Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Agenda – HLC Meeting

Draft Agenda

1.  Consideration of Minutes

2.  Chair’s Report: Jeff Parsons

3.  Treasurer’s Report: Diane Althouse

4.  Senior Preservation Planner’s Report: Stewart Gray

5.  Design Review Committee Report: Garrett Nelson

6.  Survey Committee Report: Len Norman

7.  Projects Committee Report: Edwin Wilson

8.  Director’s Report: Jack Thomson

9.  Old Business

10.  New Business


HLC Agenda – March 9, 2020

1.  Consideration of Minutes  Click Here for February 10th Minutes

2.  Chair’s Report: Jeff Parsons

a.  Upcoming Commission Vacancies

3.  Treasurer’s Report: Diane Althouse  March 2020 Project Budget Report

4.  Senior Preservation Planner’s Report: Stewart Gray

a.  Request for Additional Funds for an Expanded Survey and Research Report for the Stafford Property, Charlotte, N.C. 

5.  Design Review Committee Report: Garrett Nelson  Click Here for Design Review Committee Minutes

a.  Atherton Cotton Mill, 2108 South Boulevard, Charlotte, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

Additional Photographs of the Smokestack

Proposed Plans

Atherton Cotton Mill

Atherton Cotton Mill Smokestack

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT THE SIGNAGE FOR THE SMOKESTACK AT THE ATHERTON COTTON MILL, 2108 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N.C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. 

b.  Mayes House, 435 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

John Mayes House

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT DELAY THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR DEMOLITION FOR THE MAYES HOUSE, 435 E. MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C., FOR 365 DAYS. 

c.  Independence Park, 1400 and 1500 blocks of Park Drive, Charlotte, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

Proposed Plans

Independence Park Grandstand

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPROVE THE PLANS AS PRESENTED FOR INDEPENDENCE PARK, 1400 AND 1500 BLOCKS OF PARK DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., WITH THE STIPULATION THAT EXPANSION JOINT MATERIAL BE USED BETWEEN THE HISTORIC STONE WALL, THAT THE STONE WALL BE PROTECTED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE CONCRETE, AND THAT THE STONE REMOVED FROM THE STONE WALL BE REUSED AT ANOTHER LOCATION IN INDEPENDENCE PARK. 

d.  Violet W. Currie House, 525 N. Main Street, Davidson, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

Proposed Plans

Previously Approved Plans

Violet W. Currie House

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT THE PROPOSED PLANS FOR THE VIOLET W. CURRIE HOUSE, 525 N. MAIN STREET, DAVIDSON, N.C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. 

e.  Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

Proposed Plans

Previously Approved Plans

Charles E. Barnhardt House

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPROVE THE PROPOSED PLANS FOR THE MASTER CLOSET FOR THE CHARLES E. BARNHARDT HOUSE, 3217 MAYMONT AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., AS PRESENTED WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE SOUTH ELEVATION CONTAIN THE ORIGINAL WINDOWS THAT THE ADDITION WILL OBSCURE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPROVE THE REVISIONS TO PLANS FOR THE NEW REAR WING AS PRESENTED FOR THE CHARLES E. BARNHARDT HOUSE, 3217 MAYMONT AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., AS PRESENTED WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE BE PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING FOR REVIEW: 1) PLANS FOR LANDSCAPING; 2) PLANS FOR THE DRIVEWAY; AND 3) FINAL COLOR AND FINISH SELECTIONS FOR THE ADDITION. 

6.  Survey Committee Report: Len Norman

The Survey Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 18.

7.  Director’s Report: Jack Thomson

8.  Old Business

9.  New Business


1.  Consideration of Minutes  Click Here for January 13th Minutes

2.  Chair’s Report: Jeff Parsons

3.  Treasurer’s Report: Diane Althouse  February 2020 Project Budget Report

4.  Senior Preservation Planner’s Report: Stewart Gray

a.  Blakeney House, 9118 Blakeney Heath Road, Charlotte, N.C.

b.  Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition of the Machine Storage Building at the Johnston Mill, 3315 North Davidson Street, 401 E. 36th Street, 403 E. 36th Street, and 405 E. 36th Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Photographs of the Machine Storage Building

5.  Design Review Committee Report: Garrett Nelson  Click Here for Design Review Committee Minutes

a.  Hennigan Place, 3603 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

Proposed Floor Plan

Additional Photographs of the Property

Hennigan Place

Hennigan Place

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPROVE THE PROPOSED PLANS FOR THE HENNIGAN PLACE, 3603 TILLEY MORRIS ROAD, MATTHEWS, N.C., AS PRESENTED WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1) THE STONE PIERS UNDER THE PORCH WILL BE VISIBLE FROM THE EXTERIOR, AND 2) THAT THE APPLICANT WILL PROVIDE DETAILS AND LOCATIONS FOR THE VENTS AND THE CONSTRUCTION DETAIL FOR THE NON-MASONRY PART OF THE UNDERPINNING TO HLC STAFF AND THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE CHAIR BEFORE THE FEBRUARY 10 MEETING OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION. 

b.  Frank R. McNinch House, 2401 Sharon Lane, Charlotte, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

Proposed Site Plan

McNinch House

McNinch House

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT CONCEPTUALLY APPROVE THE PLAN AS PRESENTED FOR THE FRANK R. MCNINCH HOUSE, 2401 SHARON LANE, CHARLOTTE, N.C. 

6.  Survey Committee Report: Len Norman  Click Here for Survey Committee Minutes

a.  Ca. 1936 YMCA Building, 416 E. 3rd Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Polaris Map of Property

YMCA Building

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT FUND A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT FOR THE CA. 1936 YMCA BUILDING, 416 E. 3RD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C. 

7.  Projects Committee Report: Edwin Wilson  Click Here for Projects Committee Minutes

BOCC Due Diligence Criteria

Due Diligence Report for the Barnhardt House

8.  Director’s Report: Jack Thomson

9.  Old Business

10.  New Business


1.  Consideration of Minutes  Click Here for December 9th Minutes

a.  Consideration of Closed Session Minutes

2.  Chair’s Report: Jeff Parsons

3.  Treasurer’s Report: Diane Althouse  January 2020 Project Budget Report

4.  Senior Preservation Planner’s Report: Stewart Gray

a.  Attendance and Phone Policy  HLC Attendance Tracking

b.  Update on the McNinch House, 2401 Sharon Lane, Charlotte, N.C.

c.  Update on the Beatties Ford Road Corridor Study

5.  Design Review Committee Report: Garrett Nelson

The Design Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 29.

6.  Survey Committee Report: Len Norman

The Survey Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 22. 

7.  Projects Committee Report: Edwin Wilson  Click Here for Projects Committee Minutes

a. Arthur Samuel Grier House, 421 Montrose Street, Charlotte, N.C. 

Map of Property

Arthur Samuel Grier House

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT AUTHORIZE THE HLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO CONTACT THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE ARTHUR SAMUEL GRIER HOUSE, 421 MONTROSE STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C., WITH THE INTENT OF PURSUING PURCHASE OPTIONS AND DETERMINING OWNER ATTITUDE OF HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTY. 

8.  Director’s Report: Jack Thomson

a.  Update on the Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C. 

b.  Update on Torrence Lytle School Purchase and Preservation Agreements

9.  Old Business

10.  New Business


1.  Consideration of Minutes  Click Here for November 4th Minutes

2.  Chair’s Report: Jeff Parsons

3.  Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

a.  Torrence Lytle School (Huntersville Colored School), 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

A prospective buyer has submitted a Letter of Intent to purchase the Torrence Lytle School. 

