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Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, HLC Treas. Finance Com. Chair, Projects Vice-Chair

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chair

Ms. Deborah Cox/County, Survey Committee Chair

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, Design Review Committee Chair

Ms. Amy Hockett/City, Design Review Com. Vice-Chair

Ms. Yolanda Johnson-Gess/City, Nominating Committee Chair

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County, Survey Committee Vice-Chair

Mr. John E. Misenheimer/County, HLC Vice-Chair, Rural Hill Schoolhouse Com. Chair

Mr. Len Norman/County

Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Mike Sullivan/County, Education Com. Vice-Chair

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Consultant

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Education Committee Chair

Mr. Jeb Blackwell, City of Charlotte (Elmwood/Pinewood, E. Trade St./Arena)

Ms. Valerie Lewis, HLC Projects Committee, Education Committee

Rebecca Andersen, Historic Districts Commission

Ms. Kathy Egan

Ms. Lisa Gray, Director Charlotte Trolley, Inc.

Mr. Scott Tyler, Charlotte Trolley, Inc.

Ms. Joan Neal, Neal House

Mr. Jerry Neal, Neal House

Mr. John Caratelli, Neal House

Mr. David Greer, Neal House

Ms. Lindsay Daniel, Chairman Blake House

Ms. Shelley Webb, Chairman Blake House

Mr. Lynn Wais, Elmwood/Pinewood

MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON-GESS THAT THE MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2002, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2003 BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Mr. Bradsher

Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. He extended congratulations to Ms. Richardson on the birth of a daughter.

Mr. Bradsher called everyone’s attention to the excellent article in the Mecklenburg Neighbors on the African-American Survey. A copy of the publication was distributed to each commission member.

Mr. Bradsher said that the HLC continues to be very active in many community activities. He thanked the Commissioners for the good work and many hours of time they give to the Commission’s work.

Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill

A copy of Dr. Morrill’s Director’s Report was distributed to each Commissioner

Dr. Morrill reported that the City of Charlotte has communicated orally its support for historic landmarks designation for Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery except for a 100-foot corridor on the eastern edge of the subject property. The HLC directed Staff to investigate what is within that 100-foot corridor, which might be affected by the construction of a new railroad right-of-way. Dr. Morrill showed power point photographs of the portion of the property that would be involved.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. BOS THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION PROCESS THE ENTIRE ELMWOOD/PINEWOOD CEMETERY, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AS DESCRIBED IN THE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT, FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

At this point in the meeting Ms. Anderson told the Commission that in honor of Historic Preservation Week, May 5 - 12, Historic Charlotte and the Historic Districts Commission will hold a special reception. Ms. Anderson asked that the HLC select a historic landmark to be honored within a Historic District. The Commission agreed that the Education Committee should be in charge of this selection.

Mr. Bradsher asked that the Projects Committee present its motion at this point regarding Trolley #85 which the HLC owns. Ms. Gray and Mr. Tyler were present to answer Commissioners’ questions.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION SELL TROLLEY #85 TO CHARLOTTE TROLLEY, INC., CONTINGENT UPON THE HLC’S APPROVING AN ACCEPTABLE CONTRACT, WHICH WILL BE PREPARED BY ATTORNEY PATRICIA NYSTROM, FOR THE PROPOSED SALE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill continued with the Director’s Report. He reported that the owners of a portion of the Washam Farm requested that the HLC delay its vote on what land to include in the proposed historic landmark until such time as the Town of Huntersville passed its new zoning ordinance. Huntersville has now passed the ordinance, and Joe Kluttz continues to negotiate with the lawyer who represents the owners.

Dr. Morrill reported that the trolley barn issue is coming to a head. CATS and the Real Estate Services Department of the County will be asking the Board of County Commissioners to approve on March 18th the spending of $1.5 million in land bond funds to purchase the historic trolley barn at South Boulevard and Bland St. Such purchase would be contingent upon CATS restoring the building. CATS has developed alternatives for the Metropolitan Transit Commission to consider as part of its capital budget. The MTC will make a decision by the end of March. Regardless, Charlotte Trolley, Inc. will have to raise money to restore and refit two vintage streetcars, including Streetcar #85.

Dr. Morrill reported that the closing on the Palmer Fire School has occurred, and the check has been deposited in the HLC’s Historic Preservation Revolving Fund.

