Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Author: Dan Morrill

December 3, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.

1.  Chair’s Report:  Len Norman

2.  Director’s Report:  Dan Morrill

a.  HLC Revolving Fund Budget Report 

b.  HLC Operational Budget Report.  The only discretionary funds available in the Operational Budget are in Object Codes 5404 and 5309.  The amount of available funds until June 30, 2019 is listed below.  County approval is necessary for the transfer of funds between Object Codes.

1)  Object Code 5404:  $17,654 (Casual Labor Not Associated With a Project).

2) Object Code $5309:  $4,400 (Due Diligence For Prospective Real Estate Acquisitions).

3.  Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Consideration of this item will begin in open session to hear from the public regarding views concerning the prospective preservation of the Excelsior Club.  There will be no exchange of questions and answers.  The purpose will be to receive information only.

The Committee will convene in closed session to discuss what actions it might take with regard to efforts to secure the preservation of the Excelsior Club.

Excelsior Club

As directed by the Historic Landmarks Commission, Staff contacted the owner of the Excelsior Club.  She has agreed to allow all three parcels to be included in a feasibility study.  Staff has already begun investigating ways to move forward with the feasibility study. 

The following motion was approved by the Historic Landmarks Commission at its meeting on November 5th.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT AUTHORIZE HLC STAFF TO 1) OBTAIN PROPOSALS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE EXCELSIOR CLUB, 921 BEATTIES FORD ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N.C., TO INCLUDE ALL THREE LOTS BELONGING TO THE OWNER; STUDY TO CONSIDER DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL PRESERVE THE EXISTING STRUCTURE; AND 2) CONTACT OWNER TO OBTAIN THEIR AGREEMENT TO HAVE ALL THREE PARCELS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY (NO COST TO OWNER); IF INCLUSION OF ALL THREE LOTS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO THE OWNER, NO FEASIBILITY STUDY WILL BE PURSUED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

4.  Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Click Here for Status of Projects

Click Here for Barnhardt Budget

Charles E. Barnhardt House

Repairs to the Barnhardt House continue in preparation for placing the property on the market. Prospective buyers have visited the property. Peter Wasmer will be present to discuss the status of repairs.  Eric Gamble, realtor, will also be present.

5.  Torrence Lytle School, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Torrence Lytle School

Tyson and Regina Bates, prospective buyers, are gathering information in preparation for a meeting with Staff to discuss arrangements for the purchase of the property. Town officials of Huntersville will meet with Staff to discuss the current status of the property. Peter Wasmer will be present to discuss the present condition of the property.

6.  Ingleside, 7225 Bud Henderson Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Ingleside

An Open House in conjunction with Preservation North Carolina was held at Ingleside on December 2nd. On December 4th, a design workshop/open house will occur at Ingleside. The purpose of this meeting will be to solicit the attitudes of residents of the neighborhood and other interested parties regarding potential future uses for Ingleside.

7.  Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station 10, 2216 Monument Street and 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C.

 

Tom Egan and Stewart Gray continue to participate in a committee to determine the qualifications of prospective buyers of the property.

8.  McConnell House, 4009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.

McConnell House

Staff has contacted officials of Martin Marietta, owner of the property, regarding its willingness to contribute funds towards the relocation of the house. Edwin Wilson continues to locate future sites to which the house can be moved.

9.  Victor Shaw House, 2400 Mecklenburg Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner of the Victor Shaw House has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the Shaw House. The HLC will consider this application at its meeting on December 10th. The owner has contacted Staff and has expressed an interest in discussing ways in which the house might be preserved.

10.  Patterson Grocery Store, 2515 Booker Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Patterson Grocery Store

Staff has contacted the owner of the Patterson Grocery Store on Booker Avenue and will seek to meet with the owner to learn more about his plans for the preservation of the property.

