Videos

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

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

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, Survey Com. Chair

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

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, Design Review Com. Chair

Mr. John Misenheimer/County, HLC Vice-Chair, Education Com. Chair

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

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, HLC Secretary, Survey Com. Vice-Chair

Mr. Mike Sullivan/County

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Mr. Bernard Felder/City, Finance Committee Vice-Chair

Ms. Phiderika Foust/County, Projects Committee Vice-Chair

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz/County

Ms. Mary Christenbury, Rural Hill

Ms. Lisa Valdez, Park & Recreation/Rural Hill

Mr. Pat Morgan, Charlotte Trolley, Inc. Board member/Trolley Barn

Mr. Jim Lockman, Charlotte Trolley, Inc. Board member/Trolley Barn

Ms. Hank Ingebretsen, Charlotte Trolley, Inc. Executive Director/Trolley Barn

Mr. Tony Pressley, Meca Properties/Parks Cramer Company Complex

Mr. Fred Bolt, Pappas Properties/Trolley Barn

Mrs. Keets Taylor, CatawbaValley Scottish Society/Rural Hill

Mr. Dick Taylor, CVSS/ Rural Hill

Item #1 - Approval of Minutes

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2002, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

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

Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting. He said that he was sorry to report that Mr. Felder is resigning as a member of the Historic Landmarks Commission due to his heavy travel schedule connected with his business. Mr. Bradsher reminded everyone about the importance of regular attendance at all meetings connected with the HLC. He said that Commissioners should always call the HLC office if they cannot attend a meeting.

Mr. Bradsher reminded everyone about the public hearings scheduled with the Charlotte City Council on March 18 to consider historic designation of the Grinnel Fire Extinguisher Company and the East Avenue Tabernacle A.R.P. Church.

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

Dr. Morrill asked that the Commissioners consider the Action Item in the Director’s Report. He distributed a copy of a letter received today from the HLC’s attorney, Patricia W. Nystrom, regarding the roadway and timing issues connected with the Grier House.

MS. GRAY PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ACCEPT THE GUIDELINES OUTLINED IN THE MARCH 11, 2002, LETTER FROM PATRICIA NYSTROM REGARDING THE GRIER HOUSE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF McKEE ROAD AND TILLEY MORRIS ROAD WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL PROVISOS: A) AMOUNT OF LAND IS TO BE TWO ACRES MINIMUM TO ACCOMPANY THE HISTORIC GRIER HOUSE B) A PLANTING SCREEN AND BUFFER BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY POOL AND THE GRIER HOUSE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE HLC, AND C) THE OWNER OF THE GRIER HOUSE SHALL HAVE IDENTICAL RIGHTS OF USAGE WITH RESPECT TO THE POOL AND OTHER COMMUNITY AMENITIES AS THAT ENJOYED BY OTHER RESIDENTS OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY TO BE DEVELOPED BY PORTRAIT HOMES. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill said that in accordance with the HLC’s motion seeking County Commission approval at the HLC’s January 2002 meeting regarding special allocation of Land Bond money to its Revolving Fund so that the HLC could purchase the Southern Public Utilities Streetcar Barn at Bland Street and South Boulevard, he wanted to report that Charlotte Trolley, as stated in the distributed letter from Jeff Davis, President of Charlotte Trolley, Inc., will continue to seek funds to allow it to purchase the building, but at this point it can commit only to pay $3000 monthly rent if the HLC buys the property. Dr. Morrill said that this is an important issue since the HLC has agreed to repay Mecklenburg County from Revolving Fund money if no other source of repayment to the County is identified. He said that the essential issue before the HLC is whether it wishes to continue with the action already approved. If so, staff will direct Attorney Patricia Nystrom to begin contract negotiations with Pappas Properties. He said that hopefully, the contract will be brought to the HLC for its action at the May HLC meeting. He added that staff will also convene a meeting with County, City, HLC, Pappas Properties, and Charlotte Trolley representatives to determine how each party might participate in making this project happen. After due consideration, the Committee concluded that it would take no action to alter its existing commitment with respect to the purchase and renovation of the carbarn.

Dr. Morrill reported that he has had extensive conversations during the past month with the County Budget Department. He said that he had to identify a $700 cut in this year’s budget and that the money comes from printing. He said that the Budget Department will not recommend any betterments in the HLC’s budget for next year and that the budget might well be cut, primarily in printing and in Professional Fees.

Dr. Morrill reported that a public meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on March 19, 2002, at the W. T. Alexander Plantation as part of the rezoning process. Adjoining property owners and neighborhood organizations have been invited to attend.

Dr. Morrill reported that all impediments to the County’s transferring a portion of the Palmer Fire School property to the HLC have been removed. He said that the HLC will be acquiring the property and will seek proposals from developers.

Dr. Morrill extended special thanks to the County Park and Recreation Department for replacing the roof on the Davidson one-room schoolhouse at Rural Hill. He also said that he is delighted to report that the County is planting a flowerbed around the sign in the front yard of the Ratcliffe-Otterbourg House at 2100 Randolph Road, the HLC’s office. Dr. Morrill said that he is also interested in exploring placing a flagpole in the front yard and that he will discuss the possibility with the Design Review Committee.

Dr. Morrill said that discussions continue with officials concerning the designation of the Charlotte Coliseum (former) and Ovens Auditorium as historic landmarks. The Coliseum Authority will support designation of the exteriors of both buildings once renovations have been completed in the fall of 2003. Theretofore, the Authority will consult with the HLC before any changes are made to the exteriors of the buildings.

Dr. Morrill reported that he met with the Vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church to discuss the prospect of historic landmarks designation for the Rectory. He said that the Vestry desires that historic designation be delayed until a master plan is completed for the property. He said he anticipates that the HLC will be asked to participate in the planning process.

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

Mr. Hirsch reported that the Design Review Committee met February 26, 2002. Minutes are on the HLC’s website and are also on file at the HLC office.

a. Application for a Certificate of Appropriations (02-01) for the Parks Cramer Company Complex, 2000 South Boulevard.

Mr. Pressley, President of Mecca Properties, was present in support of the Application

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION (02-01) FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS TO EXPAND AN EXISTING MEZZANINE AT THE PARKS CRAMER COMPANY COMPLEX, 2000 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

b. Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (02-03) for Rural Hill Plantation, 4598 Neck Road, Huntersville, N. C.

Present to support the Application were Mr. and Mrs. Taylor from the Catawba Valley Scottish Society and Ms. Valdez from Park and Recreation. Ms. Valdez gave a power point presentation showing the proposed roadway.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION (02-03) FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS TO REESTABLISH THE OLD ROADBED OF MEADOW LANE AT RURAL HILL, 4598 NECK ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The next Design Review meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2002 at 5:30 p.m. at the HLC office.

Item #5 - Survey Committee Report: Ms. Deborah Cox

Ms. Cox reported that the Survey Committee met March 7, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. at the HLC office, 2100 Randolph Road. Minutes can be found on the HLC’s website, www.landmarkscommission.org, and at the HLC’s office.

Ms. Cox reported that CATS (Charlotte Area Transit Society) presented a program on the proposed South Corridor Light Rail Line at the Survey Committee meeting to explain the Environmental Review process and to report on the findings of historic resources in the Corridor. A Determination of Effects Report will be sent to the HLC office in the near future and will be placed on the HLC’s website. The Survey Committee will consider the document at its next meeting. A public meeting will be held at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center on April 2, 2002, to allow citizens to comment on the findings of the Draft Environment Impact Statement for the South Corridor light Rail Line, including those dealing specifically with cultural resources.

Ms. Cox said that the Survey and Research Reports for the Jesse and Mary K. Washam Farm, 15715 Davidson-Concord Road, Davidson, N. C. and for the Grand Theater, 333 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N. C., will be considered at the HLC’s meeting April 8, 2002, so that the owners can be notified that their properties are being considered for historic designation at the meeting. HLC meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE RICHARD BARRY HOUSE ON BEATTIES FORD ROAD (ADJACENT PARCEL TO THE IMMEDIATE NORTH OF HOPEWELL HIGH SCHOOL) BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH DR. PAULA STATHAKIS AND MR. RYAN SUMNER TO PREPARE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORTS ON THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: 1) PARKS HUTCHINSON SCHOOL, 1400 NORTH GRAHAM STREET 2) THE LITTLE HOUSE 2301 RED FOX TRAIL 3) SOUTH 21 DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT, 3631 SOUTH BOULEVARD 4) COLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 1318 CENTRAL AVENUE 5) ADA COTTON MILL, 630 WEST 11TH STREET 6) FORD MOTOR COMPANY PLANT, 1830 STATESVILLE AVENUE 7) ARMATURE WINDING COMPANY, 1001 WEST FIRST STREET, AND THAT DR. MORRILL BE AUTHORIZED TO DETERMINE WHICH REPORTS ARE TO BE PREPARED BY EACH OF THE CONSULTANTS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Ms. Cox reported that the next Survey Committee meeting will be held Thursday, April 25, 2002, at the HLC office.