Dr. Morrill reported that Staff, including Mr. Turner and Ms. Nystrom, has been working with the prospective buyers of the Croft Schoolhouse. The principal problem has been the buyer’s securing work/live-in zoning. He said that he is optimistic that the deal will be consummated in the relatively near future.

Dr. Morrill reported that progress on other projects continues. The Grier-Rea House is scheduled to move to its new site at 9:00 p.m.,  March 11th,  subject, as always, to the weather. He said that a slight delay occurred, due to having to pass Huntersville’s zoning requirements, for the pavilion building at Rural Hill, but he said that he is hopeful that construction will begin on that structure before the end of March.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Marvin Bethune, County Attorney, has completed his review of the RFP for the W. T. Alexander Plantation. Copies should be sent to prospective buyers in the near future. Invitations to bid on the construction at the Rozzell property will be mailed soon. Copeland Architects has begun its work at the Sidney and Ethel Grier House - documenting existing conditions. Phase III of the work on the Charlotte Cotton Mills is underway. Also, Pappas Properties has submitted a proposal for parking arrangements at the site.

Dr. Morrill reported that Ms. Nystrom is working to arrange a meeting with Johnson C. Smith University and the HLC, so that the exact status of the Davis House project might be ascertained.

Dr. Morrill reported that discussion continues with the Budget Department of the County about the HLC’s operating budget for next year. He said that the HLC might experience a slight reduction in its operation budget, and that he anticipates that securing betterments will be a major challenge. In this connection, he did get confirmation from Mr. Marvin Bethune that the HLC can use money from its revolving fund for basic operations and betterments if it so wishes.

Dr. Morrill said that the fate of the buildings in the 400 block of East Trade Street continues to be an issue. He anticipates that the City will want to work with the HLC to explore ways in which any or all of the buildings might be saved. Mr. Jim Schumacher of the Engineering Department reports that an engineer is investigating the feasibility of saving some portions of the building and that the report should be completed by the end of March.

Dr. Morrill said that he has talked with Mr. Robert Bush of the Arts and Science Council about the status of the Carolina Theater. Mr. Bush explained that the cultural facilities Master Plan will be finished in May. Preliminary findings will be forthcoming in April, and the community will have an opportunity to respond. He also explained that Mr. Bradsher is a member of the Committee that will have direct input into the projects. According to Mr. Bush, the potential use of the Carolina Theater is still unresolved, although the consultants are much in support of adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Item #4 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Hirsch

Mr. Hirsch reported that the Design Review Committee met on February 25, 2003. Minutes from the meeting are on the HLC’s website and are on file at the HLC office.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE CHAIRMAN BLAKE HOUSE, CHAIRMAN BLAKE LANE, DAVIDSON, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE PLANS FOR THE KITCHEN SHALL INCLUDE THE RETENTION OF THE ORIGINAL DOORWAY SURROUND LEADING FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE HALLWAY, THE SAVING OF THE DOOR AND STORING IT ON PREMISES IN A SECURE, DRY LOCATION, AND THE ALTERATION OF THE LANDSCAPE PLAN SO THAT THE FENCE IN THE IMMEDIATE FRONT OF THE HOUSE IS REMOVED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE ROZZELL HOUSE, 11747 ROZZELLES FERRY ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item # 5 - Survey Committee Report: Ms. Cox

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met on March 6, 2003. Minutes from the meeting are on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org - and are on file in the HLC office.