11.  Edgewood Farm, 11132 Eastfield Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Edgewood Plantation

The prospective buyer of the Edgewood Farm has requested that the HLC assist with the preservation of the property. It is currently for sale for $1.45 million. Staff, as directed by the Projects Chairman and the HLC Chairman, has responded that at this time, the HLC’s involvement with the Edgewood Farm property will be confined to design review of material alterations.

12.  VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner of the VanLandingham Estate will legally be able to move ahead with demolition of the VanLandingham Estate at any time. However, a prospective buyer is performing due diligence for a prospective redevelopment of the house and the land immediately surrounding it.

13.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

This issue will be discussed in closed session.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

William Hughes and Dr. Morrill met with individuals who are interested in pursuing the possibility of restoring the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church as a community center and history educational facility.  Discussions continue as to how the Historic Landmarks Commission might assist in this endeavor.

14.  Wallace House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

This issue will be discussed in closed session.

The closing on the property has been delayed in order to mitigate environmental contamination.  

Click Here For Survey And Research Report

15.  Streetcar No. 85

This issue will be discussed in closed session.

Charlotte Streetcar 85

At its meeting on October 30th, the Projects Committee authorized expenditures to bring a technician to Charlotte to assess the level of damage to Streetcar 85. Peter Wasmer, Project Manager, has determined that the cost will exceed the approved amount. Staff requests a motion from the Committee recommending approval of the increased amount.

16.  Pecan Avenue Duplex, 1437 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

This issue will be discussed in closed session.

The Historic Landmarks Commission has an exclusive, assignable option to purchase the property. The option expires February 17, 2019. Because of the length of time required for due diligence if the HLC seeks County approval for the purchase of the property, the HLC should decide whether it recommends HLC purchase if an assignee is not identified.

17.  Louise Cotton Mill Houses

This issue will be discussed in closed session.

1104 Pamlico Street

1108 Pamlico Street

Click Here For Power Point On The Louise Cotton Mill Village

Click Here Reconnaissance Survey Of The Louise Cotton Mill Village

The Survey Committee has placed properties in the Louise Cotton Mill Village on the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks. Staff has identified two mill houses, 1104 and 1108 Pamlico Street, which are available for purchase. Staff has communicated with the owner and has determined that she is willing to enter into negotiations. Staff requests guidance from the Projects Committee.

18.  Old Business

19.  New Business


1.  Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.  

The Projects Committee has a recommendation regarding arrangements for conducting an adaptive reuse study of the property. This will be considered under the regular agenda.

2.  Pecan Avenue Duplex, 1437 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

The property continues to be marketed by Edwin Wilson, Jr.  The option to purchase is in place.  The Commission will need to consider in December whether it will acquire the property if no assignee is identified.

3.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Johnson C. Smith University is conducting a study of prospective uses of the building.  Decisions regarding the future of the property will not occur until that study is completed.  A hearing before the Charlotte Code Enforcement authorities is scheduled in the near future.

4.  Torrence Lytle School, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Letter from Laurel Street Developers

Dionne Nelson of Laurel Street Developers has submitted a report on the development potential of the property.  A multi-family development is not possible without a substantial subsidy.  The most likely scenario would be a single family development, but not in the near future.  I am checking with the Town of Huntersville to determine if commercial shopping exists within one mile of the property.  If so, the property might become competitive for multi-family housing subsidies.

5.  Ingleside, 7225 Bud Henderson Road, Huntersville, N.C.

HLC Staff is pursuing a deliberate process to determine the best strategy to assure the long-term preservation of the property.  Preservation North Carolina and the HLC will co-host a PNC fundraising event at Ingleside on December 2nd.  A design workshop is scheduled for December 4th, and Jennifer Coots is working with Staff on arrangements.

6.  Wallace Log House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

City Council has approved historic landmark designation of the property.  Staff is awaiting the results of an environmental assessment of a refuse pit before closing.  The due diligence period has been extended until November 30th.  The property will be marketed by real estate agent, Eric Gamble.

