The historic Harrison House, at 313 W. Fifth Ave. in Columbus, is the subject of a hotel conversion that has yet to be completed.
A Deal Born From Networking, Not Shopping
Designers Catherine and Bryan Williamson bought Harrison House in 2021, after it had operated as a bed-and-breakfast for decades.
The Williamsons planned to turn the property into Hotel Plaas, a boutique hotel. The project appeared on the Magnolia Network show “A Home Away,” but the conversion remained unfinished after years of delays and missed deadlines.
Zoning Change Turned Into a Costly Overhaul
The Williamsons encountered zoning issues while seeking to convert the residentially zoned property into a hotel. The project also brought about $1 million in added costs.
The property had code violations, and permits expired. An earlier estimate put three to four months of work remaining.
Zoning and preservation context
Columbus requires zoning clearance for changes in a building’s use, often as part of building-permit review. The city defines rezoning as a zoning-map change that can be approved only by City Council ordinance after a Development Commission public hearing. Exterior changes may also require separate approval for properties in historic districts or special zoning areas. These rules show how a residential-to-hotel conversion can involve multiple reviews, but do not establish which specific approvals applied to Harrison House. The city’s commercial zoning-clearance rules and rezoning definitions outline those processes.
The City of Columbus Code of Ordinances includes procedures for zoning-map amendments and rezoning. That code listing does not establish which zoning or building-code approvals applied to Harrison House or which city agencies would administer them.
Renovation Remains Unfinished
The hotel conversion has not been completed.
As of Nov. 11, 2026, the project had a new name and hospitality team: Rob and Morgan Calabro joined the ownership group to lead the remaining renovation and hotel operations, while Bryan and Catherine Williamson remained involved. Rebranded The Harrison Hotel, the property was expected to open in early 2027 with 10 guest suites. The Calabros also operate 50 Lincoln Short North Bed and Breakfast, and the two properties plan to share a hospitality team. The new plan marks a change from Hotel Plaas, though the conversion remains unfinished.