The owner of the South-21 Curbside Restaurant has requested that the HLC delay its consideration of the prospective designation of the subject property as a historic landmark, so that he or his representative could appear before the HLC. The issue before the HLC is whether it wishes to move ahead at this point with historic landmarks designation for the property.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON-GESS TO DEFER CONSIDERATION OF THE SOUTH-21 CURBSIDE RESTAURANT, 3631 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C. FOR PROCESSING FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION UNTIL THE APRIL MEETING OF THE HLC. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Blackwell, Deputy Director of City Engineering for the City of Charlotte was present to answer questions about the City’s plans for and options for the properties at 401, 405, 409 and 411 East Trade Street. The Buildings were constructed ca. 1915 and are scheduled for demolition due to the fact that the new Charlotte Arena will be located where they now are.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION MAKE EVERY REASONABLE EFFORT TO SAVE ON SITE ALL OR SOME OF THE PRE-1920 BUILDINGS LOCATED IN THE 400 BLOCK OF EAST TRADE STREET WHERE THE NEW ARENA WILL BE CONSTRUCTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Greer and Mr. Caratelli, owners of the Neal House, were present in support of historic designation for their home. Members of the original owner's family were also present in support of designation.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE NEAL HOUSE, 612 WALNUT AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE GARAGE/APARTMENT, AND THE ENTIRE TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY) BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee’s motion regarding historic designation for the Ada Manufacturing Company Plant will be presented at the HLC’s April meeting in order that the owner’s input can be considered.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE LASSITER HOUSE, 726 HEMPSTEAD PLACE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY) BE PLACED ON THE STUDY LIST FOR PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT BE FUNDED BY THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION FOR THE LASSITER HOUSE, 726 HEMPSTEAD PLACE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE DUPLEX (CITY HOUSE), 500 EAST KINGSTON AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST FOR PROSPECTIVE HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT HLC STAFF CONTACT QUEENS UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS ABOUT INCLUDING THE GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE LETHCO HOUSE, 2038 ROSWELL AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N.C AND THE INTERIOR OF THE HOUSE FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The HLC received a letter from Eckerd Corporation , one of the owners of the Ford Motor Company Plant, after the HLC’s February 10th meeting where a motion was approved to process the Ford Motor Company Plant. Opposition to designation was expressed in the letter, and the matter was brought before the Survey Committee for consideration at the March 6th meeting.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT HLC STAFF CONTACT THE ECKERD CORPORATION TO SET FORTH TO OFFICIALS THE BENEFITS OF HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PLANT. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE OWNER OF THE OLD LOG HOUSE NEAR ASBURY CHAPEL ROAD BE CONTACTED TO GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY 0F THE BUILDING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #6 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Parker

The Projects Committee business was discussed earlier in the agenda. The Projects Committee met March 3, 2003. Minutes from the meeting are on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org and are on file at the HLC office.

Item #7 - Education Committee Report: Ms. Richardson and Mr. Sullivan

Mr. Sullivan reported that the Education Committee met February 20th and will meet again March 20th at 6:00 p.m. at the HLC office.

Mr. Sullivan reported that Ms. Johnson-Gess has arranged for an educational display at three public schools, the first of which is Harding High, highlighting the HLC’s recently completed African American Survey.  Ms. Hockett prepared the display.

Mr. Sullivan reported that on May 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Cotton Mill, Building B (owned by the HLC) the Committee is sponsoring a special breakfast event as a prologue to Historic Preservation Week. The purpose of the event is to inform public officials and staff on the process of identifying and preserving historic landmarks. Ms. Cameron Blake Holtz and Dr. Morrill are working on the invitation list which will include over 200 people. Mr. Sullivan is preparing a video which will highlight the HLC’s historic preservation projects. He said that the Committee wants to produce something that the participants could take with them, including descriptions of present projects. Ms. Hockett is creating a map illustrating historic landmarks throughout Mecklenburg County. Ms. Bos is preparing an outline for the program. Mr. Sullivan will prepare name tags.

Mr. Sullivan distributed an information sheet to the Commissioners about the Charlotte Historic Mural which the HLC currently possesses. Mr. Bradsher said that he has appointed Mr. Sullivan as Chief Steward of this important work of art (600 square feet valued at over $20,000.)

Item #8 - Rural Hill Schoolhouse Report: Mr. Misenheimer

Mr. Misenheimer reported that he continues to meet with individuals who will be involved with the operation of the Davidson Schoolhouse at Rural Hill. A celebration will be held at the pavilion building at the Davidson Schoolhouse in May which will dovetail well with the HLC’s event May 1st.

Item #9 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Bos

Ms. Bos distributed a current financial report on the HLC’s projects. The profit from the Palmer Fire School sale has been returned to the Revolving Fund.

Dr. Morrill reported that new information was received today in a letter regarding the Washam Farm negotiations. He said that the process will be discussed at the HLC’s April meeting after complete information has been gathered.

Dr. Morrill reported that the Grand Theater, 333 Beatties Ford Road, was visited this past Friday by Mr. Bradsher, Ms. Nystrom, Mr. Turner, Ms. Lewis and himself. The owner of the Grand Theater is willing to sell the property which is the only surviving theater in Mecklenburg County which African Americans exclusively attended.

MS. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON-GESS THAT THE COMMISSION CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. HOCKETT PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. SULLIVAN THAT THE COMMISSION RECONVENE IN ITS REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

In Executive Session the HLC voted to pursue purchase of the Grand Theater.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.