Torrence Lytle Video

b.  John H. Mayes House, 435 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner of the Mayes House intends to join with a neighboring property in marketing both parcels for sale. He hopes to place the properties on the market in May 2020. The owner is securing a sales price for the Mayes House parcel and anticipates having it by the end of this year. Of the two parcels, only the Mayes House qualifies as a historic landmark. The issue before the Commission is whether it wishes to assume the leadership in seeking an Offer to Purchase the Mayes House parcel. This item must be considered in Closed Session.

Mayes House Video

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

Terranova, Inc. has signed a contract to purchase the Victor Shaw House. The prospective buyer is performing due diligence. Closing is scheduled for February 1st. Two actions by the HLC will be required if the project is to occur. They are: 1) approval of an amendment to the historic landmark ordinance that will reduce the size of the historic landmark, and 2) approval of the demolition of the breezeway and attached garage on the western end of the Shaw House. Terranova will place preservation easements on the property that will assure the preservation of the house in perpetuity.

d.  Frank R. McNinch House, 2401 Sharon Lane, Charlotte, N.C.

The owner has stated his interest in seeking a preservation solution for the McNinch House and the construction of sensitive infill on the remainder of the property. He supports approval of the recommendation of the Design Review Committee that the Commission give conceptual approval of the site plan as presented. This item will be considered later in the meeting.

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

Efforts to establish contact with Darius Anderson, the prospective buyer, have been unsuccessful. Contact has been made with Steve Robinson, the owner’s realtor. He says that a “dramatic announcement” will be made in the near future. I told Mr. Robinson that I believe the HLC will take the stand that design review will be performed on the portion of the property which is a historic landmark. The current COA to demolish the structure expires on December 12th. Thereafter, the owner will have to apply for a new demolition COA, the effective date of which could be delayed for 365 days. 

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

On December 6, 2019, the McConnell House was standing. The current COA to demolish the structure expires on December 12th. Thereafter the owner will have to apply for a new demolition COA, the effective date of which may be delayed for up to 365 days.

g.  Former Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 412 Campus Street, Charlotte, N.C. 

The Historic Landmarks Commission and Johnson C. Smith University continue to negotiate a memorandum of understanding whereby the HLC will spend money up to $1 million to remove code violations. Once the memorandum of understanding is approved, Staff will move forward with preparing a Request for Board Action for the Board of County Commissioners to approve the project. 

h.  John Douglas House, 7601 Christie Lane, Charlotte, N.C.

Staff continues to prepare the materials necessary to submit a Request for Board Action for the Board of County Commissioners to approve an Option to Purchase for the John Douglas House. 

i.  Former Wesley Heights United Methodist Church, 205 Grandin Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Developers planning to place condominiums in the church have until December 15th to close. A party with necessary financial resources has a backup offer to purchase the church, preserve the interior, and use the property for a community purpose.

4.  Treasurer’s Report: Diane Althouse  December 2019 Project Budget Report

5.  Senior Preservation Planner’s Report: Stewart Gray

a.  Public Hearing for Historic Landmark Designation for the Cornelius High School Agriculture Building, 21126 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, N.C.

Cornelius High School Agriculture Building

Revised Survey and Research Report on the Cornelius High School Agriculture Building

SHPO Letter on the Cornelius High School Agriculture Building

b.  Stafford Slave Cabin Update

6.  Design Review Committee Report: Garrett Nelson  Click Here for Design Review Committee Minutes

a.  Frank R. McNinch House, 2401 Sharon Lane, Charlotte, N.C.

McNinch House

McNinch House

Proposed Plans

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

McNinch House Video

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT CONCEPTUALLY APPROVE THE PLAN AS PRESENTED FOR THE FRANK R. MCNINCH HOUSE, 2401 SHARON LANE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE OWNER WILL PLACE A PROTECTIVE EASEMENT ON THE PROPERTY THAT WILL PREVENT THE DEMOLITION OF THE HISTORIC HOUSE. ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE FOR THIS MOTION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MR. PURSLEY WHO ABSTAINED. 

b.  Johnston Building, 212 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C.

