June 28, 2019 – 7:30 a.m.

1.  Chair’s Report: Jeff Parsons

2.  Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

I have confirmed that any joint venture the HLC might enter into is still governed by the statutory requirements associated with the expenditure of public money even if a partner or partners spend private money.  In my judgment, this underscores the wisdom of focusing the HLC’s attention on securing easements and options to purchase in the future.

The flexibility of the HLC’s real estate projects has decreased greatly, and projects have become more costly since the the County Assets and Facilities Management Department has assumed greater administration control over the HLC real estate activities.

3.  Discussion of HLC Financial Assistance for the Stabilization of the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Background
Johnson C. Smith University has submitted a request that the Historic Landmarks Commission contribute money toward the stabilization of the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. 

4.  Discussion of the Status of the Wallace House Property, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Background
The owners of the Wallace House Property have proposed actions to test the environmental status of the property. The issue before the Committee is whether to recommend acceptance of what they propose to perform. 

5.  Consideration of Securing Consulting Services from Stefan Pienkny for Design Review

Background
Stewart Gray, Senior Preservation Planner for the HLC, will be committing considerable time to major design review projects, such as the VanLandingham Estate, Independence Park, Edgewood Farm, and the Shaw House Property. Staff believes that the performance of routine design review activities needs the securing of consulting services. Stefan Pienkny, architect, has agreed to fill that position. The Committee needs to consider its recommendation regarding this potential new consulting position.

6.  Discussion of the Status of the Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Background
A California investor is under contract to purchase the Excelsior Club and the two parcels of land adjoining it. At this date, it appears that the only involvement of the Historic Landmarks Commission will be to exercise its power of design review. However, I have talked with the realtor and have tentatively scheduled a meeting next week to discuss how the HLC might assist in considering preservation options for the property.

7.  Consideration of HLC Holding Covenants on Edgewood Farm, 11132 Eastfield Road, Charlotte, N.C., and the Shaw House Property, 2400 Mecklenburg Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Background
Preserve Mecklenburg has secured a buyer for Edgewood Farm and is likely to secure a buyer for the Shaw House Property. Both buyers have agreed to place preservation deed covenants on a portion of the subject properties. The issue before the Executive Committee is to consider whether the HLC or some other institution should hold the covenants.

8.  Discussion of the Status of the Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Background
The Historic Landmarks Commission has received an offer to purchase the Charles E. Barnhardt House.  Mr. Tonsmeier has offered $550,000.  It is a cash offer with a quick close, and the prospective buyer has inspected the property.  Also, the Easlan Group, developers of the Cramer’s Pond neighborhood, has discussed with Staff possible acquisition and restoration of the Charles E. Barnhardt House in cooperation with Grandfather Homes.  

9.  Old Business

10.  New Business

• October 2017
• June 2018

July 12, 2018 – 8:00 a.m.

1.  Chair’s Report:  Tom Egan

2.  Director’s Report:  Dan Morrill

a.  Wadsworth House.  Mark Miller is officially under contract to purchase the Wadsworth House.  He will be coordinating with Staff regarding design review issues.  Staff will also assist with having preservation deed covenants placed on the property.  This is great news.  It illustrates that the HLC can advance preservation of a property without having to purchase it.

3.  Preservation Planner’s Report:  Stewart Gray

4.  Update on Projects

a.  Torrence Lytle School.  Stephen Brock Ventures is under contract to purchase the property.  Due diligence runs until October 31st.  Staff is working with the prospective buyer on the study of the economic feasibility of the project.

b.  Wallace House.  Staff is working on processing the property for designation as a historic landmark, which is scheduled for October.  Peter Wasmer is performing due diligence.  Closing should occur in late October or early November.  Staff will be working with Sandy Carnegie on finalizing a lease agreement with the owner.  The plan is to offer the property for sale “as is.”

The owners have reviewed and have accepted the terms of a lease of the property upon closing.  Staff believes that this will assist with providing security for the property.  Staff recommends that the Executive Committee recommend that the HLC approve entering into a lease of the property with the owners upon closing under the terms set forth in the lease.

Click Here for Terms of Lease

c.  Ingleside.  The Commission is under contract to purchase the property.  Staff believes that the future use of the property should be carefully evaluated.  It has been challenging to find a buyer who will make a long term commitment to the property.  Staff has talked with the Town of Huntersville and the National Trust for Historic Preservation about applying for a matching grant for an adaptive reuse feasibility study of the property.  The HLC is currently paying the utilities bill and is maintaining the lawn.  Emergency repairs of the air condition system were necessary.

d.  Streetcar 85.  The tentative date for moving Streetcar 85 from the North Carolina Transportation Museum to Charlotte is July 30th.  Purchase Orders for hiring Chris Allen as a Consultant, for paying the Vendor for transporting Streetcar 85, and for paying an early termination fee for the lease of Streetcar 85 to the North Carolina Transportation Museum have been issued.

e.  Excelsior Club.  Staff met with County officials to discuss preservation strategies for the Excelsior Club.  It was agreed that the HLC Staff should approach the owner after Peter Wasmer obtains an updated appraisal of the parcel on which the building sits and after the costs of restoring the building are acquired.  That information is being gathered.

5.  Proposal for Charlotte New Look Bus.  In January 1992 the Commission acquired the last General Motors New Look Bus in the Charlotte Transit Fleet.  The bus is a designated historic landmark.  The Commission has put a refurbished engine and transmission in the bus.  It is currently housed in the CATS storage garage.  

Argos Real Estate Advisors, Inc. is proposing that title to the Bus be transferred to Argos, which would assume the responsibility for performing additional repairs to the bus to put it into full operational order.  Staff supports the transfer of title and the relocation of the bus to the Chamberlain Ave. storage facility. 

Staff recommends that the Executive Committee recommend to the Historic Landmarks Commission that the HLC approve in principle the transfer of title of the General Motors New Look Bus in “as is” condition to Argos Realty Estate Advisors, Inc. subject to HLC approval of a written agreement with Argos setting forth the terms of the transfer.

This item will be discussed in open session.

Click Here for Argos Real Estate Advisors Proposal

Click Here for Video of Bus

6.  Offer To Purchase Charles Barnhardt House.  The Commission has received an offer to purchase the Barnhardt House.
This item will be discussed in open session.
Click Here for Offer to Purchase and Contract

7.  Old Business

8.  New Business

John Howard, Administrator of the Charlotte Historic District Commission, has contacted Staff about a duplex at 1437-1439 Pecan Avenue for which a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition has been issued.  The owner reportedly is interested in talking with the HLC about possible purchase of the property.  I have contacted the owner.  Also, I have asked Eric Gamble to take a look at the property.

June 19, 2018 – 5:00 p.m.

1.  Chair’s Report: Tom Egan

2.  Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

3.  Consideration of Revisions to the Contract for Torrence Lytle, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.
Click Here for Map of Property
Click Here for Revised Contract

Torrence Lytle School

4.  Consideration of Sales Price for the Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymount Place, Charlotte, N.C.
Click Here for Map of Property

Charles E. Barnhardt House

5.  Old Business

6.  New Business

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission ADA Statement

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will make reasonable accommodations in all programs to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission programs will be available in the most integrated setting for each individual. If any accommodations are necessary for participation in any program, meeting, or service, participants are encouraged to notify us at (704) 376-9115 or by email, stewart.gray@mecklenburgcountync.gov, or at 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28207, at least one week prior to commencement.

1. Chair’s Report:  Len Norman

2. Consulting Director’s Report:  Dan Morrill

3. Recommendation Regarding Education Video:  Dan Morrill

Proposal from Bowers Media Group

HLC Staff believes that the HLC revolving fund is a vital component of its activities. The HLC revolving fund is the largest public-funded local historic preservation revolving fund in the United States. It was established in 1991 and has saved more than 50 endangered historic sites in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. HLC Staff believes that a video highlighting the past successes and future possibilities of the revolving fund would be a compelling educational tool. Bruce Bowers is an award-winning videographer who has extensive experience in producing documentaries. HLC Staff believes that he will produce an excellent product.

4. Update on the Status of Former Charlotte Fire Station #10 and the James C. Dowd House

HLC Staff has been contacted by the County and has learned that the appraisal of the property has been secured. The County will be scheduling meetings in the near future to explore preservation options for the property.

5. Old Business

6. New Business