Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Directors Reports

1.  Charles Barnhardt House  — Charlotte.  The owner has informed the HLC Staff that the map and plat of the property will be filed this week.  City Council will vote on the prospective designation on October 16th.  Soon thereafter, the Commission will close on the property.

Charles Barnhardt House

 

2.  Alexander Farm — Huntersville.  The Commission continues to discuss preservation strategies with the Town of Huntersville.

3.  Torrence Lytle School — Huntersville.  The prospective buyer has until October 11th to close on the property.  The prospective buyer has requested an extension.  After October 11, the Commission could place the property back on the market for sale.

Torrence Lytle School

4.  Former Fire Station Number 10 and the James C. Dowd House — Charlotte.  The County has acquired an appraisal on the property.  Stewart Gray is awaiting the completion of the environmental cleanup of the Fire Station, so he can complete the physical description of the property.  Staff anticipates that the County will want to hold meetings to discuss preservation strategies.

 

Fire Station #10

James C. Dowd House

5.  Edward M. Rozzel Farm — Charlotte.  Eric Gamble, realtor, has listed the house in MLS and is receiving many inquiries.  An offer has been received.  HLC will consider it under New Business.

 

Edward M. Rozzel Farm

6.  Star St. Matthews Lodge — Matthews.  The public hearing of the Matthews Town Board on the prospective historic landmark designation of the property will occur on October 23rd.

 

Star St. Matthews Lodge

7.  Huntersville & Huntersville ETJ Survey — Huntersville.  As directed by the Commission, Staff contacted the Town of Huntersville about the prospect of participating financially in the project.  Huntersville declined.  Staff consulted with HLC Chair and is moving ahead with the survey.

8.  Pump Shaft Head of the Rudisill Gold Mine — Charlotte.  Staff has received word that the owner of the property on which the Pump Shaft Head of the Rudisill Gold Mine objects to historic landmark designation of the property.  Legally, owner consent is not required.

Rudisill Hill Gold Mine

9.  Congratulations to Larken Egleston for his election as the District One representative on the Charlotte City Council.  Unfortunately, Larken will have to resign from the HLC in December.  The Commission must name a new Vice Chair.

10.  Walters’s Barbershop — Huntersville.  WBTV has requested that all HLC public documents, including emails, related to the purchase and sale of the Walters’s Barbershop be submitted to WBTV.  HLC attorney Sandy Carnegie has advised the HLC Staff to comply.

 

 

Walters’s Barbershop

11.  Work has begun on the adaptive reuse of Former Charlotte Fire Station #4 on West 5th Street.  Here is another example of excellent adaptive reuse.

Former Charlotte Fire Station #4

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Dan L. Morrill


A. Action Items.

1. Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station Number 10.

Mecklenburg County owns the Dowd House at 2216 Monument Street and the Former Charlotte Fire Station Number 10 at 2136 Remount Road.  The County is considering conveying these properties to a private party that will convert them to an economically sustainable adaptive reuse.  Because the County cannot conduct private sales, it intends to transfer ownership of these properties to the Historic Landmarks Commission for resale to the private party.  The Dowd House is a historic landmark.  The Former Charlotte Fire Station Number 10 is not.  The Fire Station must be designated as a historic landmark in order for the Commission to acquire it.  The County has stated that it wants the Historic Landmarks Commission to prepare a Survey and Research Report on the Former Charlotte Fire Station Number 10, which is the first step in the designation process. 

Action Requested:  Authorize the production of a Survey and Research Report on the Former Charlotte Fire Station Number 10.  The Consulting Director would receive a fee of $2000 for the preparation of the report.  If approved, the report will be presented to the Historic Landmarks Commission at its September 11th meeting.

Dowd House and Former Charlotte Fire Station No. 10 Proposal

 

2. Ratification of Payment of Invoices for Survey and Research Reports on Parkwood Avenue A.R.P Church and on Charlotte Historic Fire Equipment.

In October 2003, the Historic Landmarks Commission took the following action:

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE CONSULTING DIRECTOR OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION BE AUTHORIZED TO SELECT PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS TO PREPARE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORTS FOR PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND THAT THE CONSULTING DIRECTOR, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SURVEY COMMITTEE OR, IF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SURVEY COMMITTEE IS UNAVAILABLE, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SURVEY COMMITTEE, BE AUTHORIZED TO PREPARE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORTS ON PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS, ALL WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT ANY SURVEY AND RESEARCH THAT COSTS MORE THAN $1,500 TO PREPARE FOR THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION IS TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The Consulting Director of the Commission received approval from the Chair of the Survey Committee to prepare the Survey and Research Reports on the Parkwood Avenue A.R.P. Church and the Charlotte Historic Fire Equipment.

Action Required:  Authorize payment of $3000 to the Consulting Director of the Historic Landmarks Commission ($1500 for the Survey and Research Report on the Parkwood Avenue A.R.P. Church and $1500 for the Survey and Research Report on the Charlotte Historic Fire Equipment) in keeping with action taken by the Historic Landmarks Commission in October 2003 to pay the Consulting Director $1500 per Survey and Research Report when authorized by the Chair of the Survey Committee to prepare Survey and Research Reports.

