Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Month: August 2016

August 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on August 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House. 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  The Board of County Commissioners has recognized the funds to purchase the F.A.A. property.  Staff will be working with realtors and land brokers to develop a marketing strategy for the property.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House. 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Assets and Facilities Management Department has secured an estimate for the costs for restoring the house.  This matter will be discussed at the September meeting of the Projects Committee. 
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is coordinating with the County in moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The prospective buyer has not submitted an offer to purchase.  Another prospective buyer has expressed interest in the property.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Staff is negotiating with CATS about a service and storage arrangement.  Installation of the air conditioning will occur over the summer.  Staff is securing estimates for the air conditioning.  Meetings will occur in the fall to consider best uses of the bus.  Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus. 
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews has approved the purchase of the Outen Pottery. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews and the Assets and Facilities Management Department are assembling the materials necessary for moving ahead with the study of future development of the property.  The Historic Landmarks Commission will be the client and will be heavily involved in the project.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies if the property is deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Len Norman and I did meet with the County to discuss the need for changes to the State Enabling Legislation to allow the Commission to meet in closed session when discussing the sale of property.  Talks continue.
10.  Walters Barbershop, 112-114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is preparing documents to close on the property.  It has been designated as a historic landmark by the Town of Huntersville.   The Projects Committee will present a recommendation on the prospective sale of the property.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The owner was notified of the Commission’s decision.  There has been no response.
13.  Staff is working on the inclusion of Historic Landmark information on the County’s Polaris mapping system.  This will allow ready access to information about the properties the Commission has identified as having special historic significance.
14.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.  The property is being offered for sale.  The owner has not apprached the Commission since the June meeting. 
15.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the Barnhardt-Cramer House, 2377 County Club Lane, Charlotte, N.C.  Staff has met with the owner of the property to discuss preservation strategies.  The Projects Committee will present a recommendation regarding the HLC’s prospective purchase of the property as part of the regular agenda.
16.  The Projects Committee will recomend administrative procedures for the handling of prospective sales and purchase of property by the HLC.
17.  The Charlotte City Council will hold three public hearings on resolutions in September for:  Midwood School, Biddleville Cemetery, and the Dilworth Airplane Bungalow.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

June 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on June 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House. 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  A prospective buyer has submitted an offer to purchase the Edward M. Rozzel House.  This will be discussed in the regular agenda under Projects Committee Report.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House. 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Assets and Facilities Management Department has completed its review of the plans, which will soon be put out for bid.
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is coordinating with the County in moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The prospective buyer has not submitted an offer to purchase.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Staff is negotiating with CATS about a service and storage arrangement.  Installation of the air conditioning will occur over the summer.  Meetings will occur in the fall to consider best uses of the bus.  Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus. 
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  The Commission will consider a prospective sale of the Outen Pottery to the Town of Matthews.  This will be discussed in the regular agenda under the Projects Committee Report.  The Town Manager has included funds in his recommended budget to purchase the property. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews and the Assets and Facilities Management Department are assembling the materials necessary for moving ahead with the study of future development of the property.  The Historic Landmarks Commission will be the client and will be heavily involved in the project.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies if the property is deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management.  
10.  Walters Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is processing the property for historic landmark designation.  A public hearing has occurred.  The Town is prepared to vote before the Commission closes on the property.  The Commission has received offers to purchase the building.  The Commission will consider this matter in open session.  There has been an issue with the survey of the property.  Sandy Prosser has secured an additional 120 days of due diligence.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The Commission will consider purchase of the property later on the agenda in closed session.  The Commission has completed its due diligence on the property.
13.  The County Manager’s Budget recommendation does not include replenishment money for the revolving fund.
14.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.  The owner has approached the Commission to consider alternatives for the VanLandingham Estate.  The owner believes that economic considerations will require him to move or demolish the house.  He has potential buyers.  The Planning Staff has informed this office that existing zoning does not allow the owner to move or demolish the house.  The owner would sell the Estate to the Commission for $5.125 million.   If the Commission wishes to consider purchase, it will have to do so in closed session.
15.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the Barnhardt-Cramer House, 2377 County Club Lane, Charlotte, N.C.  Preservation North Carolina is seeking to develop a preservation strategy with the owner, who intends to build several houses on the property.  If the owner is agreeable, the Commission might be asked to purchase the house and some portion of land.  The first step would be for the Commission to authorize the preparation of a Survey and Research Report.  The house will have to be designated as a historic landmark before the Commission could close on the property.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

