NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - A plan to build a $4.2 million welcome center at one of the state's biggest tourist attractions, The Breakers mansion, has hit a roadblock after the Newport Historic District Commission rejected it amid concerns that it is not appropriate to build on the mansion's grounds.
The Newport Daily News reports the vote on Tuesday night was 4-3 against the plan.
The Preservation Society of Newport County, which owns The Breakers and other mansions, says it plans to appeal the decision to the zoning board.
The society wants to build the welcome center on the grounds of the mansion once owned by the Vanderbilts.
The group said the center would include accessible restrooms and could serve as a place for the mansion's 400,000 annual visitors to learn about other attractions in Newport.