7.  Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.  

Several trees fell on the house in a recent storm and did some damage to the roof.  Peter Wasmer reports that the trees have been removed.  The carport was also demolished as requested by the developer of Cramer’s Pond.  Peter Wasmer is investigating what coverage is available from insurance.

8.  Former Fire Station Number Ten, 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C., and the James C. Dowd House, 2216 Monument Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

 

Mecklenburg County will be evaluating proposals submitted by respondents to the Request For Qualifications. The HLC will have representatives on the Committee that reviews submissions.

9.  McConnell House, 4009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.  

McConnell House

Martin Marietta has stated that the McConnell House must be moved.  The Projects Committee has appointed William Hughes and Edwin Wilson to an ad-hoc committee to work with Staff to determine the cost of moving the house.

10.  Victor Shaw House, 2400 Mecklenburg Avenue, Charlotte.

The owner of the Victor Shaw House has submitted an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the Victor Shaw House.  The Design Review Committee will consider this issue at its November meeting.  The essential issue will be whether the HLC will delay the effective date of the COA.

11.  VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.

The prospective buyer of the VanLandingham Estate continues to perform due diligence.

12.  Designation of Historic Landmarks.

City Council voted in October to designate the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery and the Wallace House as historic landmarks.  It also removed historic landmark designation from a portion of the Hennigan Place.

13.  Certified Local Government Training.

Tom Egan, Garrett Nelson, Edwin Wilson, Diane Althouse, Peter Wasmer, and I attended the Preservation Training Workshop held in Greensboro in October.  It was a worthwhile endeavor, which fulfills this year’s training requirements for the CLG program.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill


October 30, 2018 – 7:00 p.m.

1.  Chair’s Report: Len Norman

a.  Consideration of Payment for Damage Assessment of Streetcar 85

Charlotte Streetcar 85

The North Carolina Transportation Museum has accepted responsibility for paying for damages that occurred to Streetcar 85 while it was housed at the Museum.  The Committee is being asked to pay to have a technician come to Charlotte to determine the damage that occurred.

2.  Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

Click Here for Status of Projects

Click Here for Barnhardt Budget

3.  Status of Processing Options to Purchase

4.  Update on Projects

a.  Ingleside, 7225 Bud Henderson Road, Huntersville, N.C.  

Ingleside

Two events are scheduled for Ingleside.  Preservation North Carolina will hold a ticketed open house at Ingleside on December 2nd.  Jennifer Coots is under contract to organize and superintend a session at Ingleside on December 4th to solicit attitudes concerning future uses of the property.  Peter Wasmer is overseeing repairs.  Peter Wasmer will update the Committee.

b.  Victor Shaw House, 2400 Mecklenburg Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Click Here for a Brief History of Victor Shaw

Click Here for an Email from Peter Wasmer on the Shaw House

Victor Shaw House

The owner of the Victor Shaw House has filed a Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition.  The owner contends that the house is too costly to renovate.  The parcel contains 2.9 acres and is zoned R3.  Staff recommends that a visit be made to the house to determine its physical condition.  The owner is open to negotiating an Option To Purchase.  It is a designated historic landmark.

c.  James C. Dowd House and Fire Station Number 10, 2216 Monument Street and 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C.

James C. Dowd House

Former Charlotte Fire Station #10

The County has distributed an RFQ to potential developers.  Submissions were due by October 26th.  An evaluation process is underway.

d.  Torrence Lytle School, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Torrence Lytle School

The property is currently being examined by a staff person of Laurel Street Developers.  The report has not been submitted.

e.  Wallace House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Wallace House

The Wallace House has been designated as a historic landmark.  Sandy Carnegie is awaiting the completion of an environmental assessment of the refuse pit.  Then the HLC will move to closing.  Dr. Morrill will be talking with Eric Gamble about marketing the property.

f.  Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Charles E. Barnhardt House

The property is not currently on the market due to unresolved mold contamination.  Recent damage has occurred because of storm damage bringing trees onto the roof of the house.  Peter Wasmer will update the Committee.  

g.  Pecan Avenue Duplex, 1437 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Pecan Avenue Duplex

The exclusive, assignable option to purchase is in place until February 2019.  Edwin Wilson continues to assist the Commission in marketing the property.

h.  Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Excelsior Club

A Certificate of Appropriateness for the Demolition of the Excelsior Club has been issued.  The effective date will occur in June 2019.