Item #6 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. John Parker

Mr. Parker reported that the Projects Committee met March 4, 2002. Minutes can be found on the HLC’s website and on file at the HLC’s office.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE OEHLER HOUSE BE LISTED FOR SALE "AS IS" ALONG WITH THE JOSEPH K. OPPERMANN PLANS FOR RENOVATION/RESTORATION, LEAVING OPEN OPTIONS FOR RENOVATING BY A PROSPECTIVE BUYER. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE McAULEY HOUSE BE LISTED FOR SALE "AS IS" AFTER IT IS MOVED AND STABILIZED ALONG WITH THE JOSEPH K. OPPERMANN RENOVATION/RESTORATION PLANS, LEAVING OPEN THE OPTIONS FOR RENOVATING BY A PROSPECTIVE BUYER. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Turner, HLC’s Projects Manager, distributed a sheet entitled Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Projects Status Report:

1. Charlotte Cotton Mills - interior and exterior paint removal continues. Phase II major interior and exterior stabilization is to begin March 15, 2002.

2. Oehler Farm - Survey team is finalizing flag lots and locating site for McAuley House. Financial information has been received from the architect concerning the estimated cost for renovation and addition. The Projects Committee has reviewed the information.

3. Rozzell House - The architect continues to develop a preservation plan. A site visit with the NC Historic Preservation office has been accomplished. The architect is corresponding with SHPO concerning restoration plans and additions to the existing structure. Stabilization of the outbuildings has begun.

4. McAuley House - Final stabilization and preparation for house move to begin in early March. New site has been identified at the Oehler Farm and plans are being made to move the house during the week of March 18 or 25, 2002.

5. Palmer Fire School - All approvals have been received for the transfer of the property to the HLC by Mecklenburg County at no cost to the HLC. Attorney Patricia Nystrom is coordinating required documentation with the County Attorney’s office. The HLC will be required to develop a RFP process for identifying and qualifying parties interested in restoration/preservation of this property.

6. George E. Davis House - Gannt Huberman continues to develop rezoning plans for the property. They are unable to provide any define schedules.

7. Croft School House - Mecklenburg County Real Estate Services Dept. has identified a possible county department that may have a need for this building. Discussions will begin soon.

8. W. T. Alexander Plantation - The architect, Don Yelverton, is completing exterior renovation construction documents for the house, well house and garage. The HLC can anticipate bidding documents in early March. Buffer installation began February 27th. A community meeting for rezoning will be held at the property on March 19th at 6:00 p.m.

9. Grier-Rea House - Crouch Brothers and Jack Boyte Architect have complete house evaluation. Mr. Boyte recommends preservation of the entire house with exception of a small summer kitchen. Crouch Brothers has advised that the house can be moved in one piece due to the short distance of the anticipated move. Negotiations with the Rea family have been successful in identifying a new site for house relocation. Rezoning will be required for the new site.

10. Grier House - New information has been received concerning schedules and site planning as discussed earlier in the meeting.

11. Trolley Car Barn - The HLC has begun development of contracts for the purchase from Pappas Properties

12. Davidson Schoolhouse at Rural Hill - An architect, Allen Brooks, is under contract to design a bathroom facility for the one room schoolhouse. School children cannot visit the site without a bathroom.

Item #7 - Education Committee Report: Mr. John Misenheimer

Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Education Committee will meet March 21, 2002.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Tattie Bos

Ms. Bos thanked Dr. Morrill, Mr. Turner, and Ms. Morrill for preparing the financial reports which are on file at the HLC office.

Item #9 - Report on Designated Historic Landmarks: Bernard Felder

Mr. Felder was not present to present the report.

Item #10 - Old Business

Dr. Morrill said that the County has told him that it will support historic designation for Bryant Park.

Item #11 - New Business

No motions were presented.

The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.