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JACKSONVILLE — The planned opening of a restaurant at the Nunan Estate in May marks the revival of hospitality operations at the 1892 Victorian home that dominates Oregon Street north of the city's center. Ashland hotel entrepreneurs Doug and Becky Neuman purchased the estate in May last year. Chef Mario Chavez and Elizabeth Wimberly will open Onyx restaurant in leased space formerly occupied by the Carriage House restaurant. The Neumans plan to add suites to the accommodations that already include five bedrooms in the main house and three large rooms in another building. “We are just now putting plans together for what the estate will offer,” said Becky Neuman. “Our intent is adding suites to the property.” Businessman Jeremiah Nunan had the Nunan House built in 1892 at a cost of $7,800 from a set of plans he found in an architect’s catalog. The Queen Ann-style mansion has 16 rooms. It was one of the first houses in Jacksonville with running water and indoor plumbing. “Hopefully, we will be able to actually start our renovation of the property sometime later this year,” said Becky Neuman. “I gather that it has primarily been a family house. It’s a quintessential Victorian. The property has lovely grounds. You can walk to town.” Neuman said she foresees the possibility of guests gathering for afternoon tea in the house’s downstairs. Lodging and restaurant operations on the 3.1-acre site ceased in the early part of the decade, and owners Derek Wolfe and Molly McPherson sold it back to former owners Robert and Constance Seus in July 2011 for $1,777,000, according to Jackson County tax records. The pair purchased the estate from the Seuses in November 2006 for $2,479,000 after winning a lottery. Nunan Historic LLC purchased the estate from Robert Seus for only $10 in cash, but also considerable non-cash value, Doug Neuman said, declining to go into detail. In addition to the Neumans, Mark and Sid DeBoer are partners in the corporation, he said. The DeBoers were also involved with the Neumans in the purchase of the Inn at the Commons in downtown Medford. It's unlikely music will be featured on the site, Becky Neuman said. Wolfe and McPherson battled with the city of Jacksonville over sound levels from bands that played there after neighbors complained about disruptions. An agreement between the pair and the city limited the number of amplified events and sound levels of performances. “We don’t plan to go into a wedding or event market,” said Becky Neuman. Chavez formerly worked at the Carriage House and has been a Rogue Valley chef for 20 years. “We are going to be kind of eclectic," he said. "We want to keep a wine bar and bistro pub atmosphere." Chavez said he plans to do some Chinese cuisine to reflect the role of Chinese in the creation of Jacksonville. Patrons will be able to sit at an onyx bar that wraps around the kitchen and watch the chefs at work, said Chavez. “We really want to feature some elite world wines and some of the wine from the Applegate Valley,” said Chavez. “We’ll be influenced by what’s in our backyard.” Chavez plans to be open by Mother’s Day, May 8, and will initially serve dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays and offer Sunday brunch. He expects to begin lunch hours in June. The Neumans are involved in numerous local hotels and lodging businesses. In addition to Inn at the Commons, the own the Ashland Springs Hotel in Ashland, Ashland Hills Inn and Lithia Springs Resort just north of Ashland. Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].