May 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on May 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House. 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  A prospective buyer is scheduled to present an offer to the Commission by May 15th.  Staff and the prospective buyer have met with members of the Planning Staff to determine what zoning changes will be necessary.  The Federal Government is prepairing the documentation necessary to allow the HLC to purchase the property adjoining the Rozzel House.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House. 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Assets and Facilities Management Department is preparing the documents for putting the project out to bid.
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The prospective buyer has contacted Staff and has stated that an offer to purchase and contract will be forthcoming.  Then negotiations will begin.  
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. has completed the mechanical restoration of the bus.  It is now in the CATS garage and will be used in the May Bus “Roadeo.”  Thereafter, the bus will be driven to Mooresville for the installation of air conditioning. Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus.
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  Improvements to the property continue.  Peter Wasmer has been the Project Manager of  physical changes to the property.  The Outen Pottery Task Force continues to meet, and Staff has developed a video explaining the significance of the site. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews and the Assets and Facilities Management Department are assembling the materials necessary for moving ahead with the study of future development of the property.  The Historic Landmarks Commission will be the client and will be heavily involved in the project.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management.  
10.  Walter’s Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is processing the property for historic landmark designation.  A public hearing has occurred.  The Town is prepared to vote before the Commission closes on the property.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The Commission is performing due diligence on the property.  The Commission must vote in June concerning whether it intends to close on the property.
13.  Staff will await the presentation of the County Manager’s Budget recommendation to determine whether replenishment money for the HLC’s revolving fund is included.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

April 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on April 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House, 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  A prospective buyer of the Edward Rozzel House has come forward.  Staff and Len Norman are involved in negotiations.  Staff is also maintaining contact with Bobbie Mabe, a prospective lessee of the property.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House, 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Design Review Committee is recommending approval of plans for the restoration and expansion of the house.  The Commission will consider this issue as a regular agenda item.
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The Projects Committee is recommending entering into an agreement with a prospective buyer.  The Commission will consider this issue as a regular agenda item.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. continues to work on restoration of the bus.  The job will be completed by the end of this week.  Staff is working on a draft of an agreement between the Commission and CATS regarding storage, maintenance, and use of the bus.  The bus will initially be moved to the CATS garage for use in a Bus Rodeo in May.  It will then be driven to Mooresville for the installation of air conditioning.  Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus.
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  Improvements to the property continue.  Peter Wasmer is the Project Manager of the physical changes to the property.  The Outen Pottery Task Force continues to meet, and Staff has developed a video explaining the significance of the site. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Design Review Committee will be recommending funding of a joint study with the Town of Matthews of possible uses of the property.  If approved, this study will contain information to be included in a Request For Proposals sent to prospective buyers of the property.  The Commission will consider that issue as a regular agenda item.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management.  Staff has worked with the Commission in developing a due diligence matrix.
10.  Walter’s Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is processing the property for historic landmark designation.  A public hearing will occur during the regular agenda.  Due diligence continues.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The owner of the Atherton Cotton Mill House has contacted the Commission and wishes to reactivate the contract with the Historic Landmarks Commission.  The Commission has voted to make an offer on the house subject to approval of a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that will allow the front porch to be reconstructed.  A hearing on that subject occurred before the Charlotte City Council on March 21st.  City Council will make a decision in April.  Due diligence continues.
13.  Len Norman and Dr. Morrill met with the County Executive Team to advocate $2 million of replenishment money for the HLC Revolving Fund.  The County Manager will present her recommended budget to the Board of County Commissioners in May.  It is clear that the County leadership wants the Historic Landmarks Commission to pay special attention to the economic viability of Revolving Fund projects.
14.  McQuay House.  In accordance with Commission policies, the Commission’s Right of First Refusal to purchase the McQuay House on Tuckaseegee Road has been waived.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

