Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Directors Reports

April 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on April 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House, 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  A prospective buyer of the Edward Rozzel House has come forward.  Staff and Len Norman are involved in negotiations.  Staff is also maintaining contact with Bobbie Mabe, a prospective lessee of the property.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House, 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The Design Review Committee is recommending approval of plans for the restoration and expansion of the house.  The Commission will consider this issue as a regular agenda item.
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 Projects Committee is recommending entering into an agreement with a prospective buyer.  The Commission will consider this issue as a regular agenda item.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. continues to work on restoration of the bus.  The job will be completed by the end of this week.  Staff is working on a draft of an agreement between the Commission and CATS regarding storage, maintenance, and use of the bus.  The bus will initially be moved to the CATS garage for use in a Bus Rodeo in May.  It will then 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 is the Project Manager of the 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 Design Review Committee will be recommending funding of a joint study with the Town of Matthews of possible uses of the property.  If approved, this study will contain information to be included in a Request For Proposals sent to prospective buyers of the property.  The Commission will consider that issue as a regular agenda item.
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.  Staff has worked with the Commission in developing a due diligence matrix.
10.  Walter’s Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff is processing the property for historic landmark designation.  A public hearing will occur during the regular agenda.  Due diligence continues.
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 of the Atherton Cotton Mill House has contacted the Commission and wishes to reactivate the contract with the Historic Landmarks Commission.  The Commission has voted to make an offer on the house subject to approval of a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that will allow the front porch to be reconstructed.  A hearing on that subject occurred before the Charlotte City Council on March 21st.  City Council will make a decision in April.  Due diligence continues.
13.  Len Norman and Dr. Morrill met with the County Executive Team to advocate $2 million of replenishment money for the HLC Revolving Fund.  The County Manager will present her recommended budget to the Board of County Commissioners in May.  It is clear that the County leadership wants the Historic Landmarks Commission to pay special attention to the economic viability of Revolving Fund projects.
14.  McQuay House.  In accordance with Commission policies, the Commission’s Right of First Refusal to purchase the McQuay House on Tuckaseegee Road has been waived.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

March 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on March 2016
1. Edward Rozzel House, 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  Staff has met with Bobbie Mabe, who has stated her desire to lease the Edward Rozzel Farm for five years.  She would establish a business there to teach people to grow and market produce.  Staff understands that there are many details that must be addressed, e.g. rezoning,  But Staff believes there are compelling reasons to give the idea serious consideration.  First, the house is being vandalized, and there is every reason to believe that this circumstance will continue.   In short, the status quo is not acceptable.  Second, Ms. Mabe has expressed her willingness to put “sweat equity” into the restoration of the house.  It is true that the Commission would have to bring the house up to code to allow a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued.  But Staff believes that entering into a lease with Ms. Mabe would be the most cost effective means to assure the preservation of the historic home.   Third, placing a “teaching farm” on the property would advance the “public good.”  Fourth, time will likely increase  the market value of the property.  Staff would appreciate your reaction to the issue of continuing to negotiate with Ms. Mabe toward the end of putting this plan into place.  
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House, 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   Peter Wasmer, Project Manager, is working with the architect to complete the plans for bidding.  These plans will be brought to the Design Review Committee and the Historic Landmarks Commission in the near future. 
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  Staff anticipates that the prospective buyer of the property will present her offer at the March 14th meeting of the HLC. Staff will refer this offer to the Assets and Facilities Management Department of the County  for review and comment.  The Commission does have the option to reject the offer at this meeting and move ahead with the first phase of the restoration of the property.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. continues to work on restoration of the bus.  The next step will be to drive the bus to Mooresville where a new air conditioning system will be installed.  Staff has met with the Charlotte Area Transit System to discuss a possible cooperative arrangement with CATS.  The initial response was positive.  Staff will be working with the HLC attorney to draft an agreement between CATS and the HLC.  The County is providing insurance coverage.  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 are underway.  The Town of Matthews has agreed to perform landscaping in the immediate vicinity of the kiln and the workshop.  The process of the deed covenants on the property declared null and void continutes.    Peter Wasmer is the Project Manager of the 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 Commission owns the property.  Staff has met with officials of the Town of Matthews to discuss preservation strategies for the property.  Staff believes that it will be most important for the Commission to work closely with the Town of Matthews in determining how best to assure the long term preservation of the property.  The plan is for the Commission and the Town to build community consensus for the establishment of parameters that any buyer of the property must satisfy.  Then a Request For Proposals would be submitted to developers.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff  has met with Airport officials and will to consider perservation strategies.
8.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.  Campus St., Charlotte, N.C.   Discussions continue on how the Commission might participate in the preservation of the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, a designated historic landmark.  
9.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State has informed Staff that it will not need financial assistance from the HLC to complete the project.  Click Here For Photos.
10.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management. The County is being most helpful in assisting the Commission in developing its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. 
11.  Walter’s Barbershop, 114 Main Street, Huntersville, N.C.  Stewart Gray has been preparing the Survey and Research Report, so that the designation of the property can move forward.  Staff has met with officials of the Town of Huntersville to discuss the project.
12.  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.
13.  Atherton Cotton Mill House.  2005 Cleveland Ave., Charlotte, N.C.  The owner of the Atherton Cotton Mill House has contacted the Commission and wishes to reactivate the contract with the Historic Landmarks Commission.  The Commission has voted to make an offer on the house subject to approval of a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that will allow the front porch to be reconstructed.  A hearing on that subject will occur before the Charlotte City Council on March 21st.  This matter will be placed on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.
14.  Staff has met with the County Assets and Facilities Management Department to finalize the operational budget for the HLC for the upcoming year.  The budget requires no additional funding, but the budget items have been adjusted to reflect more accurately the activities of the Commission.  A copy of the budget request has been distributed.  Please contact Staff if you have any questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

