In the summer of 2023 David, through his company Cacapon Preservation Solutions, purchased three properties in the center of the town of Paw Paw: the 1876 former Saint Charles Catholic Mission Church; the 1898 Dr B.W. McBee farmhouse-style house; and a 1930’s-era Craftsman bungalow. David is in the process of renovating each of the properties to be sympathetic to their historic characters, while making needed updates to take full advantage of modern efficiencies and technologies.

Part of the reason David purchased the Dr. B.W. McBee house was because the historic church, having held its last service in 1994, was being marketed as a companion “tear down” in the sale. 

Work on the Dr B.W. McBee house, known colloquially as an “I-House,” was completed in the summer of 2024 and is now operating as an Air BnB under the name “Mountain Life Inn”.  The totally renovated building features three locally-themed guest suites on the second floor, each with their own private bath.   A fourth suite on the first floor will eventually be available as well.

Following completion of the Air BnB David turned his efforts to the restoration and conversion of the church into a restaurant. Following its successful listing on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2024 David submitted an application for approval to conduct the work under the Historic Tax Credit program.  David was successful with final approval being received in August 2025 so work is underway using 45% historic tax credits to offset a portion of the cost of the preservation and restoration work.  In addition to the restoration work, David has constructed a sympathetic 780 SF addition for support spaces, such as kitchen, ADA entry and restrooms to keep the historic 1,000 SF church as original as possible. 

The final piece will be completing the renovation of the 1930’s 3-bedroom bungalow, which he plans to rent out as a vacation rental.

1876 St Charles Catholic Mission Church, 1930’s Craftsman Bungalow, and 1898 Dr B.W. McBee House.  Photo taken December 2023.