5.  Old Business

6.  New Business


1.  Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.  

The Board of County Commissioners did not approve the Option to Purchase the Excelsior Club which the Historic Landmarks Commission had negotiated with the owner.  The Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the Excelsior Club will become effective in June 2019.

2.  Pecan Avenue Duplex, 1437 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

The property is being marketed by Edwin Wilson, Jr.  The option to purchase is in place.  Staff will be assisting with the marketing of the property.  Several agents and prospective buyers have visited the property.

3.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Johnson C. Smith University is conducting a study of prospective uses of the building.  Decisions regarding the future of the property will not occur until that study is completed.  Staff did meet with University officials to discuss the situation, and dialogue will continue. 

4.  Torrence Lytle School, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Staff has contacted Laurel Street Developers to examine potential uses of the property.  That study is underway.

5.  Ingleside, 7225 Bud Henderson Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Staff has met with the Huntersville Planning Director and the Huntersville Town Manager to discuss the possibility of amending the Huntersville zoning ordinance to provide greater latitude for uses of historic landmarks.  HLC Staff is pursuing a deliberate process to determine the best strategy to assure the long-term preservation of the property.  Preservation North Carolina and the HLC will co-host a PNC fundraising event at Ingleside on December 2nd.  The Projects Committee will have a recommendation about the hiring of a consultant to assist with preparing a design workshop at Ingleside later this year.

6.  Wallace Log House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

City Council will vote this month on the prospective designation of the Wallace House as a historic landmark.  The Projects Committee will present a recommendation regarding conducting an environmental assessment of the refuse pit at the Wallace property.

7.  Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.  

The architectural shingle roof is installed.  The Projects Committee will present a recommendation regarding seeking funds to make additional improvements to the property.

8.  Former Fire Station Number Ten, 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C., and the James C. Dowd House, 2216 Monument Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

 

Mecklenburg County has distributed a Request for Qualifications to potential buyers of the two properties.  The HLC will have representatives on the Committee that reviews submissions.

9.  McConnell House, 4009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.  

McConnell House

Martin Marietta, the owner, is considering whether it will allow the McConnell House to be preserved at its current location.

10.  Morgan School, 510 S. Torrence Street, Charlotte, N.C.   

Staff continues to discuss the future disposition of the property.  

11.  Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, 3712 Monroe Road, Charlotte, N.C.  Dr. Reginald Hawkins House, 1703 Madison Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.  Wallace House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.  Hennigan Place, 3503 Tilley Morris Road, Charlotte, N.C.   

City Council will vote on the historic landmark designation of these properties this month.

 

12.  VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner of the VanLandingham Estate holds Certificates of Appropriateness that legally will allow him to demolish the VanLandingham Estate in November.  HLC Staff is investigating the status of the property.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill


October 4, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.

1.  Chair’s Report: Len Norman

2.  Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

3.  Discussion Of Project Management Procedures: Peter Wasmer 

Peter Wasmer will explain the need to prioritize the performance of necessary repairs and improvements to projects and to work within the framework of project management practices established by the Asset and Facility Management Department of Mecklenburg County. 