S&R Approval Form – Charlotte Historic Fire Equipment

S&R Approval Form – Parkwood Avenue A.R.P. Church

S&R Approval Form – Former Charlotte Fire Station #10


B. Information Items.

1. The duplex at 817-819 Walnut Avenue and the house at 821 Walnut Avenue. A developer has approached the Historic Landmarks Commission about participating in the purchase of structures located in the Wesley Heights Historic District. The Commission can purchase any contributing property in a local historic district.   In concept, the project would involve the subdivision of the lots.  The Commission would purchase the house and the duplex, and the developer would construct townhouses on the rear of the lots. The developer will present the specifics of the proposal.

Walnut Avenue Proposal

 

2. Prospective Sale of the Edward Rozzel Farm at 11647 Old Rozzelles Ferry Road. The Historic Landmarks Commission has received a Letter of Intent from a prospective buyer of the Edward Rozzel Farm.  The intent is to establish rental housing on the property that will have an affordable component.  There will be an agricultural component to the project.  Tenants will receive instruction on best farming practices.  The Projects Committee has instructed the prospective buyers to enter into a 30-day study period, during which they will meet with planners to determine whether the property can be rezoned.

Rozzell Farm Dropbox

 

3. Strategic Planning. The Executive Committee will meet at 8:30 a.m. on August 24th to discuss strategic planning for the upcoming year.  The Historic Landmarks Commission has discretionary money to spend during the next year.  The approximate amount is $41,000.  The principal item for discussion at that meeting will be to consider how best to allocate that money. Staff has suggested three major areas of potential need.  They are:  assistance with design review; conducting surveys of historic properties, including Survey and Research Reports; and public education, including videos, press releases, and internet posts.  Staff would welcome suggestions from Commissioners.

 

4. VanLandingham Estate: 2010 The Plaza. A developer has approached the Historic Landmarks Commission about participating in an infill development at the VanLandingham Estate. The concept would be that the property would be subdivided.  The Commission would purchase the house and an appropriate sized lot.  The developer would construct infill townhouses on the remainder of the property.  Staff asked the developer to provide specific numbers.  No response to this request has yet been received.


5. The Morgan School: 500 South Torrence Street. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools have not yet acted on the offer submitted by the Historic Landmarks Commission for the purchase of the former Morgan School.  The City continues to investigate the possibility of purchasing the property.


6. Parkwood Avenue A.R.P. Church: 1017 Parkwood Avenue. The owner has not responded to the Commission’s offer to purchase the former Parkwood Avenue A.R.P. Church.


7. Torrence-Lytle School: 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C. The Commission remains under contract to a prospective buyer of the Torrence-Lytle School until mid-September.


8. Charles E. Barnhardt House: 2733 Country Club Lane.  The Commission remains under contract to purchase the Barnhardt House.  Staff has met with the owner.  The owner hopes to have a plat recorded by September 1st.  If so, a public hearing will be held in September with City Council on the designation of the property as a historic landmark, which will allow the Commission to close on the property.


9. Star St. Matthews Lodge: 124 Morris Road, Matthews, N.C. The public hearing for the prospective designation of the Star St. Matthews Lodge will be held with the Board of Commissioners of Matthews, N.C. in September.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Dan L. Morrill


August 2016

1. Edward Rozzel House. 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  The Board of County Commissioners has recognized the funds to purchase the F.A.A. property.  Staff will be working with realtors and land brokers to develop a marketing strategy for the property.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House. 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Assets and Facilities Management Department has secured an estimate for the costs for restoring the house.  This matter will be discussed at the September meeting of the Projects Committee. 
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is coordinating with the County in moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The prospective buyer has not submitted an offer to purchase.  Another prospective buyer has expressed interest in the property.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Staff is negotiating with CATS about a service and storage arrangement.  Installation of the air conditioning will occur over the summer.  Staff is securing estimates for the air conditioning.  Meetings will occur in the fall to consider best uses of the bus.  Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus. 
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews has approved the purchase of the Outen Pottery. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews and the Assets and Facilities Management Department are assembling the materials necessary for moving ahead with the study of future development of the property.  The Historic Landmarks Commission will be the client and will be heavily involved in the project.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies if the property is deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Len Norman and I did meet with the County to discuss the need for changes to the State Enabling Legislation to allow the Commission to meet in closed session when discussing the sale of property.  Talks continue.
10.  Walters Barbershop, 112-114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is preparing documents to close on the property.  It has been designated as a historic landmark by the Town of Huntersville.   The Projects Committee will present a recommendation on the prospective sale of the property.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The owner was notified of the Commission’s decision.  There has been no response.
13.  Staff is working on the inclusion of Historic Landmark information on the County’s Polaris mapping system.  This will allow ready access to information about the properties the Commission has identified as having special historic significance.
14.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.  The property is being offered for sale.  The owner has not apprached the Commission since the June meeting. 
15.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the Barnhardt-Cramer House, 2377 County Club Lane, Charlotte, N.C.  Staff has met with the owner of the property to discuss preservation strategies.  The Projects Committee will present a recommendation regarding the HLC’s prospective purchase of the property as part of the regular agenda.
16.  The Projects Committee will recomend administrative procedures for the handling of prospective sales and purchase of property by the HLC.
17.  The Charlotte City Council will hold three public hearings on resolutions in September for:  Midwood School, Biddleville Cemetery, and the Dilworth Airplane Bungalow.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

