NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) _ Billionaire Larry Ellison’s plan to turn a historic Newport mansion into an art museum has been approved by the city’s Historic District Commission.

The Newport Daily News reports the commission approved plans on Tuesday to turn the Astors’ Beechwood mansion into the Beechwood Art Museum.

The founder and CEO of Oracle Corp. bought it in 2010. The museum would house his 19th-century art collection.
The approval was the final one needed from city boards.

Architect John Grosvenor says he thinks the project will take a year-and-a-half to complete. When finished, Ellison’s art collection will be displayed to the public on the first floor and the second and third floors will be Ellison’s residence. Those floors will also occasionally be open to the public.

The mansion overlooks the city’s Cliff Walk.

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