March 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on March 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House, 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  Staff has met with Bobbie Mabe, who has stated her desire to lease the Edward Rozzel Farm for five years.  She would establish a business there to teach people to grow and market produce.  Staff understands that there are many details that must be addressed, e.g. rezoning,  But Staff believes there are compelling reasons to give the idea serious consideration.  First, the house is being vandalized, and there is every reason to believe that this circumstance will continue.   In short, the status quo is not acceptable.  Second, Ms. Mabe has expressed her willingness to put “sweat equity” into the restoration of the house.  It is true that the Commission would have to bring the house up to code to allow a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued.  But Staff believes that entering into a lease with Ms. Mabe would be the most cost effective means to assure the preservation of the historic home.   Third, placing a “teaching farm” on the property would advance the “public good.”  Fourth, time will likely increase  the market value of the property.  Staff would appreciate your reaction to the issue of continuing to negotiate with Ms. Mabe toward the end of putting this plan into place.  
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House, 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   Peter Wasmer, Project Manager, is working with the architect to complete the plans for bidding.  These plans will be brought to the Design Review Committee and the Historic Landmarks Commission in the near future. 
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff anticipates that the prospective buyer of the property will present her offer at the March 14th meeting of the HLC. Staff will refer this offer to the Assets and Facilities Management Department of the County  for review and comment.  The Commission does have the option to reject the offer at this meeting and move ahead with the first phase of the restoration of the property.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. continues to work on restoration of the bus.  The next step will be to drive the bus to Mooresville where a new air conditioning system will be installed.  Staff has met with the Charlotte Area Transit System to discuss a possible cooperative arrangement with CATS.  The initial response was positive.  Staff will be working with the HLC attorney to draft an agreement between CATS and the HLC.  The County is providing insurance coverage.  Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus.
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  Improvements to the property are underway.  The Town of Matthews has agreed to perform landscaping in the immediate vicinity of the kiln and the workshop.  The process of the deed covenants on the property declared null and void continutes.    Peter Wasmer is the Project Manager of the physical changes to the property.  The Outen Pottery Task Force continues to meet, and Staff has developed a video explaining the significance of the site. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Commission owns the property.  Staff has met with officials of the Town of Matthews to discuss preservation strategies for the property.  Staff believes that it will be most important for the Commission to work closely with the Town of Matthews in determining how best to assure the long term preservation of the property.  The plan is for the Commission and the Town to build community consensus for the establishment of parameters that any buyer of the property must satisfy.  Then a Request For Proposals would be submitted to developers.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will to consider perservation strategies.
8.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.  Campus St., Charlotte, N.C.   Discussions continue on how the Commission might participate in the preservation of the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, a designated historic landmark.  
9.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State has informed Staff that it will not need financial assistance from the HLC to complete the project.  Click Here For Photos.
10.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management. The County is being most helpful in assisting the Commission in developing its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. 
11.  Walter’s Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Stewart Gray has been preparing the Survey and Research Report, so that the designation of the property can move forward.  Staff has met with officials of the Town of Huntersville to discuss the project.
12.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
13.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The owner of the Atherton Cotton Mill House has contacted the Commission and wishes to reactivate the contract with the Historic Landmarks Commission.  The Commission has voted to make an offer on the house subject to approval of a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that will allow the front porch to be reconstructed.  A hearing on that subject will occur before the Charlotte City Council on March 21st.  This matter will be placed on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.
14.  Staff has met with the County Assets and Facilities Management Department to finalize the operational budget for the HLC for the upcoming year.  The budget requires no additional funding, but the budget items have been adjusted to reflect more accurately the activities of the Commission.  A copy of the budget request has been distributed.  Please contact Staff if you have any questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill