Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Agenda – Projects Committee

September 6, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.

1.  Chair’s Report:  Len Norman

2.  Director’s Report:  Dan Morrill

3.  Update on Projects  August 2018 Project Budget

a.  Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.  Executive Session

Click Here for Stabilization Cost Analysis
Click Here for Appraisal

Dr. Morrill, Tom Egan, and William Hughes met with Carla Cunningham, the owner of the property.  The potential purchase price was discussed.  The Commission has received an appraisal on the property and an estimate of the stabilization costs.  Staff recommends that a meeting be scheduled with the owner to determine what price the owner would accept for the parcel.  Thereafter, the Committee can formulate a recommendation to submit to the HLC.

b.  Pecan Avenue Duplex, 1437 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Click Here for Purchase Agreement

The property is being marketed by Edwin Wilson, Jr.  The option to purchase is in place.  Staff will be assisting with the marketing of the property. An issue has arisen concerning whether the HLC must obtain County approval for entering into the option.  Staff is working on resolving this issue.

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

The City of Charlotte has notified Johnson C. Smith University, owner of the property, that the building must be brought up to code by October 10th.  Otherwise, it will be demolished.  Preservation North Carolina holds preservation covenants on the property that prevent demolition.  Staff and PNC will meet with the President of Johnson C. Smith University on September 24th to discuss possible preservation solutions.

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

The prospective buyer has withdrawn from the contract.  The Commission has voted to move forward with demolishing all buildings except the original building and marketing the property largely as vacant land.  Staff believes that such action would be premature.  For now the buildings should be mothballed and marketing should await the completion of the upfit of the adjoining County building.  Staff has asked Peter Wasmer, Project Manager, to determine what improvements need to be made in the interim.  Staff recommends that a consultant be hired to investigate affordable housing financing.

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

Staff recommends that the future disposition of the property be considered in conjunction with other agencies in North Mecklenburg, including the Town of Huntersville.  The National Trust For Historic Preservation has expressed a willingness to consider a matching grant for an adaptive reuse feasibility study.  The Board of County Commissioners has recognized the purchase money from the HLC Revolving Fund.  The closing is scheduled for September 10th.

f.  Wallace Log House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Click Here for Lease

The Public Hearing with City Council to consider designation of the property will occur on September 17th.  The current owners will lease the property after closing, which should occur in late October.  The property will be actively marketed after closing.  The Board of County Commissioners has recognized the purchase money from the HLC Revolving Fund.

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

The HLC continues to market the property.  A roof will be installed in the very near future and other mandated improvements will also be made.  The developer of the property has granted an extension until September 30th of the time in which improvements must be made.

Staff is requesting that the Projects Committee approve spending $5,150 for a National Register nomination for the property. 

h.  Former Fire Station Number Ten, 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C.  

Discussions of the future disposition of the property continue.

i.  James C. Dowd House, 2216 Monument Street, Charlotte, N.C.  

Discussions of the future disposition of the property continue.

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

McConnell House

Staff continues to negotiate with Martin Marietta, the owner of the property.  Staff hopes to secure an exclusive, assignable option to purchase that is co-terminus with the Certificate of Appropriateness which has been issued to the owner.  Staff is working to schedule a meeting with the owner to discuss preservation strategies.

k.  Morgan School, 510 S. Torrence Street, Charlotte, N.C.   

Staff continues to discuss the future disposition of the property.  The HLC submitted an offer in November 2016 to purchase the property.  CMS is reviewing the status of all of its surplus property.  CMS will report on the status of the prospective sale of the Morgan School once the review is finished.

l.  Patterson Grocery Building, 2515 Booker Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Residents of Washington Heights have contacted the Commission and have expressed a desire to see the Patterson Grocery Building preserved.  Staff is seeking to meet with the prospective buyer to discuss preservation solutions.  The prospective buyer is scheduled in approximately two weeks, after which a meeting will be scheduled with the new owner.

4.  Old Business

5.  New Business

 




August 9, 2018 – 6:00 p.m.

1.  Chair’s Report: Len Norman

a.  Update on Siloam School

2.  Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

June-July 2018 Project Budget

FY 19 HLC Operational Budget

a.  Staff will be working with the Projects Committee to determine how and when Trolley Number One might be moved from the North Carolina Transportation Museum to Charlotte for operation on the Lakewood Trolley line.


