The Mecklenburg Chapter, NSDAR erected a marker on this site in 1904 (rededicated in 2010) to commemorate the birthplace of President James K. Polk. This site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The state historic site commemorates significant events in the Polk administration: the Mexican-American War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and the annexation of California. Reconstructions of typical homestead buildings including a log house, separate kitchen, and barn are authentically furnished. The visitor center features a film on Polk’s life and exhibits on his family and tumultuous presidency.
Program for President James K. Polk Birthplace Dedication
Built in 1908, this parcel was once part of the “J. Mc.” and Jennie Holbrook’s property along the block of then-College St. Old deeds show that Ned Beard, a general store merchant, and his wife, Ida built the house. Construction included concrete block masonry—built on site, two at a time—to build the exterior of the house, in an American Foursquare-esque style. Design blog, The Old House Guy said, “Decorative concrete blocks were the rage in house building from about 1890’s to the 1930’s.” This style was considered very modern. “They were very popular for foundations and garages,” Margaret Bond confirms, ”and in rural areas they were used for small commercial buildings, gas stations, and churches.”
Stewart Gray, Senior Preservation Planner of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, believes it may be the only of its kind to still stand in Mecklenburg County. The house still has an exterior door to the kitchen next to the back door of the home. The original bathroom was added decades later.
Lewis McConnell and his wife Lollie Rogers McConnell lived here from at least 1940 until their deaths, in 1973 and 1969, respectively. (Lollie inherited the house from her mother, Mary Rogers). During the 1940s and 50s, Mr. McConnell was the superintendent of North Carolina Prison Camp #1 (located on the now-DMV property), which operated until the 1990s.
The McConnells’ step-great-granddaughter owns the private home.
“Beard, Ned.” 1910 US Federal Census.
Bond, M. E. “The History of Rusticated Concrete Block.” http://www.mebondbooks.com/2019/05/20/the-history-of-rusticated-concrete-blocks/
Hallman, Amy. Personal Interview. 7 July 2022.
Roginski, Ken. “Decorative Concrete Block.” The Old House Guy. https://www.oldhouseguy.com/decorative-concrete-block/. 2018.
The Survey Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 30 at 6 pm. Location: HLC Office at 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte
1. Chair’s Report: Brian Clarke
2. Presentation on Hyde Park Estates: John Howard
Hyde Park Estates
3. Discussion of 2232 Sherwood Avenue, Charlotte
2232 Sherwood Avenue
4. Consideration of Placement on the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks
A. Rogers McConnell House, 119 Gilead Rd, Huntersville
More Information on the Property
Rogers McConnell House
B. Camp Greene Memorial, Corner of Wilkinson Blvd and Monument Street
More Information on the Property
Camp Greene Memorial
C. James K. Polk Birthplace Marker, 12031 Lancaster Hwy, Pineville
More Information on the Property
James K. Polk Birthplace Marker
D. Oehler Rustic Revival House, 4301 Ridge Road, Charlotte
Oehler Rustic Revival House
5. Property Updates
A. Chantilly Montessori, 701 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte
Chantilly School
B. 801 E. 8th Street, Charlotte
MdM Historical Consultants is under contract to produce a designation report on the house, which was moved within 1st Ward as an attempt to mitigate the negative impacts of Urban Renewal.
801 E 8th Street, Charlotte
6. Staff Report
A. Funding of Designation Reports
I. Plans to Fund the Conner-Falls House, 122 Mock Road, Davidson
One of the best-preserved historic houses in the African American Mock Hill neighborhood. The Town of Davidson will match the funding for this report.
Conner-Falls House
Staff is reaching out to the owners of the Tudor Style Houses at 858 and 838 Concord Road in Davidson, to determine if they would support landmark designation. These houses contribute to the Davidson National Register District, and determine the easternmost boundary of the district. A similar Tudor Style House between them was demolished recently. Preservation of 858 and 838 Concord Road would help preserve the integrity of the historic district. The Town of Davidson would match funding for these properties.
858 Concord Road, Davidson
838 Concord Road, Davidson
III. Rogers McConnell House, 119 Gilead Rd, Huntersville
The house is architecturally significant as a rare pressed-block construction, unique in North Mecklenburg. Prominently located on Gilead Road near the center of the town, the long-term survival of the property is threaten by potential new development in the fast-growing area.
119 Gilead Road, Huntersville
B. Report on History of Women Architects in Charlotte
Staff believes that it would be important for us to produce a brief history of women’s involvement in architecture in Charlotte. Tommy Warlick has begun interviewing some sources and we anticipate that a consultant will be contracted to produce the report.
Here is a brief essay on important women architects in NC from NCModernist: Pioneering Women Architects in North Carolina
C. Steele Creek Cemetery Preservation Project
The Adventure Club held a preservation event at Steele Creek Cemetery on Saturday, October 29. We received positive coverage on WFAE, Mecklenburg County’s Instagram, and our own Facebook. Thanks to everyone who attended!
7. Old Business
8. New Business
The November 14 meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission will be a virtual meeting. Please note there will be no accommodation for any in-person attendance. If you need special accommodations, please contact the HLC office at 980-314-7660.
For those interested in speaking at the meeting, please register by 4 pm on November 14 by emailing historiclandmarkscommission@mecknc.gov.
1. Consideration of HLC Minutes
2. Chair’s Report: William Hughes
3. Public Comment Period (Up to 3 Minutes Per Person)
4. Financial Report: Jack Thomson
5. Consent Agenda for the Ashford House, 241 Hoskins Avenue Drive, Charlotte
6. HLC Closed Session to Discuss a Legal Matter
7. Survey Committee Report: Brian Clarke
A. Next Meeting: November 30 at 6pm
B. Renfrow Commercial Properties Revised Designation Report: Tommy Warlick
The Survey Committee presents a seconded motion to the Historic Landmarks Commission that it process the Renfrow Commercial Properties for historic landmark designation including the exteriors of the ca. 1900 frame building, the ca. 1920 gin operator’s house, and the ca. 1950 brick commercial building and the associated tax parcels. The Committee unanimously approved the motion.
8. HLC Staff Report
A. Historic Markers
C. Adventure Club Recap – Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery Preservation Event
9. Old Business
10. New Business