March 15, 2019

The Charlotte Business Journal recently published an article on the VanLandingham Estate, which is a designated historic landmark: “Future of VanLandingham Estate unclear as historic property changes hands“

VanLandingham Estate

From the article:

“The VanLandingham Estate, at 2010 The Plaza, has been acquired by a joint venture that includes Charlotte real estate investment firms Stono River Partners and Ascent Real Estate Capital, which purchased about 2.8 acres of the full 5-acre site for about $1.5 million, according to Mecklenburg County real estate records. The 7,088-square-foot home, built in 1913, is included in the transaction.”  “It’s not certain what will become of the estate under the new ownership, but Stono River and Ascent have hired Cluck Design to consult on architecture and design as well as engineer ColeJenest & Stone. Jon Dixon, managing principal at Ascent, declined to discuss any specifics when reached this week, including whether the house would be preserved.”  “Our company is excited to take ownership of the VanLandingham Estate, an important asset for both the neighborhood and the entire Charlotte region,” Jon Dixon said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Cluck Design and ColeJenest & Stone to implement a plan that builds upon the history of the property while also providing for its successful stewardship in the years to come.”  “Ascent’s previous and current investments here include a number of adaptive-reuse deals — among them, The Shop in the North End, Northside Station and The Foundry in uptown, 200 Southside near South End, and Central Crossing in Plaza Midwood.”

March 15, 2019

Greg Pappanastos, President of Argos Real Estate Advisors, has an exciting update on the status of Streetcar 85: 

“I’m very excited to report that, for the first time in 5 years, Car 85, Charlotte’s last remaining original streetcar, operated under her own power again yesterday. Here’s a photo of her with the interior lights on and a quick video showing the car moving down the rail.

Streetcar 85

Video of Streetcar 85

This marks a big moment for Lakewood Trolley, the Historic Landmarks Commission and the neighborhoods of Historic West End, but it is only the beginning. 

We’ll await the final report from GOMACO, but overall the operating systems of the car are in good condition. Next stop…Stewart Creek, Cedar Street and Bank of America Stadium! 

Big thanks to CarolinaCAT for loaning us the generator, Lee Underwood for his expertise and testing oversight, Nate Wells and Belmont Trolley for use of their rectifier, NCDOT for the sticks of rail, Jay Donaldson from Griffin Brothers, John Tarr from GOMACO and L.S. Williams electricians for all of their work in getting the electrical and track sorted for this test. This was truly a group effort.

Last, but not least, we need to thank Chris Allen, who left this earth early but not before putting us in position to complete this test yesterday. Chris provided countless volunteer hours in restoring the car, caring for the car and seeing to it that we had what we needed to keep the dream of operating Car 85 alive. He was sorely missed yesterday, but I’m certain he was looking down on us and toasting our success. Congratulations Lakewood Trolley!”

February 20, 2019

The article “Are some preservation tools just out of sight?” from the LandUseMatters blog “provides an update on the Shaw House (2400 Mecklenburg Avenue). It’s also about how neighborhood associations may have preservation tools at their disposal that are not being utilized.”

Victor Shaw House

Matthews Heritage Museum
232 N. Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105
704-708-4996
Mailing: PO Box 1117 Matthews, NC 28106
www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org

For Immediate Release: January 25, 2019

The Matthews Heritage Museum is pleased to announce that it will open a groundbreaking exhibit on Tank Town: A Good Place to Live on February 16, 2019. After a year of research, the museum will present its findings on the area once known as Tank Town, now Crestdale, a neighborhood in Matthews. This area was settled by former slaves and freedmen after the Civil War. The exhibit will explore the people, lifestyles, jobs, schools and community organizations of this neighborhood.

We will bring to life the history of the churches of the area including Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and the United House of Prayer. Learn about the “shot-gun school house” and the Matthews Colored School built with Rosenwald funding. Early residents will be highlighted in the jobs they held and the way they lived. It is an opportunity to learn how this community grew and developed, and its hope for the future.

A special teaching unit has been developed for 3rd grade classes, which meets Curriculum standards. This unit can be downloaded from the museum website after Feb. 7, 2019, at www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org.

Tours of the museum and this exhibit can be made by calling or emailing the museum. To contact the museum or schedule a tour call: 704-708-4996, or email: info@matthewsheritagemuseum.org. Please call two weeks in advance. We can accommodate 20 people on a tour.

The Matthews Heritage Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street in Matthews. It is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 to 4:30 p.m. Entrance fee is $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 to 17, and Free under 10. The first Saturdays of the month are free.

Other programs will be held with this exhibit that will be on display through August 17, 2019. Please watch the local papers. For more information call 704-708-4996.

Painting of Harvey Boyd by renowned African American artist, Lois Mailou Jones

February 1, 2019

L to R: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Councilmember Larken Egleston, Councilmember Greg Phipps, and Adria Focht, President & CEO of The Charlotte Museum of History

Representatives from the City of Charlotte, The Charlotte Museum of History, Silver Star Community, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission braved the cold on the morning of January 31 to show support for the Save Siloam School Project. The City of Charlotte contributed $50,000 towards this project, which will help preserve and move the Siloam School, which is currently located on Mallard Creek Church Road, to the Charlotte Museum of History on Shamrock Drive.  

More Coverage:

WFAE – “Charlotte Pledges $50,000 To Restore, Move Wooden Schoolhouse For Black Children”

QC Nerve – “City Puts $50,000 Toward Moving and Restoring Historic Siloam School”