Façade Grants Assist Economic Growth in Toombs County
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A local, historic property that is assuming a new purpose recently got a boost from the Lyons Main Street Association. In September, Lyons and Vidalia officials gathered to present Victor Wolfe with a $1,000 façade grant at the 1910 home that Wolfe has transformed into 9 Columns Bed and Breakfast. This gift is the highest available grant within the program.
Since 2000, Lyons Main Street has awarded 37 façade grant totaling over $22,000 to help business and property owners improve the façades of their buildings. Lyons’ famous theater, The Blue Marquee, was the first recipient. The Nine Columns Bed and Breakfast is located at 180 NW Broad Street in Lyons. This house was where Wolfe raised his five children. Earlier in the year, Wolfe applied to the Lyons Zoning Board for a change for the property from an R-3 Residential Zoning to an R-2 Multifamily Residential Zoning. The Board approved this change on August 17. Since then, Wolfe has continued preparations for the opening of the business, which he plans for January 1, 2022. The B& B is a 2,990-square-foot structure, with multiple outside seating areas as well as a balcony that overlooks Highway 292.
As the attendees of the grant presentation toured the Edwardian era home, Wolfe informed them that the bed in Room 3 is the bed frame that was in U.S. President Garfield’s childhood room. Wooden doors that lead to the bathroom in Bedroom 1 came from China and date back to the 16th Century, according to Wolfe. “I want to provide guests with a personal and unique experience,” Wolfe explained to the group. “I was asked why I did not follow the new age trend of doing an Airbnb, but I truly want to create a connection between myself and guests.” “I am so grateful for the support from the City of Lyons and the public. I cannot wait to serve the public and bring a new experience to the community,” Wolfe said.
In addition to hosting guests, Wolfe hopes to offer Nine Columns for special events.
NINE COLUMNS — The Edwardian structure that will open on January 1, 2022, as a bed and breakfast, owes its name to the columns that enhance its façade. The historic house is located on Highway 292 in Lyons.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