4.  Update On Projects

a.  Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Click Here for Mold Assessment Report

Click Here for Mold Assessment Swab Analysis

Click Here for Landscape Consultant Proposal

Repair of the house continues.   The architectural shingle roof is installed.  An electrician visited the house but declined to do work because of extensive mold in the basement.  Staff also requested a proposal from a landscaper to suggest improvements to the grounds.  A copy of the proposal is attached.  Additional repairs to the house are required.

b.  Ingleside, 7225 Bud Henderson Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Click Here for Charrette Proposal

Click Here for Jennifer Coots’ Biography

Ingleside

The Historic Landmarks Commission has purchased Ingleside.  Peter Wasmer will oversee necessary repairs, including repairing the roof and assuring the functioning of the well.  Staff has received an inquiry from a party stating their interest in purchasing the house as a residence.  Staff anticipates the prospective buyer will visit the house in October.

Preservation North Carolina and the Historic Landmarks Commission will be co-sponsoring an open house – PNC fundraising event at Ingleside on December 2nd.

HLC Staff continues to believe that the sale of Ingleside should be carefully considered.  Specifically, Staff believes that the sale should result in a use of the house that provides the greatest opportunity for the long-term preservation of Ingleside.  Toward this end Staff met with Jack Simoneau, Huntersville Planner, and Anthony Roberts, Huntersville Town Manager.  Simoneau and Roberts understood that the current Transitional Zoning of the property might be too restrictive.  They recommended that the HLC hold an Ingleside Stakeholders Meeting at Ingleside in preparation for submitting a request for a text amendment to the zoning ordinance.  

Staff has asked Jennifer Coots to serve as a Consultant to assist Staff in making preparations for the Stakeholders Event.  Her proposal and biography are attached.  

Staff is recommending that the Projects Committee recommend to the Historic Landmarks Commission that it approve the expenditure of $5,000 for the preparation of a National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for Ingleside. 

c.  McConnell House, 4009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.

McConnell House

Sandy Carnegie and Staff participated in a conference telephone call with officials of Martin Marietta, owner of the McConnell House.  The owner agreed to consider allowing the house to be preserved at the present site.  The owner is not interested in pursuing the signing of an option to purchase.  Staff anticipates hearing from Martin Marietta in early October.

d.  Wallace House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

City Council is scheduled to vote in October on the designation of the Wallace House as a historic landmark.  The Historic Landmarks Commission is scheduled to close on the property in late October or early November.  

The Environment Assessment Study on the property identified a possible environmental hazard produced by a refuse dump on the property.  Sandy Carnegie has recommended that this potential hazard needs to be investigated further.  Staff awaits direction.

e.  James C. Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station No. 10, 2216 Monument Street and 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Mecklenburg County has distributed a Request For Qualifications to prospective buyers of the two properties.  The County is awaiting responses.  The involvement of the Historic Landmarks Commission in this process will initially involve participation in the review of submitted proposals.

f.  Torrence Lytle School, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Torrence Lytle School

Staff has solicited an assessment of the marketability of the property by an official of Laurel Street Developers.  Staff is awaiting a report.

g.  Charlotte Streetcar Number One

Click Here for Lakewood Trolley Internship Proposal

Staff has discussed the future status of Streetcar Number One with officials of Charlotte Trolley, the current owner.  The US-built streetcar operated in Greece until the 1980s when it was purchased and brought to Charlotte.  It is now housed at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer.  Charlotte Trolley in the near future will most likely propose that ownership of the trolley be transferred to the HLC.  This will require the car to be processed for historic landmark designation.  Staff has agreed to prepare a Survey and Research Report on the trolley at no expense.  The proposal will be that the HLC pay to transport Streetcar Number One to Charlotte and lease it to Lakewood Trolley under arrangements identical to the lease of Streetcar 85.  I will most likely bring a proposal to the Projects Committee at a future meeting.

h.  VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner of the VanLandingham Estate has received Certificates of Appropriateness for the demolition of VanLandingham Estate.  One from the Historic Districts Commission for October and one from the Historic Landmarks Commission for November.  The intentions of the owner are uncertain.

5.  Old Business

6.  New Business