Commission signs off on plan for short-term rental units

Airbnb rental units will likely replace the former Stone Manor Bridal store in Grafton’s Mill Square development in downtown this summer.

Owners Jeff and Julie Prochnow plan to remodel the 6,000-square-foot, second-floor space at 1218 12th Ave. into four short-term rental units.

Each of the one-bedroom units will have a bed, restroom, kitchenette and sleeper sofa. A shared lounge space and laundry units will also be available to guests.  

No exterior building changes are planned and no on-site advertising will be allowed.

 The Prochnows expect to complete renovations and have units ready for rental by July.  In the meantime, they will seek rental licenses from the state and the village’s Community Development Department.

According to village documents, the Prochnows said they were unable to find a new retail tenant after the bridal store closed in June. To keep the space in use, the couple proposed changing the space from retail to short-term residential.

The village will receive room tax from the units.

Director of Planning and Development Jessica Wolff said that while the village staff members are disappointed to lose a significant retail space downtown, there is a demand for short-term rental units in the village.

Jeff Prochnow said while Grafton does have close by hotels, that there is demand for higher quality accommodations.

“We feel there is a big need with the hospital and a lot of the corporations around here for a little nicer facilities,” he said.

Following staff recommendations, the Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit for the short-term rentals on Jan. 25.

Under the permit, guests will not be allowed to stay more than six consecutive nights in the units.

The Plan Commission also recommended approval of a planned unit development amendment that would change use of the space from retail to short-term residential. The Village Board will consider the amendment during its February meeting.

 Village President Jim Brunnquell said he believes the rental units will help support downtown businesses.

 One resident questioned whether guests would be able to find parking spaces in the Mill Square parking lot.

Jeff Prochnow said he believes there will be less traffic from the rental units than the bridal store, adding he will suggest guests park in spaces behind A-1 Gunsmithing and Firearms that are seldom used. Guests will also receive parking passes that allow them to park in the village overnight.

Trustee Dave Antoine asked if the commission would consider designating parking spots specifically for rental guests, but Wolff said doing so would restrict parking spaces during times when there are no guests.