecting a feature long associated with the building by many Westporters.

“Longshore Hospitality LLC’s plans for the Inn include extensive renovations and a proposed small addition, a project narrative by LandTech states. “The interior renovations include but not limited to a new HVAC system throughout, replacement of the windows and doors, an increased number of guest rooms along with the renovation of the current rooms, updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen that is associated with the Inn and restaurant, various plumbing and electrical upgrades and ADA compliance updates.”

The application was recently filed and does not yet appear on a P&Z agenda.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 36 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.

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