Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Directors Reports

1.  Standards for Preparing Survey and Research Reports on Prospective Historic Landmarks

State Statute requires that all Survey and Research Reports be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office for comment. Amber Stimpson is the individual responsible for producing letters of comment. Ms. Stimpson has recently circulated a checklist of items which Survey and Research Reports should contain. Staff recommends that Ms. Stimpson be invited to meet with the Historic Landmarks Commission to explain the purpose of the checklist.  

2.  Future Revolving Fund Activities

Currently, the Historic Landmarks Commission has six active real estate projects. They are: Ingleside, Torrence Lytle, Wallace Property, Barnhardt House, Louise Cotton Mill House, and Former Standard Oil Service Station. I believe that until the new Director is hired, the Commission should focus on completing existing projects and not undertaking new projects.  Depending upon HLC action tonight, the Commission might only have two properties within its purview — Torrence Lytle and Wallace Property.

The HLC might want to be less active in securing fee simple interest in properties.  Activities that might be considered are securing options to purchase historic properties, including structures in local historic districts.  The Commission might also want to approach owners of historic landmarks about establishing preservation easements on their property.  As you know, historic landmark designation alone does not assure the preservation of the historic landmark.

3.  Consequences of Historic Landmark Designation

The Commission might consider expanding the consequences of historic landmark designation to include retaining designation, consequently design review, after the principal structures on the landmark have been demolished. Another dimension of designation might be to pursue including in the ordinance the prohibition of demolition by neglect. 

4.  Bland Street Shotgun Houses

I have learned that the City plans to build affordable housing on the site presently occupied by two Shotgun Houses that the Commission moved to the location in the 1980s. The Commission should consider alternative locations to which the Shotgun Houses might be moved.  

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

On Friday, representatives of several agencies involved in historic preservation met with Darius Anderson, the prospective buyer of the Excelsior Club. Mr. Anderson reported that he plans to close on the property in the near future. He also explained that restoring the building because of its deteriorating condition is unrealistic. Mr. Anderson stated that he would seek to develop the property in a way that respects the heritage of the Excelsior Club. He will be returning to Charlotte and wants the group to visit the building and to react to concepts for developing the property as an adaptive reuse. 

6.  The County Commission voted last week to approve the sale of the James C. Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station No. 10.  This is an important preservation victory, especially because Former Charlotte Fire Station No. 10 was scheduled for demolition by the County.  The HLC should anticipate receiving some money for its Revolving Fund from this sale.

7.  Preserve Mecklenburg.   Preserve Mecklenburg continues to work on preservation strategies for Edgewood Farm and the Shaw House Property.  Preserve Mecklenburg welcomes on-going cooperation with the HLC.


Below is a video on the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

 

Below is a video on the status of the McConnell House, 4009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.


1.  Standards for Preparing Survey and Research Reports on Prospective Historic Landmarks

State Statute requires that all Survey and Research Reports be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office for comment. Amber Stimpson is the individual responsible for producing letters of comment. Ms. Stimpson has recently circulated a checklist of items which Survey and Research Reports should contain. Staff recommends that Ms. Stimpson be invited to meet with the Historic Landmarks Commission to explain the purpose of the checklist.  

2.  Future Revolving Fund Activities

Currently, the Historic Landmarks Commission has six active real estate projects. They are: Ingleside, Torrence Lytle, Wallace Property, Barnhardt House, Louise Cotton Mill House, and Former Standard Oil Service Station. Staff believes that until the new Director is hired, the Commission should focus on completing existing projects and not undertaking new projects. Activities that might be considered are securing options to purchase, including structures in local historic districts.

3.  Consequences of Historic Landmark Designation

The Commission might consider expanding the consequences of historic landmark designation to include retaining designation, consequently design review, after the principal structures on the landmark have been demolished. Another dimension of designation might be to pursue including in the ordinance the prohibition of demolition by neglect. 

4.  Bland Street Shotgun Houses

I have learned that the City plans to build affordable housing on the site presently occupied by two Shotgun Houses that the Commission moved to the location in the 1980s. The Commission should consider alternative locations to which the Shotgun Houses might be moved.  

5.  Dowd House/Fire Station No. 10 Project 

The completion of an agreement between the County and prospective buyers of the subject properties has been delayed.  The Historic Camp Greene Neighborhood Association has expressed reservations about the terms of the project.

6.  Preserve Mecklenburg Inc.

a.  Excelsior Club Most Endangered List

Preserve Mecklenburg, a newly established private preservation group, was responsible for cooperating with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in publicizing the selection. The overall effort was most successful. 

b.  Edgewood Plantation

Preserve Mecklenburg has identified a prospective buyer for Edgewood Plantation, a designated historic landmark. The buyers will present their site plan for approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission through the regular design review process. 

c.  Victor Shaw House

This is to inform you that the owner of the Victor Shaw House preferred to enter into an option to purchase with Preserve Mecklenburg, because Preserve Mecklenburg is a non-governmental entity. The option to purchase is in place, and Preserve Mecklenburg will be seeking buyers for the property. Whatever site plan might be produced will be presented to the Historic Landmarks Commission for approval through the regular design review process. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill


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

The prospective buyers of Ingleside continue to perform due diligence.  Staff is confident that the property will sell.  This is a major accomplishment for the Historic Landmarks Commission.  

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

Patterson Grocery Store

The HLC has placed the Patterson Grocery Store on the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks.  Staff continues to work to arrange a meeting with the owner to inspect the building and to determine the owner’s attitude about the prospect of the building being processed for designation as a historic landmark.

3.  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 continues to discuss strategies for the preservation of the properties.  Sandy Carnegie has been reviewing the Memorandum of Agreement.