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

Charles E. Barnhardt House

Eric Gamble, HLC Realtor, continues to market the property. The HLC has received an offer to purchase the property. Eric Gamble will explain the terms under which the prospective buyer desires to move forward. The Executive Committee approved the following motion at its July meeting:

THAT THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND CONTRACT FOR THE BARNHARDT HOUSE, 3217 MAYMONT PLACE, CHARLOTTE, N.C., BE REVISED BY SANDY CARNEGIE, HLC ATTORNEY, TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: PURCHASE PRICE – $1,122,500; EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT – $10,000; DUE DILIGENCE FEE – $2,500; DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD – 60 DAYS; CLOSING – 90 DAYS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF OFFER TO PURCHASE AND CONTRACT; SELLER WILL PAY UP TO $5,000 OF BUYER’S CLOSING COST; ROOF REPAIR MUST COMMENCE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF CLOSING. ADDITIONALLY, IF THE POTENTIAL BUYERS COUNTER THE HLC OFFER WITH A CONTRACT PREREQUISITE OF SELLING THEIR CURRENT PROPERTY, THEN THE HLC REAL ESTATE AGENT IS AUTHORIZED TO PRESENT THE ATTACHED ADDENDUM TO THE BUYERS.

Click Here for Addendum


4.  Pecan Avenue Duplex, 1437-1439 Pecan Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Pecan Avenue Duplex

Click Here for Map of Property

Click Here for Additional Pictures

Click Here for Option to Purchase

Pecan Avenue Duplex Video

Click Here For Explanation Of Options

The owner of the property has received a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the building. He is interested in discussing the possibility of the HLC purchasing the property. He is willing to sell the property for $300,000. Dr. Morrill has met with the owner and has negotiated the terms of an option to purchase the property. The issue before the Committee is whether to approve, amend, or disapprove the option agreement. 

5.  Update on Projects

a. Torrence Lytle, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

The prospective buyer continues to perform due diligence. Closing must occur by the end of November. The prospective buyer has made initial earnest money deposit.


b. Streetcar 85

Charlotte Streetcar 85

The move of Streetcar 85 from the North Carolina Transportation Museum to the Cumberland Avenue Storage Building occurred on August 1, 2018.

Video of Streetcar 85 Move


c. Charlotte “New Look” GM Bus 

Charlotte New Look Bus

The New Look Bus was moved from the CATS Garage to the Chamberlain Avenue Storage Building on July 31st. Sandy Carnegie prepared a legal agreement covering the bus, which has been signed by Staff and by Argos Realty.  It will be presented to the HLC for its consideration on August 13th.

Click Here for Signed Agreement


d. Former Fire Station #10, 2136 Remount Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Former Charlotte Fire Station #10

Staff continues to pursue negotiations with the County about the prospect of the County’s conveying the property to the Historic Landmarks Commission.

 

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

Ingleside

Staff continues to consider the prospect of doing a careful study of the potentials for Ingleside as an adaptive reuse. Stewart Gray is meeting with various stakeholders in North Mecklenburg. Closing on the property is scheduled for late August or early September. 


f. Wallace Log House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Wallace Log House

Staff is processing the Wallace House for prospective designation as a historic landmark. The vote of City Council on designation is scheduled for mid-October. Closing on the property will occur shortly thereafter. The Executive Committee has recommended that the lease of the property to the present owners be approved by the Historic Landmarks Commission with the inclusion of language allowing for termination with 45 days notice. This recommendation will be presented to the HLC at its August 13 meeting. 


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

Excelsior Club

The Commission has received the appraised price of the parcel. It is awaiting an estimate of the cost of restoring the building. Staff plans to meet with the owner to discuss the possibility of an option to purchase.

 

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

Martin Marietta, the owner of the McConnell House, has received a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the home.  Staff is meeting with the owner in attempts to devise a preservation solution.

Martin Marietta has stated that it will not provide property to which the house can be moved, and it will not allow the property to remain at its present site. The owner will donate the house to the HLC or to another entity that will move the house to a new location.

 

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

Former Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Click Here for Map of Property

The City of Charlotte has notified Johnson C. Smith University, the owner of the property, that they must repair or demolish the church by October 10, 2018. Preservation North Carolina holds preservation covenants on the property that prohibit demolition. Staff has notified the University that it has not applied for the necessary Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition. Staff has contacted the University and is working to develop a preservation strategy. The University says that it does not wish to demolish the building.

 

7.  Old Business

On November 14, 2016, the Historic Landmarks Commission presented an offer to purchase the Morgan School in the Cherry Neighborhood.  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public School has not responded to that offer.

 

8.  New Business


Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission ADA Statement

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will make reasonable accommodations in all programs to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission programs will be available in the most integrated setting for each individual. If any accommodations are necessary for participation in any program, meeting, or service, participants are encouraged to notify us at (704) 376-9115 or by email, elizabeth.stuart@mecklenburgcountync.gov, or at 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28207, at least one week prior to commencement.