Febraury 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on Febraury 2016
1.  Richard Rozzel House, 11647 Old Rozzels Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C.  The prospective buyer of the Richard Rozzel House has withdrawn the offer to purchase.  Staff has contacted individuals who were interested in farming the property.  Staff will also develop other preservation solutions.
2.  Delburg Cotton Mill House, 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C.   The prospective buyer of the Delburg Cotton Mill House did not accept the counteroffer presented by the Commission and declined to continue negotiations.  Staff will move ahead with restoring the house.
3.  Torrence-Lytle School.  302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.  The Commission voted to delay moving forward with approved improvements of the buildings it owns until the March meeting of the HLC.  The Town of Huntersville has passed a resolution asking the Commission to move ahead with the approved rehabiltation of the property.  The Town of Huntersville will not participate financially.  Another prospective buyer has contacted staff.  Staff will report on the situation at the March HLC Meeting.
4.  General Motors New Style Bus 1074.   Clarke Power Co. has obtained a new refurbished engine for the bus and is moving forward with installation.  The next step will be to drive the bus to Mooresville where a new air conditioning system will be installed.  Staff is scheduling meetings with the Charlotte Area Transit System to discuss a possible cooperative arrangement with CATS.  Staff will also be discussing insurance for the bus and on-going maintenance.  Click For Photograph Of New Motor.
5.  Outen Pottery, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C.  Improvements to the property are underway.  Also, at its December meeting the HLC approved taking action to render the deed covenants on the property null and void.  Peter Wasmer is the Project Manager of the 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.
6.  Phillips House and Morris Barn,131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C.  The Commission owns the property.  The current occupant died last month.  Staff will be developing preservation strategies for presentation to the Commission.
7.  William Grier House.  Douglas International Airport owns this house.  Staff will be actively pursuing meetings with Airport officials to develop a preservation strategy for the property.
8.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.  Campus St., Charlotte, N.C.   Discussions continue on how the Commission might participate in the preservation of the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, a designated historic landmark.
9.  Thrift Piedmont and Northern Depot.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation has moved the depot to land purchased by NCDOT.  The State does not have the money needed to complete the restoration of the building and is asking the Historic Landmarks Commission to finish the job.  Details will be provided when available.
10.  Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management.  It is clear that the projects undertaken by the Historic Landmarks Commission will hereafter be reviewed more closely by the County, especially in terms of profit or loss.
11.  The prospective buyers of the three lots owned by the HLC on  Avalon Ave. behind the McQuay House have submitted a contract for purchasing the three lots.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill

January 2016

Directors Reports
Comments Off on January 2016

1. Richard Rozzell House, 11647 Old Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, N.C. Staff is continuing to work on arrangements associated with the prospective sale of the Richard Rozzell House. Technically, the Commission is submitting the application for rezoning of the existing historic landmark, which is scheduled to occur in March. Staff is in contact with the Federal Government to secure ownership of the adjacent government land. Finally, Staff will be assisting the County in submitting a request for County funding to purchase the government land, which will be immediately sold to the prospective buyers of the historic landmark.

2. Delburg Cotton Mill House, 303 Delburg St., Davidson, N.C. Staff has halted the renovation of the house to await possible submission of an offer to purchase. Staff will keep the Commission informed. If an offer is received, the Commission will have to go into closed session to consider it.

3. Torrence-Lytle School. 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C. The Commission voted to delay moving forward with approved improvements of the buildings until the March meeting of the HLC. This delay will hopefully allow the Town of Huntersville and the Historic Landmarks Commission to approve a preservation strategy for the property.

4. General Motors New Style Bus 1074. Clarke Power Co. has obtained a new refurbished engine for the bus and is moving forward with installation. The next step will be to drive the bus to Mooresville where a new air conditioning system will be installed. Staff is scheduling meetings with the Charlotte Area Transit System to discuss a possible cooperative arrangement with CATS. Staff will also be discussing insurance for the bus and on-going maintenance.

5. Outen Potter, 403 Jefferson St., Matthews, N.C. Improvements to the property are underway. Also, at its December meeting the HLC approved taking action to render the deed covenants on the property null and void. Peter Wasmer is the Project Manager of the physical changes to the property.

6. Phillips House, Matthews, N.C. 131 West Charles Street, Matthews, N.C. The Commission owns the property. The current owner has a right of life tenancy in the property. Staff anticipates that the Commission will participate with the Town of Matthews in discussing future use of the property.

7. William Grier House. Douglas International Airport owns this house. Staff will be actively pursuing meetings with Airport officials to develop a preservation strategy for the property.

8. Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Campus St., Charlotte, N.C. Meetings occurred this month with Johnson C. Smith University officials to discuss how the Commission might participate in the preservation of the Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, a designated historic landmark. Discussions continue.

9. Dicussions are occurring regularly with County officials about project management. It is clear that the projects undertaken by the Historic Landmarks Commission will hereafter be reviewed more closely by the County, especially in terms of profit or loss. Len Norman continues to work with Staff to develop a justification for replenishment money for the revolving fund.

Respectfully submitted,
Dan L. Morrill