The town of Tyrone gave thumbs up Thursday night to David Milliken’s plan for his consulting business.

Milliken owns a home at 290 Arrowood Road and asked the Town Council to rezone the property from R-48 Residential to Office-Institutional. Milliken owns a small consulting and construction company and wants to restore the home to its former glory.

“I’m a big fan of Craftsman Homes, and I’d love to see this restored,” said Councilman Mike Smola.

Milliken said some of the stone work on the house is exemplary and his background is architecture.

Planning Commission chairman Ginger Blackstone said her board approved the request unanimously and the building would be an asset to downtown.

During last month’s Planning Commission meeting, Town Manager Barry Amos told board members the Land Use Map shows the one-acre tract as being slated for commercial use but amending the site to office would make a good transition to the area. Transitioning the house from residential use to a business is an advantageous move, Amos said.

“The more businesses we have downtown, the more downtown will thrive,” he said. “The applicant wants to make it look nice for his customers.”

Commissioner Kevin Edwards expressed initial caution over the rezoning, saying that he was skeptical of turning residences into offices because he seen a number of occasions where such a move did not turn out as intended. The discussion continued, with commissioners Buddy Hay and Ken Matthews saying that refurbishing the house and grounds would make a positive contribution to the area. After the discussion ended, the board voted unanimously to approve the measures.

The Town Council agreed with the Planning Commission’s assessment and approved Milliken’s request unanimously.

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