Johnston Building

Proposed Plans

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPROVE PLANS AS PRESENTED FOR THE JOHNSTON BUILDING, 212 S. TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N.C. ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE FOR THIS MOTION.

c.  Charles E. Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymont Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Charles E. Barnhardt House

Charles E. Barnhardt House

Previously Approved Plans

Proposed Plans

Additional Photographs

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPROVE PLANS AS PRESENTED FOR THE CHARLES E. BARNHARDT HOUSE, 3217 MAYMONT PLACE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE FINAL DESIGN FOR THE DRIVEWAY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL. ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE FOR THIS MOTION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MR. NELSON AND MR. PURSLEY WHO OPPOSED THE MOTION. 

7.  Survey Committee Report: Len Norman  Click Here for Survey Committee Minutes

a.  Consideration of the Survey and Research Report for the Butler House, 240 Sylvania Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Butler House

Revised Survey and Research Report

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT PROCESS THE BUTLER HOUSE, 240 SYLVANIA AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT BE REVISED TO ADDRESS QUESTIONS OF INTEGRITY AND SIGNIFICANCE. 

b.  Consideration of Amending the Designation Ordinance for the Victor Shaw House, 2400 Mecklenburg Avenue, Charlotte, N.C. 

Victor Shaw House

Conceptual Plan for the Shaw House Property

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT AMEND THE DESIGNATION ORDINANCE FOR THE VICTOR SHAW HOUSE, 2400 MECKLENBURG AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., TO DE-DESIGNATE THE PROPERTY EXCEPT FOR THE LOT CONTAINING THE ORIGINAL HOUSE AND THE TWO PROPOSED LOTS THAT WILL BORDER MECKLENBURG AVENUE ON THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN. 

c.  Additions to the Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks

The Survey Committee added the following properties to the HLC’s Study List of Prospective Historic Landmarks: 

i.  Simmons House, 625 Hermitage Court, Charlotte, N.C.

Simmons House

Additional Photographs

Excerpt from Legacy: The Myers Park Story

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

ii.  Ca. 1936 YMCA Building, 317 S. Caldwell Street, Charlotte, N.C.

YMCA Building

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

iii.  Pentes Log House and Property, 6510 Sharon Hills Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Pentes Property

More Information on the Property

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

iv.  Morris Field Chapel, 5415 Airport Drive, Charlotte, N.C.

Morris Field Chapel

Additional Photographs

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

v.  Davidson Log House, Eastfield Road, Huntersville, N.C. 

Davidson Log House

Map of Property

8.  Projects Committee Report: Edwin Wilson  Click Here for Projects Committee Minutes

a.  Wallace House Property, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Wallace House

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT EXPLORE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH A DEVELOPER AND INVESTIGATE SUBDIVIDING A PORTION OF THE LAND AROUND THE WALLACE HOUSE, 9425 ROBINSON CHURCH ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N.C., WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE HOUSE AND A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE LAND CONTIGUOUS AROUND THE HOUSE WILL BE PRESERVED.

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

Torrence Lytle School

Street View of the Property

Polaris Map of the Property

Torrence Lytle Video

i.  A prospective buyer has submitted a Letter of Intent to purchase the Torrence Lytle School. This item must be considered in Closed Session.

ii.  THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTS A SECONDED MOTION TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH THE COMMISSION’S PREVIOUS APPROVAL FOR THE DEMOLITION OF ALL BUILDINGS EXCEPT THE ORIGINAL BUILDING AT THE TORRENCE LYTLE SCHOOL, 302 HOLBROOKS ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., SO THAT CONSIDERATION OF OTHER OPTIONS CAN OCCUR AFTER DECEMBER 9, 2019, WHEN JACK THOMSON WILL BECOME THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION.

9.  Old Business

10.  New Business