June 2016

1. Edward Rozzel House. 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  A prospective buyer has submitted an offer to purchase the Edward M. Rozzel House.  This will be discussed in the regular agenda under Projects Committee Report.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House. 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Assets and Facilities Management Department has completed its review of the plans, which will soon be put out for bid.
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is coordinating with the County in moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The prospective buyer has not submitted an offer to purchase.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Staff is negotiating with CATS about a service and storage arrangement.  Installation of the air conditioning will occur over the summer.  Meetings will occur in the fall to consider best uses of the bus.  Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus. 
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  The Commission will consider a prospective sale of the Outen Pottery to the Town of Matthews.  This will be discussed in the regular agenda under the Projects Committee Report.  The Town Manager has included funds in his recommended budget to purchase the property. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews and the Assets and Facilities Management Department are assembling the materials necessary for moving ahead with the study of future development of the property.  The Historic Landmarks Commission will be the client and will be heavily involved in the project.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies if the property is deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management.  
10.  Walters Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is processing the property for historic landmark designation.  A public hearing has occurred.  The Town is prepared to vote before the Commission closes on the property.  The Commission has received offers to purchase the building.  The Commission will consider this matter in open session.  There has been an issue with the survey of the property.  Sandy Prosser has secured an additional 120 days of due diligence.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The Commission will consider purchase of the property later on the agenda in closed session.  The Commission has completed its due diligence on the property.
13.  The County Manager’s Budget recommendation does not include replenishment money for the revolving fund.
14.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, N.C.  The owner has approached the Commission to consider alternatives for the VanLandingham Estate.  The owner believes that economic considerations will require him to move or demolish the house.  He has potential buyers.  The Planning Staff has informed this office that existing zoning does not allow the owner to move or demolish the house.  The owner would sell the Estate to the Commission for $5.125 million.   If the Commission wishes to consider purchase, it will have to do so in closed session.
15.  Consideration of the Prospective Purchase of the Barnhardt-Cramer House, 2377 County Club Lane, Charlotte, N.C.  Preservation North Carolina is seeking to develop a preservation strategy with the owner, who intends to build several houses on the property.  If the owner is agreeable, the Commission might be asked to purchase the house and some portion of land.  The first step would be for the Commission to authorize the preparation of a Survey and Research Report.  The house will have to be designated as a historic landmark before the Commission could close on the property.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

May 2016

1. Edward Rozzel House. 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  A prospective buyer is scheduled to present an offer to the Commission by May 15th.  Staff and the prospective buyer have met with members of the Planning Staff to determine what zoning changes will be necessary.  The Federal Government is prepairing the documentation necessary to allow the HLC to purchase the property adjoining the Rozzel House.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House. 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Assets and Facilities Management Department is preparing the documents for putting the project out to bid.
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff  is moving forward with the approved environmental cleanup of all buildings owned by the HLC and with stabilizing the original school building.  The prospective buyer has contacted Staff and has stated that an offer to purchase and contract will be forthcoming.  Then negotiations will begin.  
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. has completed the mechanical restoration of the bus.  It is now in the CATS garage and will be used in the May Bus “Roadeo.”  Thereafter, the bus will be driven to Mooresville for the installation of air conditioning. Click here for a video on the Charlotte GM New Look Bus.
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  Improvements to the property continue.  Peter Wasmer has been the Project Manager of  physical changes to the property.  The Outen Pottery Task Force continues to meet, and Staff has developed a video explaining the significance of the site. Click For Photos of Cleanup.  Click here for a video highlighting the Outen Pottery.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Town of Matthews and the Assets and Facilities Management Department are assembling the materials necessary for moving ahead with the study of future development of the property.  The Historic Landmarks Commission will be the client and will be heavily involved in the project.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will consider perservation strategies.  There have been no developments since the last meeting of the Historic Landmarks Commission.
8.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State continues to refurbish the building.  Click Here For Photos.
9.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management.  
10.  Walter’s Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is processing the property for historic landmark designation.  A public hearing has occurred.  The Town is prepared to vote before the Commission closes on the property.
11.  Streetcar 85.  The Streetcar was moved on March 9th to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C.  The Commission will be responsible for securing a generator and a cart to power the Streetcar.  Click Here For Photos.
12.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The Commission is performing due diligence on the property.  The Commission must vote in June concerning whether it intends to close on the property.
13.  Staff will await the presentation of the County Manager’s Budget recommendation to determine whether replenishment money for the HLC’s revolving fund is included.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill