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Grier Rea House Relocation
Current Situation
On the night of September 9-10, the Grier-Rea House
was moved 1.8 miles from its original location to a lot on Alexander Road
just east of Providence Road. The house currently sits at the front of
the DeJesus property.
Click to see map.
The Commission must select a permanent location for
the house. Two factors have to come into consideration. They
are: 1) historic appropriateness of setting and 2)economic feasibility.
Staff has identified 5 potential sites. All financial terms must be
discussed in Executive Session.
1. Krueger Property.
Click Here For Map. This property has many advantages. They
are: 1) short move for Grier-Rea House, 2) corner lot enhances historical
suitability, 3) possibility of preserving existing house and creating
additional lot, 4) 1.55 acres available. The only drawbacks are locating
house at busy intersection and cost of demolishing existing house if
necessary.
2. Alexander Property.
Click Here For Map. This property has many advantages. They
are: 1) dramatic, attractive location for house and one that is
historically suitable, 2) owner of property is a descendant of the Reas and
has a genuine interest in seeing the house preserved, and 3) one acre of
land is available. The disadvantages include the cost of moving the
house 1.1 miles and the public relations impact of having to cut many
overhanging limbs on route down Alexander Road. There are also
potential complications about obtaining permission of all owners to sell.
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These trees will have to be
trimmed |
3. Morgan Property.
Click Here For Map. The advantage of this site would be the
potential of locating the house on Rea Road, thereby preserving its historic
context. There are several challenges, however. These include:
1) the marketability of the house so close to the intersection of Rea Road
and Providence Road, 2) the amount of land under the direct control of the
Commission, and 3) the placement of the house in a new subdivision.
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This and the following two
pictures depict the northeastern section of the parcel. |
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This and the following two
pictures depict the southeastern corner of the parcel. |
4. DeJesus Property.
Click Here For Map. The Commission is deeply indebted to the De
Jesuses for their graciously allowing the Commission to park the house on
their property. The lot pictured below is in the rear or northern
portion of the DeJesus's property. It would be a major challenge to
move the house to this site. Also, the placement of the house would
have little relationship to its historic setting.
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The house would have to be moved
down this driveway and then down the hill to the pond lot in the rear. |
5. Harris Property.
Click Here For Map. This property at Rea Road and Old Providence
Road would have the great advantage of being historically suitable.
The problem is the owners are only willing to sell the Commission the entire
tract.
Staff
Recommendation: that the Commission approve its purchase of the
Krueger property and seek historic landmark designation of the lot by the
Charlotte City Council and the approval of the purchase by the Board of
County Commissioners. The Commission will have to go into executive
session to discuss financial terms. |