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

The VanLandingham Estate has been sold.  Staff has met with the owner to review conceptually the plan for the development of the property.  The plan will be submitted to the HLC for review by the Design Review Committee.

5.  Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7401 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Charlotte International Airport is scheduled to close on the Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.  The present sanctuary was built in 1889.  Steele Creek Presbyterian Church is among the oldest Christian churches in Mecklenburg County.  I urge the Commission to undertake an assessment of how it can assure the preservation of the property.

6.  Standard Oil Company Service Station, 1010 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Earnest money has been deposited, and due diligence is underway.

7.  Louise Cotton Mill House, 1104 Pamlico Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Earnest money has been deposited, and due diligence is underway.

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

Charles E. Barnhardt House

Email from Eric Gamble

Eric Gamble has provided an update on showings for the Barnhardt House.


Items to be Discussed Later in the Agenda

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

Tyson and Regina Bates have not submitted a purchase agreement.   

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

The Due Diligence period for the HLC’s prospective purchase of the property has been extended so that the owner can perform environmental tests of the property.

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

McConnell House

Preserve Mecklenburg has submitted an offer for a lot to which the McConnell House could be moved.  The owner has not responded to the offer.

4.  Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

Staff has met with officials of Johnson C. Smith University.  JCSU will be submitting a proposal for HLC assistance in stabilizing the building.  JCSU wishes to retain ownership of the property. 

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

Excelsior Club

Negotiations continue to consider preservation strategies for the property.  The effective date of the Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition is June 12, 2019.

6.   Edgewood Farm, 11124 Eastfield Road, Charlotte, N.C.

HLC Staff is working with the owner to determine possible preservation strategies for the property, which is currently for sale.

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

Preserve Mecklenburg has approved the submission of an Offer to Purchase the property.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill


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

Tyson and Regina Bates continue to work toward the acquisition of the Torrence Lytle School.  The Projects Committee will report on the status of the property. 

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

The prospective buyers of Ingleside continue to perform due diligence.  Staff is confident that the property will sell.  This is a major accomplishment for the Historic Landmarks Commission.  

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

Patterson Grocery Store

The HLC has placed the Patterson Grocery Store on the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks.  Staff continues to work to arrange a meeting with the owner to inspect the building and to determine the owner’s attitude about the prospect of the building being processed for designation as a historic landmark.

4.  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 continues to discuss strategies for the preservation of the properties.  

5.  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.  Staff believes that assertive action should be taken if the house is to be saved.

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

The VanLandingham Estate has been sold.  Staff will be meeting with the prospective buyers to discuss plans for the future of the property.  Staff anticipates that this will be a major design review issue during the upcoming year.

7.  Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

Johnson C. Smith University continues to consider preservation strategies. 

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

Excelsior Club

Negotiations continue to consider preservation strategies for the property.  The effective date of the Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition is June 12, 2019.

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

The Due Diligence period for the HLC’s prospective purchase of the property has been extended until May 1, 2019.  Staff has met with the owners.  They will be obtaining estimates for the environmental cleanup.  More detail will be presented in closed session. 

10.   Edgewood Farm, 11124 Eastfield Road, Charlotte, N.C.

HLC Staff is working with the owner to determine possible preservation strategies for the property, which is currently for sale.

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

The owner is actively marketing the property for sale.  The Projects Committee is considering preservation strategies for the property.

12.  Standard Oil Company Service Station, 1010 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C.

HLC Staff is working to complete the contract to purchase.

13.  Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

Charlotte International Airport is scheduled to close on the Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.  The present sanctuary was built in 1889.  Steele Creek Presbyterian Church is among the oldest Christian churches in Mecklenburg County.  I urge the Commission to undertake an assessment of how it can assure the preservation of the property.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill


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

Tyson and Regina Bates, prospective buyers of the property, have presented an offer to acquire the property for use as a private school.  The Projects Committee will make a presentation on this issue later in the meeting.  

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

The Projects Committee will make a presentation later in the meeting on a prospective Offer To Purchase and Contract negotiated with prospective buyers of Ingleside.

Peter Wasmer, HLC Projects Manager, continues to oversee repairs to Ingleside.  

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

Patterson Grocery Store

The HLC has placed the Patterson Grocery Store on the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks.  Staff continues to work to arrange a meeting with the owner to inspect the building and to determine the owner’s attitude about the prospect of the building being processed for designation as a historic landmark.

4.  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 continues to discuss strategies for the preservation of the properties.  

5.  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.  Staff believes that assertive action should be taken if the house is to be saved.

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

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

7.  Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

Johnson C. Smith University continues to consider preservation strategies.  The City Housing Board has granted a delay of its decision regarding demolition of the building.  The HLC Director will attend the March 12th meeting of the Housing Board to be available to state the proposal the HLC has approved for making the repairs necessary to bring the building into compliance with the building code.  Discussions have also occurred with Preservation North Carolina about preservation strategies.

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

Excelsior Club

Negotiations continue to consider preservation strategies for the property.  The effective date of the Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition is June 12, 2019.

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

The Due Diligence period for the HLC’s prospective purchase of the property has been extended until May 1, 2019.  Consideration of means to environmentally clean the refuse pit on the property continue.  Peter Wasmer, Project Manager, is overseeing the solicitation of bids.

10.   Edgewood Farm, 11124 Eastfield Road, Charlotte, N.C.

HLC Staff is working with the owner to determine possible preservation strategies for the property, which is currently for sale.

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

The owner is actively marketing the property for sale.  The Projects Committee is considering preservation strategies for the property.

12.  Standard Oil Company Service Station, 1010 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner is actively marketing the property for sale.  The owner has approached the HLC about purchasing the property before it is exposed to the open market.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill