Charlotte-Mecklenburg

HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION

NOVEMBER 12, 2001

MINUTES

Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, N. C.

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Present: Ms. Ava Autrey/County, Design Review Com. Chairman

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, HLC Treas., Design Review Com. Vice-Chr.

Finance Committee Chairman

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, Survey Com. Chairman

Mr. Bernard Felder/City, Finance Com. Vice-Chairman

Ms. Phiderika D. Foust/County, Education Com. Vice-Chr.

Ms. Amy Gray/City

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, Design Review Com. V. Chairman

Mr. John Misenheimer/County, HLC V. Chr., Education Com. Chr.

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

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Survey Com. Vice-Chairman

Dr. Dan Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Cons.

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Consultant

Absent:

Mr. Michael C. Sullivan/County

Visitors:

Mr. Mike Crum, Coliseum Authority

Mr. Jim Summers

Ms. Laura Parker, Great Aunt Stella Center

Mr. Ed McCoy, Grinnell

Mr. Reg Narmour, NWA, Parks-Cramer Complex

Mr. Tony Pressley, Mecca, Parks-Cramer Complex

Ms. Tamara Dial

Mr. Eric Lang

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. GRAY THAT THE MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2001, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. FOUST THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION ONE MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2001, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. RICHARDSON THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION TWO MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 8, 2001, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. He said that Dave Ritch died October 16, 2001, and that he will be missed by all of us. Dr. Morrill said that Mr. Ritch’s death is a great loss and that his service to the Historic Landmarks Commission and the community is remembered with deep appreciation by everyone.

Mr. Bradsher told the Commission members that their attendance percentage needs to be at least 75% by the end of the attendance year - the last day of December.

Mr. Bradsher reported that the Finance Committee will consist of Tattie Bos, Chairman, Bernard Felder, Vice-Chairman, Mike Sullivan, John Misenheimer, and himself. He asked that programmatic requests be submitted to Ms. Bos and Dr. Morrill by November 21st.

Mr. Bradsher said that a public hearing will be held in December to consider historic designation for the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Commissioners will be notified about the specific date and time.

Mr. Bradsher presented Ms. Autrey with a Certificate of Appreciation and a green plant for the service that she has contributed to the HLC. Ms. Autrey will be moving out of state very soon and will be greatly missed by all of us.  Everyone expressed thanks to her for her dedication, time, energy, enthusiasm, expertise and friendship.

Dr. Morrill asked that Commissioners consider the language for the sign for Old Good Samaritan Hospital.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. FELDER THAT THE LANGUAGE FOR THE SIGN FOR THE OLD GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE AGREED UPON REVISIONS.  THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE $200.00 DONATION RECENTLY RECEIVED BY THE HLC BE USED TO BUY AN INKJET PRINTER FOR THE HLC OFFICE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the County Park and Recreation Department is about to determine the amount of land at the Palmer Fire School, a designated historic landmark, that will be conveyed to the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Historic Landmarks Commission staff will be asked to make presentations to members of the Park and Recreation commission and to the Elizabeth Neighborhood Association. The purpose of these presentations will be to explain how the Historic Landmarks Commission will proceed in preserving the property. Thereafter, the HLC will ask the Board of County Commissioners to convey the property at no cost. F.W.A. Group is most interested in acquiring the property for its offices, but it is not certain that F.W.A. will move ahead with the project. Dr. Morrill said that the HLC needs to be aware of the situation. The Commissioners agreed that Mr. Turner should pursue the matter.

Dr. Morrill said that at the public hearing with the Charlotte City Council on October 17th the Electric Supply and Equipment Company Building and additional land at the W. T. Alexander Plantation were designated historic.

Dr. Morrill reported that Dr. Paula Stathakis and Mr. Steward Gray have begun their planning phase for the survey of African American Historic Sites in Mecklenburg County.

Dr. Morrill said that David E. Gall, Architects, continues to complete the final stages of the Industrial/Institutional Survey of Mecklenburg County, and that the final report was received today.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church has still not completed arrangements for Dr. Morrill’s coming to its Session to discuss the possibility of historic designation for the Mallard Creek Schoolhouse.

Dr. Morrill reported that several meetings have occurred during the past month to discuss the future of the Southern Public Utilities Streetcar Barn. He said that the owner has not yet responded in writing to the HLC’s proposal for seeking public funds to acquire and restore the building as a trolley barn.

