City Development: Hilliard poised to allow short-term rentals and B&B inns in Old Hilliard district

A developer and Hilliard administrators are collaborating to have the city’s first Airbnb open by July 4 in the Old Hilliard district.

Andy Warnock, chief executive officer of The Westwood Collective, said May 17 that his company has identified three potential sites, two on Main Street and one on Norwich Street, as potential Airbnb sites.

Meanwhile, the Hilliard Planning and Zoning Commission May 12 unanimously recommended that Hilliard City Council approve an ordinance that would amend the city code to add “short-term rental” and “bed-and-breakfast inns” as permitted uses in the Old Hilliard mixed-use district and the Old Hilliard residential district, and to add associated development standards.

The text originally called for buildings of at least 1,500 square feet to be eligible for short-term rental and bed-and-breakfast status, but commission members reduced the required square footage for such status to 800 square feet, according to David Ball, director of community outreach for Hilliard.

An ordinance amending city code to add the definitions and allow short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast inns as permitted uses in Old Hilliard is scheduled to have a first reading May 23 at Hilliard City Council, according to Ball.

If the ordinance follows the usual timetable, it would have a second and final reading June 13, according to Ball.

Warnock said he wants to create a “vibe” in Old Hilliard similar to what he experienced on a trip to the Lone Star State.

“After visiting Waco, Texas with my wife, it was clear the influence Chip and Joanna Gaines (from HGTV and Magnolia Market) had on that town. We want to create a similar vibe in Old Hilliard with hospitality options in our city’s core,” Warnock said.

The locations are intended to be quaint, he explained.

“(These are) not a party pad, but rather a high-end, distinctively furnished home that provides a unique experience to our guests. We will stock local beer, local coffee and local desserts, and offer an entertainment guide to all Hilliard has to offer. “

Warnock said that Trove Warehouse, an Upper Arlington furniture retailer, is designing and furnishing the space.

“We hope to have our first Airbnb open by July Fourth,” Warnock said.

But other options are expected.

“We will use Airbnb heavily, but not exclusively. VRBO is another site and we will do some self-marketing outside of the national platforms,” Warnock said.

He said it is an important distinction as Airbnb and bed-and-breakfast inns are not the same.

An Airbnb is a lightly regulated home-sharing site while bed-and-breakfast inns are subject to state and local lodging laws just like a large hotel chain, according to Warnock.

Hilliard City Manager Michelle Crandall said such amenities are welcome in Old Hilliard.

"If approved by City Council, this change will create an additional type of lodging experience for visitors in downtown Hilliard, which is the most appropriate location for bed-and-breakfast and Airbnb-type entities,” Crandall said.

In his auspice as acting director of Destination Hilliard, Ball said such amenities would add to the vibrancy of Old Hilliard, which has been a focus for revitalization for the city.

"Having this type of accommodation for visitors is one more feature that adds to the vibrancy of the downtown area, which has been a focus for redevelopment and revitalization for the city. We know that a healthy downtown benefits the entire community, because it draws visitors to Hilliard who will spend their money in local businesses and adds to the quality of life for our residents,” Ball said.

In early 2020, the Center Street Market, anchored by Crooked Can Brewing Co., opened on Center Street, between Main and Wayne streets and has since added vendors inside the open-air market.

In 2010, the city opened First Responders Park, a memorial to the almost 3,000 people killed in the nation’s 9/11 terrorist attacks and several years later, built Hilliard’s Station Park, which hosts the city’s summer concert series.

In March 2021, the Hilliard Station Baking Company opened, adding to the growing niche of shops in the district that also includes Starliner Diner.

Sextons Pizza opened earlier this year on Center Street, one of several other developments by The Westwood Collective.

Libby Gierach, president and CEO of the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce, also welcomes the concept.

"Old Hilliard is the hub of Hilliard and people want to be part of this energized area. Having short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast inns makes Hilliard a more desirable place for visitors to experience all that Hilliard has to offer, not only in Old Hilliard, but in the other areas in our city as well," Gierach said.

There is a desire for the amenities, according to Warnock.

“We surveyed members of the community who want this. They want another option for their out-of-town family and friends,” Warnock said, and includes those attending soccer tournaments hosted by the Hilliard Ohio Soccer Association and wedding parties at the Makoy Center.

“These short-term hospitality options are an important missing piece of adding vitality to our charming downtown.”

kcorvo@thisweeknews.com

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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: City poised to allow short-term rentals and B&B inns in Old Hilliard.