1.  Dowd House and former Charlotte Fire Station No. 10.  The County has not yet determined how it will proceed with its plans to preserve the James C. Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station Number Ten.  Staff anticipates that a meeting with County staff will occur soon to discuss the issue.

2.  The Jerry and Tena Wallace House. Staff has ordered an appraisal on the property.  The HLC is under contract to purchase the property and is performing due diligence.

3.  Wadsworth House.  Staff has ordered an appraisal on the property.

4.  Wilmore School.  The Public Hearing with the Charlotte City Council to consider the designation of the Wilmore School, 428 West Boulevard, Charlotte, as a historic landmark will occur in April.

5. Charles E. Barnhardt House.   Restoration Work continues on the Charles E. Barnhardt House.   Special thanks for the work of the Project Management Committee.  The Projects Committee considered the prospect of recommending purchase of an adjoining lot but decided not to pursue acquisition of the lot.

Staff has been discussing the issue of the roof.  Approximately $15,000 has been spent on a tarp, because the simulated wood roof composed of terracotta leaks.  The tarp will only last a few months, so if the house does not sell quickly, the HLC will have to repair the existing tarp or replace it.  Eric Gamble, the realtor, believes the tarp will not adversely affect the sale and that replacing it is premature.

Peter Wasmer, Project Manager, estimates that an asphalt shingle roof will cost no more than $50,000.  Staff believes that the asphalt roof would protect the house and increase its marketability.  Staff reckons that it would prudent to have the buyer decide whether he or she wants to replace the asphalt roof.  That would be preferable and more cost effective than offering a roof credit to a buyer.  There is enough money in the funds recognized by the County Commission to install the asphalt roof.  Would this not be the wisest path to follow?  A terracotta roof would cost approximately $250,000, and the HLC would have to seek recognition of additional money by the Board of County Commissioners.  This matter will have to be considered in closed session.

6.  Torrence Lytle School.  The Commission has received an offer to purchase the Torrence Lytle School.  

7.  Charlotte Streetcar 85.  Lakewood Trolley has submitted a proposal to lease Streetcar 85, which is currently leased to the North Carolina Transportation Museum.  This matter will be considered in closed session.

8.  Delburg Mill House.   Staff is working with the Town of Davidson to secure a zoning variance on the property.

9.  Ingleside.  Staff has learned that Ingleside on Bud Henderson Road is going into foreclosure.  The Commission purchased the house many years ago and placed preservation covenants in the deed.  Consequently, the house is protected.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill

1.  The County has not yet determined how it will proceed with its plans to preserve the James C. Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station Number Ten.  For now the Commission’s only involvement is to administer design review over any prospective material alterations to the James C. Dowd House.

2.  Staff visited the Tena Wallace Cabin Property at 9425 Robinson Church Road.  Stewart and I believe the property has special significance and meets the standards for historic landmark designation.

3.  Staff and Commissioners visited the Wadsworth House at 400 South Summit Avenue.  Stewart and I believe the property has special significance and meets the standards for historic landmark designation.

4.  The Public Hearing with the Charlotte City Council to consider the designation of the Wilmore School, 428 West Boulevard, Charlotte as a historic landmark will occur on March 19th.

5.  Restoration Work continues on the Charles E. Barnhardt House, 2733 County Club Lane.  Special thanks for the work of the Project Management Committee.

6.  The marketing of the Torrence Lytle School continues.  No offers have been received.  The building has been made more secure.

7.  Discussions continue about the future status of Charlotte Streetcar 85.  The North Carolina Transportation Museum is hoping to make the streetcar operational this year.  Lakewood Trolley continues to seek to have the Streetcar returned to Charlotte.

8.  The Charlotte New Style GM Bus continues to be stored in the Cats Garage.  Lakewood Trolley has expressed an interest in housing the bus.

9.  The Drakeford Company continues to seek rezoning for the residences on Walnut Avenue in the Wesley Heights Historic District.  I do not believe the Historic Landmarks Commission will be asked to be involved in the project.

10.  Staff has met with the new owner of the Red Front Department Store, 1125 Belmont Avenue, Charlotte, to discuss how local historic landmark designation and the National Register of Historic Places will assist in the rehabilitation of the property.  Here is another example of how landmark designation works to make preservation more possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill

A.  Action Items.

1.  In December 2016, the Commission voted to set a limit for the amount of money it would spend for a generator and associated equipment to provide power to Streetcar 85.  A request for an increased amount of funding has been presented,  Staff recommends that this request be referred to the Projects Committee and that the Projects Committee be empowered to approve a final budget, subject to County approval.

Click For Background Information On Streetcar 85.

B.  Information Items.

1.  Charles E. Barnhardt House.  The refurbishment of the house and grounds has begun.  Peter Wasmer has been coordinating his management with the Barnhardt Ad Hoc Committee.  I am most appreciative of the time and energy given to this project by Laura Hoover, Tom Egan, and Garrett Nelson.  Eric Gamble, realtor, has also made important contributions to marketing strategy of the property.

2.  Torrence Lytle School.  Michael Sullivan, realtor, has been marketing the property and has shown it to many prospective buyers.

3.  Project Management Discussions.  HLC Staff and members of the Barnhardt Ad Hoc Committee and the Projects Committee have had discussions with County staff during the past month about alternatives that might be available for management of HLC projects.  The County has asked the Commission to develop a list of prospective projects for 2018-19 to justify changes in the current project management system.

4.  Dowd House and Former Fire Station Ten.  The prospective buyer of the Dowd House and Fire Station Ten have submitted its offer to Mecklenburg County.  The County is considering how best to proceed.  HLC Staff anticipates that it will be involved in future discussions.

5.  American Legion Memorial Stadium.  The County is considering the replacement of the current facility with a new multi-purpose stadium.  The HLC will be asked to participate in discussions, since the current stadium is a historic landmark.

6.  Meetings With Community Officials.  HLC Staff has met during the last month with officials in Matthews, Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson.  Future meetings will occur with Charlotte and Pineville officials.  The purpose of these meetings is to ascertain the preservation needs and challenges of each community.

7.  Edward Rozzel Farm.  The closing of the Rozzel Farm has occurred, and the new owners will be moving ahead with restoration of the historic structures on the property.  An article about the property will be appearing in the Charlotte Observer.

8.  Status of Revolving Fund.  The Revolving Fund is at a crossroads.  It continues to be a vital component of the HLC’s program.  The Commission has fewer current projects than it has had for many years.  This circumstance provides the current members with a challenging opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan L. Morrill