Dr. Morrill said that he met November 2nd with City officials about the prospective designation of Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery as a historic landmark. He said that he was informed that the officials generally support the issue but believe that the City’s position cannot be finalized until after the State has determined what action it will need to take to complete infrastructure for the new railroad station on West Trade Street. Dr. Morrill anticipates that the HLC will be receiving a letter in the near future asking that the HLC postpone action until mid-summer 2002.

Dr. Morrill reported that the County Park and Recreation Department is asking for a postponement of the discussion of the prospective designation of Bryant Park as a historic landmark.

Ms. Autrey reported that the Design Review Committee met October 21, 2001. Minutes are on the HLC’s website and are on file at the HLC office, along with copies of the Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE MAIN BUILDING AT THE PARKS CRAMER COMPANY COMPLEX, 2000 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE PROVISO THAT PHOTOGRAPHS, CONTACT SHEETS AND NEGATIVES BE PRESENTED TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION BEFORE THE ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION BEGINS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT WHEN THE OWNER OF BUILDING "G" AT THE PARKS CRAMER COMPANY COMPLEX, 2000 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., SUBMITS A DUPLICATE OF THE MARCH 2000 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF BUILDING "G" THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR SAID DEMOLITION THAT WOULD ALLOW THE OWNER TO PROCEED WITH NO DELAY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH ABSTENTIONS BY MS. COX AND MS. BOS.

The next meeting of the Design Review Committee is scheduled for November 28, 2001. Mr. Hirsch will become Committee Chairman upon Ms. Autrey’s December 1st departure and Ms. Gray will serve as Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met October 18, 2001. Minutes from the meeting are on the HLC’s website and are on file at the HLC office.

1) Southern Public Utilities Barn - No action was taken at the meeting.

2) Grinnell/General Fire Extinguisher Co. Complex, 1431 & 1433 West Morehead Street

Mr. McCoy was present to support historic designation for the property.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE GRINNELL/GENERAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPANY COMPLEX, 1431 AND 1433 WEST MOREHEAD STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND LAND ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAX PARCEL) , IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD MOTION, BE APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION SCHEDULE A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNING BODY UPON RECEIPT OF A FAVORABLE COMMENT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FELDER, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON   OPPOSE: NONE   ABSTAIN: NONE.

3) Bryant Park, 1701 West Morehead Street

The HLC agreed to take no action at this time on recommending the property for historic designation due to the fact that a letter was received from Mr. John DeKemper of Park and Recreation asking that the matter be deferred until a representative can attend an HLC meeting where the matter is considered.

4) East Avenue Tabernacle A.R.P. Church (former), 927 East Trade Street, Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT EAST AVENUE TABERNACLE A.R.P. CHURCH (FORMER), 927 EAST TRADE STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND LAND ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAX PARCEL) BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION.

The Survey Committee’s motion on the East Ave. Tabernacle A.R.P. Church was discussed. The owner, Ms. Parker, was present to answer questions.

MS. COX PRESENTED AN AMENDED MOTION SECONDED BY MS. FOUST THAT EAST AVENUE TABERNACLE A.R.P. CHURCH (FORMER), 927 EAST TRADE STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE SANCTUARY, EXTERIOR OF ENTIRE STRUCTURE, AND LAND ASSOCIATED WITH THE TAX PARCEL), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD MOTION, BE APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION SCHEDULE A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNING BODY UPON RECEIPT OF A FAVORABLE COMMENT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FELDER, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON OPPOSE: NONE   ABSTAIN: NONE.

5) St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Rectory, 8600 Mt. Holly Rd., Huntersville, NC

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH RECTORY, 8600 MOUNT HOLLY ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C. BE CONSIDERED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION AND THAT THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DESIGNATED ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE THE RECTORY (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) IN THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION ORDINANCE.

The Commission discussed the presented motion. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a designated historic landmark, is located close to the rectory but is on a separate tax parcel. The rectory is currently used for church related activities but is not lived in by the minister as in the past.

MS. GRAY PRESENTED AN AMENDED MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX THAT THE ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH RECTORY (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND AN AMOUNT OF LAND APPROPRIATE TO INSURE THE HISTORIC SETTING OF THE RECTORY, MOST LIKELY THE TAX PARCEL), 8600 MOUNT HOLLY ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARD MOTION, BE APPROVED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION, AND THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION SCHEDULE A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNING BODY UPON RECEIPT OF A FAVORABLE COMMENT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, BOS, BRADSHER, COX, FELDER, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON OPPOSE: NONE   ABSTAIN: NONE.

