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A piece of Madison history has the potential to figure into its economic future.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Dorroh House on Madison Avenue is being readied to open as a special events facility in a few weeks. Previously holding the retailer Simply Spaces, the 2,300-square-foot property sits in the middle of the three-houses strip making up the Dorroh Street Historic District.

“This will be a great asset to the city of Madison,” said Jerry Cook, the city’s director of economic development. As a special event facility for weddings, receptions and dinners, the new business could generate other spinoff retailers like florists or caterers, he said.

“Hopefully this will encourage other types of retailers. There could be different services spring up that want to provide associated products,” Cook said.

Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler said the city needs to preserve its history, and this use of the property maintains the dignity of the property.

“This is absolutely wonderful. The chamber director has promised to keep it booked up,” she said.

Paul Matlock, who owns the house and Kristos restaurant next door, said not much work is needed to get the old house with its 14-foot ceilings in shape for hosting parties. The parking lot will be paved, some cleaning is being done, the hardwood floors are being refinished and the kitchen is being upgraded for catering.

Matlock said the mayor is supportive of the building’s new life. “She really wants this to happen,” he said. “This use can bring in outside businesses to the city.”

The outside appearance of the house is not changing, Matlock said, especially since that is the historic relevance of the building.

The Dorroh Street Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 for the historical significance of the three houses on what used to be known as Dorroh Street. The three, which include the Kristos building, Dorroh House and the next house now the Mississippi Community Education Center, are the best interpretation of the Queen Anne vernacular style of architecture in the city.

The historical periods referenced in the National Register listing are 1875-1899 and 1900-1924. As a group, the three houses represent Madison’s prosperity at the time.

James D. Dorroh, a mail carrier and poet, lived in the Dorroh House while his brother, a doctor, lived in what is now used as the Greek restaurant. The third house was owned by the owner of the general store.