WPRO News and the Associated Press
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) – A divisive plan to build a welcome center at The Breakers mansion in Newport is heading for a final review.
The city’s zoning board is set to hold hearings Monday and Tuesday evening on the plan to build the center on the grounds of the national historic landmark. The Breakers is Newport’s most famous mansion and was built in the 1890s by the Vanderbilt family.
The Preservation Society of Newport County owns The Breakers and wants to build the visitors center as a more comfortable place for tourists to buy tickets and use the restroom.
Critics, including several Vanderbilts, have argued that building the center on the grounds of The Breakers will detract from the estate’s character. Some have suggested it be built in a parking lot across the street.
