Videos

Location: 2100 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC

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

Present:

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, Projects Committee Chair, HLC Revolving Fund Liaison,

Design Review Committee, Finance Committee

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Vice-Chairman, Projects Committee V. Chair,

Survey Committee

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, HLC Sec., Survey Committee Chair, Projects Committee

Ms. Lindsay Daniel/County, Projects Committee, Survey Committee

Ms. Phiderika Foust/County, Projects Committee, Education Committee

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, HLC Treas., Finance Com. Chair, Design Review Com.

Mr. D. Grier Martin, III/City, Design Review Committee, Survey Committee

Mr. Barry Miller/City, HLC Chairman, Design Review Committee Chairman

Mr. John Misenheimer/County, Survey Com. V. Chair, Projects Committee

Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Education Committee Chair, Projects Committee

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Projects Committee, Survey Committee,

Parliamentarian

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Absent:

Ms. Ava Autrey/County, Design Review Committee, Education Committee

Mr. Van T. Hill, MHA (ex-officio)

Visitors:

Mr. Skip Gribble, Myers Park Baptist Church, Withers-Efird House

Mr. Joe Kluttz, Attorney, Myers Park Baptist Church, Withers-Efird House

Mr. Victor Jones, Architect, Myers Park Baptist Church, Withers-Efird House

Mr. Louis Stephens, The Stephens Co., Chairman Blake House

Mr. Tony Pressley, Parks-Cramer Company Complex

Mr. John Burgess, Burgess Design, Chairman Blake House

Mr. David T. Ritch, HLC Representative on Historic Charlotte, Inc.

Mr. Scott Dodd, Charlotte Observe

Item #1 - Approval of Minutes

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRADSHER THAT THE MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2000, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Barry Miller

Mr. Miller welcomed everyone to the meeting. A copy of the Chairman’s Report is attached.

Item #3 - Director’s Report: Dan Morrill

A copy of the Director’s Report is attached.

Mr. Miller asked that the Commission advance to Item #11, Old Business, on the Agenda.

Item #11 - Old Business

Dr. Morrill distributed copies of a letter from Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, Attorney for Myers Park Baptist Church, regarding the Withers-Efird and Pressley Houses. The Commissioners discussed the situation. Church representatives answered questions.

Ms. Foust entered the meeting at this point: 6:22 p.m.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BRADSHER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ENTER INTO THE AGREEMENT AS PRESENTED FOR THE PROSPECTIVE CONVEYANCE OF THE WITHERS-EFIRD HOUSE, 1937 SELWYN AVENUE, AND THE PRESSLEY HOUSE, 2001 SELWYN AVENUE, TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION BY MYERS PARK BAPTIST CHURCH WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY MUST FIRST REVIEW THE AGREEMENT AS TO FORM. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: APPROVE: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, DANIEL, HIRSCH, MARTIN, MILLER, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: FOUST.

Item #4 - Design Review Committee Report: Barry Miller

Mr. Miller reported that the Design Review Committee met February 23, 2000. Minutes are on file at the HLC office.

Mr. Miller asked that the Commission consider the proposed move of the Withers-Efird House, 1937 Selwyn Avenue. He said that even though the house is not a designated historic property, the HLC has been asked to examine the concept of moving the house and to formulate a recommendation as to whether or not the move meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines. Myers Park Baptist Church owns the house, which was designed by Architect James McMichael and built in 1904. Originally located on East Trade Street, the house was moved to Selwyn Avenue in the 1920’s and was transformed by Architect Louis Asbury into its current classical style. Mr. Miller said that he, Dr. Morrill, Ms. Cox, Mr. Richardson and Mr. Martin met with officials representing the house on February 17, 2000. Mr. Jones, the Architect for Myers Park Baptist Church, was present to answer questions.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONCEPTUALLY APPROVE THE PROPOSED MOVE AND NEW LOCATION OF THE WITHERS-EFIRD HOUSE, 1937 SELWYN AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., AS PRESENTED, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PROPOSED UPGRADES TO THE HOUSE AND LANDSCAPING WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION AT A LATER DATE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill will write a letter to Myers Park Baptist Church stating that the Historic Landmarks Commission has approved in concept the moving of the Withers-Efird House in accordance with plans presented and that the HLC will look forward to a presentation by the Church of proposed upgrades to the house and landscaping.

Mr. Pressley was present in support of the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Parks Cramer Company Complex, 200 South Boulevard, requesting demolition of the Atherton Mill Rear Annex Building. He said that he is prepared to honor a 365 day demolition delay.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION DELAY THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS TO DEMOLISH THE REAR ANNEX BUILDING OF THE PARKS CRAMER COMPANY COMPLEX, 2000 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., FOR 365 DAYS, AND THAT IT ENCOURAGE THE APPLICANT TO PRESENT PLANS AS TO HOW HE MIGHT INCORPORATE PORTIONS OF THE BUILDING INTO FUTURE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES FOR THE PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: BOS, BRADSHER, COX, DANIEL, FOUST, HIRSCH, MILLER, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON OPPOSE: NONE ABSTAIN: MARTIN.

