October 8, 2019 – 8:00 a.m.
1. Chair’s Report: Edwin Wilson
2. Director’s Report: Dan Morrill
a. Former Wesley Heights United Methodist Church, 205 Grandin Road, Charlotte, N.C.
Former Wesley Heights Methodist Church
This church was designed by Louis Asbury, Sr., and opened in December 1927. It is currently owned and occupied by a congregation that has placed the property for sale for $1.95 million. Leaders of the west side of Charlotte believe that this property is worthy of preservation. Staff and two Commissioners have visited the church, and it is an impressive building. The property includes the church building and one adjoining house. The property has conditional zoning, which assures the preservation of the building, but would place fifteen residential units on the property, including eight in the church.
3. Update On Projects
a. Torrence Lytle School, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.
The prospective buyers of the Torrence Lytle School, originally known as the Huntersville Colored School, are no longer under contract, and the property is not currently listed for sale. The Historic Landmarks Commission has voted to demolish all buildings on the property except the original 1937 school building in preparation for offering the property for sale again. There is some feeling that it would be unwise to proceed with that arrangement because the most economically viable building for adaptive reuse is Building C – the Cafeteria Building.
Objective: To prepare the Torrence Lytle School for listing by a realtor familiar with north Mecklenburg in anticipation of the completion of the renovation of the Waymer Center by February 2020:
1) Demolish the ca.1950 wing buildings adjoining either end of the original school building;
2) Secure the services of an architectural firm or other appropriate party to investigate development options for the property;
3) If necessary, perform essential repairs to the Cafeteria Building in hopes that a buyer can make use of the building, which is in the best shape of all the buildings on the campus;
4) Perform repairs on the original school building, including the auditorium, which are necessary to make it ready to offer for sale.
b. Wallace House Property, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.
The closing on the Wallace House property will occur on Tuesday, October 8th. The current owners, William and Dixie Kelly, would like to remain in the house as tenants for at least three months to move personal property to their new home. There are many issues which must be addressed, such as: whether to connect to City water and sewer, whether to subdivide the property, and whether to approve a lease arrangement with the owners. Staff assumes that the Commission will want to list the property for sale in the near future.
Objective: To prepare the Wallace Property for listing by a realtor familiar with east Mecklenburg:
1) Consider the establishment of a process for public input into future uses of the property;
2) Determine whether the property will be sold as a whole or subdivided into more than one parcel. If appropriate, a site planner should be hired to prepare a plan for the property;
3) Prepare and execute a lease with the Kellys to assure that the Wallace House and property remain secure. If necessary, a lease will be executed with subsequent lessees to achieve the same objective.
c. Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.
The closing on the Barnhardt House occurred on Thursday, September 19th. The Commission has received $678,520.83 from the sale. The money has been deposited in the revolving fund.
4. Explanation of Policy for Processing Options to Purchase
1) All Options to Purchase must be approved by the BOCC.
2) Purchase price must be “reasonable” as determined by appraisal or realtor’s comps. If latter is used, language must be included stating that price could be adjusted.
3) HLC should seek to identify buyer to whom to assign the option.
4) If the HLC decides to purchase the property, the HLC must return to the BOCC for approval after performing full due diligence.
5) In instances when the HLC isn’t planning to purchase the property, it may choose to perform some elements of due diligence. However, it would be based on HLC direction to the Consulting Director.
5. The Committee will consider several matters in closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11.
6. Old Business
7. New Business