June 4, 2018 – 8:00 a.m.

1. Chair’s Report: Len Norman (Interim)

2. Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

3. Update on Torrence Lytle, 302 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Torrence Lytle SchoolCli

Click Here for Map of Property

Click Here For Video Of Property

Michael Sullivan, realtor, advises that the prospective buyer of the Torrence Lytle School does not intend to move forward.  The immediate issue facing the Commission is the condition of the leaking roofs, especially on the wing buildings added to the original building in the mid-twentieth century.  Michael Sullivan will attend the meeting to discuss marketing strategies.  Peter Wasmer will update the Committee on the physical status of the property.

4. Update on Wadsworth House, 400 S. Summit Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.

Wadsworth House

Click Here for Map of Property

Staff has talked with officials of South State Bank about the HLC’s commitment to assisting in the preservation of the house.  Also, as directed by the HLC, I have sent a letter to the Bank stating that the HLC will support any offer which preserves the house and the grounds of the property.  The HLC is awaiting developments.

5. Update on Wallace Log House, 9425 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, N.C.

Wallace Log House

Click Here for Map of Property

Click Here for Amendment to Contract

I have met with the owners of the property.  They have signed a document agreeing to extend the due diligence period until October 26th.  The HLC has voted to recommend the designation of the property as a historic landmark.  Necessary documentation has been sent to the Division of Archives and History.  A public hearing with City Council will be scheduled for September, and the designation of the property should occur in October.

Dixie and William Kelly, the owners of the property, would like to remain in the house for a period after the HLC acquires the property.  This would be advantageous to the HLC, as we prepare the property for active marketing in Spring 2019.  Sandy Carnegie has prepared a draft lease which has been sent to the owners for comment.

a. Discussion of Draft Lease  Click Here for Draft of the Lease

6. Update on Ingleside, 7225 Bud Henderson Road, Huntersville, N.C.

Ingleside

Click Here for Map of Property

a. Discussion of Amended Purchase Price

The Historic Landmarks Commission passed a motion at its May meeting setting the top price the Commission will pay for the property.  Sandy Carnegie, HLC Attorney, advises that the price will have to be adjusted upward.  He will explain.

Staff has secured County approval of funds to cover cleanup and maintenance costs at Ingleside.

b. Discussion of Settlement with Bank and Owner

Sandy Carnegie, HLC Attorney, will explain the current legal status of the property.

7. Update on Charlotte Streetcar 85

Charlotte Streetcar 85

Staff has secured County funding for moving Streetcar 85 from the North Carolina Transportation Museum to the Lakewood Trolley Storage Building in Charlotte. 

Greg Pappanastos, president of Lakewood Trolley, has been asked to attend the meeting to discuss the status of Lakewood Trolley’s lease of Streetcar 85 from the HLC.

Staff is working out the details to encumber the money owed to the North Carolina Transportation Museum due to early termination of the lease of Streetcar 85 to the North Carolina Transportation Museum. 

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

Excelsior Club

Click Here for Map of Property

The owner of the Excelsior Club has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the Excelsior Club.  The owner has agreed to enter into an exclusive, assignable option with the HLC to purchase the property.  However, the owner has established a price far above the amount established by an appraisal in April 2017.  Staff will recommend to the HLC that it delay the effective date of the COA for 365 days from the date of issuance.  This will allow time to investigate preservation strategies.

9. Update on Barnhardt House, 3217 Maymount Place, Charlotte, N.C.

Charles E. Barnhardt House

Click Here for Map of Property

Realtor Eric Gamble will be present to update the Committee on marketing of the property.

At its May meeting, the HLC voted to place an architectural shingle roof on the house if such was necessary to protect the building.  Fred Caligiuri, the developer of the Cramer’s Pond Neighborhood, has not approved the roof.  He wants a slate or tile roof placed on the house.

10. Update on Potential Demolition of the William and Laura McConnell House, 4009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C.

McConnell House

Click Here for Map of Property

11. Old Business

12. New Business


 

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission ADA Statement

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission will make reasonable accommodations in all programs to enable participation by an individual with a disability who meets essential eligibility requirements. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission programs will be available in the most integrated setting for each individual. If any accommodations are necessary for participation in any program, meeting, or service, participants are encouraged to notify us at (704) 376-9115 or by email, stewart.gray@mecklenburgcountync.gov, or at 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28207, at least one week prior to commencement.