Michael Gibson, owner of a large single-family home called The Gaston, has applied for a special-use permit to operate a five-room bed and breakfast at 4802 Gaston Ave.
The Gaston opened about a year ago and won a Preservation Dallas achievement award for remodeling the 1918 historic home. After opening, Gibson realized he may need a special-use permit.
“I am not even sure we need an SUP…the city code is very vague and up for interpretation, but we figured we should try to get it and avoid any gray area,” he said. “We were not forced to close, but we hired a consultant to help get the SUP, as it is not an easy process, and they suggested we close while we submit the application as a sign of good faith.”
The property is in Planned Development District 362, created in 1992. A bed and breakfast is listed as a permitted use in PD 362, but a permit must be obtained prior to opening. Gibson said he plans on reopening as soon as he receives a permit.
The Gaston offers five luxury suites, such as the “Adair” and the “Dealey,” that pay homage to Dallas history. In addition to the rooms, the bed and breakfast features a dining area, a large outdoor patio and a cocktail bar.
“We kept the first floor layout as close to the original design as possible, primarily focusing on the aesthetics and cosmetic enhancements,” Gibson said. “The outdoor space was transformed from an old asphalt parking lot into a lush garden.”
Gibson’s sister, Liz, designed the home and runs it with her mother, Maureene.