At this point in the meeting, the Charlotte Coliseum(original) /Ovens Auditorium, which the HLC has recommended for processing for historic designation, was discussed. Mr. Crum, managing director of the Auditorium-Coliseum Convention Center Authority, stated that the Authority proposes that it enter into a formal arrangement to consult the HLC about future changes of the exteriors of both buildings and that the HLC not recommend the buildings for historic designation.

Ms. Foust left at this point, 7:25 p.m.

MS. AUTREY PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHARLOTTE COLISEUM AUTHORITY MEET WITH CITY STAFF TO ASCERTAIN THE ATTITUDE OF THE CITY TOWARD THE PROSPECTIVE DESIGNATION OF THE CHARLOTTE COLISEUM (ORIGINAL) AND OVENS AUDITORIUM AS HISTORIC LANDMARKS. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, BOS, COX, FELDER, MISENHEIMER, RICHARDSON    OPPOSE: BRADSHER, FOUST, GRAY, HIRSCH, PARKER ABSTAIN: NONE.

1) White Oak Plantation Boundary extension, Hood Road

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT EXTENDED BOUNDARIES OF DESIGNATED WHITE OAK PLANTATION, HOOD ROAD, BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

2) Lee House, 3714 Country Ridge Road

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE LEE HOUSE, 3714 COUNTRY RIDGE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

3) Home Federal Building, 139 S. Tryon Street

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HOME FEDERAL BUILDING, 139 SOUTH TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE MOVED FROM THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST TO THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

4) D. A. Tompkins Dilworth Machine Shop (former), 1900 S. Blvd.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE D. A. TOMPKINS DILWORTH MACHINE SHOP (FORMER) AT 1900 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

5) Washam Farm, N. C. Highway 73, Davidson-Concord Rd.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE WASHAM FARM ON N. C. HIGHWAY 73, 15715 DAVIDSON-CONCORD ROAD, BE MOVED FROM THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST TO THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

6) Bradford House & Store, N. C. Highway 73, Davidson-Concord Rd.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE BRADFORD HOUSE AND STORE ON N. C. HIGHWAY 73, 15908 DAVIDSON-CONCORD ROAD, BE MOVED FROM THE HLC’S INVENTORY LIST TO THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the World War II Survey photographs and descriptions will be placed on the website soon.

Ms. Cox reported that the next meeting of the Survey Committee is scheduled for December 6, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the HLC office.

Mr. Parker reported that the next meeting of the Projects Committee will be held Monday, December 3, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. at the HLC office. He said that the Committee will be meeting the first Monday of each month through June.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that Dr. Paula Stathakis is soliciting articles for the website JOURNAL and that she would welcome ideas from Commissioners. He reported that the Education Committee will oversee the installation of the old Good Samaritan Hospital sign. He said that the architect is working on the bathroom design for the Davidson Schoolhouse at Rural Hill which the HLC has $45,000 in grant money to build.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that the next meeting of the Education Committee will be held Thursday, November 29, 2001, at 5:30 p.m. at the HLC office.

Ms. Bos reported on six historic properties in North Charlotte and nine historic properties in North Mecklenburg. Ms. Bos expressed special concern about the very poor condition of the McIntyre Historic Site on Beatties Ford Road.

No motions were presented. Ms. Bos said that programmatic budget requests should be turned in to her and Dr. Morrill by November 21st and that she will schedule a Finance Committee meeting shortly after Thanksgiving.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. AUTREY THAT $617.28 BE PAID FOR THE TAX ON THE GLUYAS HOUSE, 7314 MT. HOLLY-HUNTERSVILLE ROAD, FOR THE LAST TAX YEAR. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, BRADSHER, FELDER, GRAY, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER   ABSTAIN: BOS, COX, RICHARDSON   OPPOSE: NONE.

Dr. Morrill reported that a CLG staff meeting is being held in Raleigh December 2 - 3, 2001.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. FELDER THAT $200 BE ALLOCATED TO PAY FOR HLC REPRESENTATION AT THE STAFF REPRESENTATION WORKSHOP TO BE HELD IN RALEIGH IN EARLY DECEMBER FOR CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.