Mr. Miller asked the Commissioners to consider the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Chairman Blake House. The Application requests that the 4500 square foot house, built at the time of the Civil War, be moved from its current site to a site about 190 feet to the rear of the current location. Dr. Morrill said that the college put the property up for sale and that six developers are interested in buying the property for the valuable land. He said that the HLC has the power to approve or disapprove the move, to approve or disapprove how it is moved and to approve or disapprove the site to which it can be moved. Dr. Morrill said that if the move is not authorized, the owner could apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition. He said that the Stephens Company is the only organization that has offered to save the house. Mr. Stephens and Mr. Burgess were present in support of the Application. Mr. Burgess presented proposed plans showing the house after the move. Dr. Morrill reminded the Commissioners that the Town of Davidson has a Historic Preservation Commission which must also approved the plans. A Certificate of Appropriateness is valid for six months from the date of issuance and can be renewed.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE CHAIRMAN BLAKE HOUSE, 127 SOUTH MAIN STREET, DAVIDSON, N. C., AS APPLIED FOR. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT A LETTER BE SENT FROM THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION TO DAVIDSON COLLEGE AND THE DAVIDSON TOWN BOARD APPLAUDING THE STEPHENS COMPANY’S SENSITIVE EFFORTS TO SAVE THE CHAIRMAN BLAKE HOUSE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #5 - Projects Committee Report: Tattie Bos

Ms. Bos reported that the Projects Committee met March 2, 2000. Minutes are on file at the HLC office. A copy of the Projects Committee Chairman’s Report is attached.

Ms. Bos reported that the HLC has received an Offer to Purchase and Contract for the purchase of the Gluyas House, 7314 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road.

MR. MILLER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE PROSPECTIVE SALE OF THE GLUYAS HOUSE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. MILLER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. COX THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RECONVENE IN ITS REGULAR MONTHLY SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Bos reported that the Offer to Purchase and Contract for the purchase of the Gluyas House, 7314 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, was accepted in executive session as presented.

Ms. Bos reported that at the February meeting of the Board of County Commissioners approval was given for the HLC to purchase properties in local historic districts for restoration and resale with the Commission’s historic preservation revolving fund. Dr. Morrill has called and written Mr. John Rogers, director of the Historic District Commission, telling him that the HLC would like recommendations about properties for consideration for restoration by the HLC.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT MS. CATHERINE BROWNING, THE HLC’S EXCLUSIVE BUYER’S AGENT, BE ASKED TO LOOK FOR PROPERTIES IN LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS THAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED FOR RESTORATION AND RESALE WITH THE HLC’S REVOLVING FUND MONEY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: APPROVE: BOS, BRADSHER, DANIEL, FOUST, HIRSCH, MARTIN, MILLER, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON ABSTAIN: NONE OPPOSE: COX.

Commissioners were reminded that County Attorney, Marvin Bethune, verifies that the revolving fund ordinance states that new monies for fund projects may be used for any project within Mecklenburg County, not just for rural resources.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT

MS. CATHERINE BROWNING, THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION’S EXCLUSIVE BUYER’S AGENT, BE ASKED TO LOOK FOR PROPERTIES IN THE CENTER CITY THAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED FOR RESTORATION AND RESALE WITH THE HLC’S REVOLVING FUND MONEY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #6 - Education Committee Report: John Parker

Mr. Parker reported that the Education Committee met March 6, 2000. A copy of Mr. Parker’s report of the meeting is attached.

Mr. Parker reported that the Regional Preservation Conference which the Committee is sponsoring will be held Friday, May 19, 2000, at UNCC. Plans are contingent upon receiving a grant for the workshop from the Division of Archives and History. He said that a job description for Commission members and the Website, cmhpf.org, were discussed.

Item #7 - Survey Committee Report: Deborah Cox

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met March 9, 2000. Minutes were distributed to all Commissioners present and are on file at the HLC office. The next Survey Committee meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2000.

MS. COX PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MARTIN THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION PURSUE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORTS ON THE WITHERS-EFIRD HOUSE, 1937 SELWYN AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. AND THE PRESSLEY HOUSE, 2001 SELWYN AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Scott Hirsch

Mr. Hirsch distributed a copy of the quarterly report to each Commission member.

Item #9 - Reports on Designated Historic Landmarks

Mr. Bradsher reported on six (6) properties in Second Ward and fourteen (14) properties in Myers Park. A copy of the report is attached.

Item #10 - Associated Boards Reports:

a. Lynnwood Foundation: Grier Martin - Mr. Martin said that the Foundation has not met since the last HLC meeting.

b. Charlotte Trolley, Inc: John Misenheimer - Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Trolleys will soon move to a new location, the old Duke Power Bus Barn, at the corner of Bland Street and South Boulevard.

c. Historic Charlotte, Inc.: Tattie Bos - Ms. Bos reported that she is sorry to report that Mr. Martin has resigned as Director of Historic Charlotte, Inc., effective the last day of March. She reported that at the last meeting Tony Pressley was elected as the new President of HC, Inc. She reported that HC, Inc. will meet with the Mecklenburg Delegation on March 20th to ask for restoration funds for the Dr. George E. Davis House, and that March 23rd at 7 p.m., HC, Inc., is joining with the Mecklenburg County Women’s Commission Advisory Board to sponsor an event "Sites, Sounds and Taste of Women’s History" which is designed to celebrate Women’s History Month.

d. History Consortium: John Parker - Mr. Parker said that he had no new information to report.

e. 2010 Center City Plan/Citizens’ Advisory Board: Deborah Cox - Ms. Cox said that the proposed draft of the plan was officially presented on February 23rd. She read excerpts from the document to Commissioners regarding Historic Preservation. She said that adoption of the plan is expected May 8th by City Council and May 9th by the Board of County Commissioners.

f. MHA: Van Hill - Mr. Hill was not present.

Item #11 - Old Business

Old Business was resumed at this point. No motions were presented.

Item #12 - New Business

Dr. Morrill reminded the Commissioners that Applications for the expiring seat of Mr. Miller should be received by the City Clerk’s office by April 3rd. Mr. Miller will complete six years on the HLC in July. He said that Ms. Cox’s three year appointment expires at the same time and can be renewed for another three years. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.