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The Historic Landmarks Commission will meet next on August 9, 2004, in its offices in the Ratcliffe-Otterbourg House at 2100 Randolph Road in Charlotte, N.C.  The meeting shall commence at 6p.m.  Anyone requiring special assistance should contact the Commission beforehand at 704-376-9115.

CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA

1.  Consideration of Minutes.  Click Here For June HLC Minutes

2.  Director's Report.  Click Here For Director's Report

3.  Executive Committee Minutes.  The Executive Committee did meet on July 12, 2004, to act on real estate matters pursuant to authorization from the HLC.  Minutes will be distributed at the meeting.

4.  Projects Committee Matters.

A.    A prospective buyer of the S. W. Davis House in the Croft National Register Historic District has submitted a contract to purchase the house.  The party intends to convert the house to an office use.  The issue immediately before the Commission is to consider whether it wishes to waive or exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the property.  The party, represented by Allen Brooks, will appear before the Commission to present a conceptual plan for how they intend to alter the house.  This will not constitute a design review issue but will be intended to allow the Commission to make a reasoned judgment as to whether it wishes to exercise or waive it right of first refusal to puchase.

Staff Recommendation:  Listen to the prospective buyers' plans for the property and, if the prospective buyers appear able and willing to respect the historic integrity of the property, waive the right of first refusal to purchase.

B.  As you know, the Commission has entered into an agreement with the owner and buyer of the Bethesda School whereby the Commission will have until December 31st to move the building to another location.  Preliminary investigations suggest that the building could be moved to Rural Hill Farm and renovated as a public historic site for $102,940.  The issue before the Commission is whether it intends to use revolving fund money for this purpose or whether it wishes to pursue a special allocation of County funds to move and restore the building.  If it chooses to follow the special allocation route, the Commission will make its request at the September 8th meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

Staff Recommendation:  Approve the submission of a special request to the Board of County Commissioners to fund the project.

C.  Jordan Farm.  The Town of Huntersville will be considering whether to join with the Commission in purchasing the Jordan Farm on Hus McGinnis Road.  The farm consists of approximately 28 acres and contains a house and outbuildings that have been considered for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  The draft of a letter of intent has been sent to the Town of Huntersville for its review.  The essential question before the Commission is whether it wishes to move ahead with actively considering this project.

Staff Recommendation:  Approve the submission of a letter of intent to the realtor representing the owner if the Town of Huntersville is willing to support one-half of the costs associated with the project.

D.  Charlotte Cotton Mills.  There continues to be activity with respect to potential purchasers of the Charlotte Cotton Mills.  This matter will be reviewed at the meeting.

Staff Recommendation:  Receive an Update and take appropriate action.

5.  Education Committee Matters.

A.  A major opportunity has arisen with respect to the Commission's educational function.  Specifically, the History Channel, with Bank of America as a major sponsor, has selected Charlotte as one of twenty cities in which it will be partnering with local institutions to develop a preservation educational program for the public schools.  A representative of the History Channel will meet with the Education Committee on August 25th at 9:30a.m. to discuss the program.  Representatives of Charlotte Trolley, Inc. will also attend. 

6.  Survey Committee Matters.

A.  Consideration of the Survey and Research Report on the Builders Building.  Click here for Survey and Research Report.

Staff Recommendation:  Pass a motion recommending to the Charlotte City Council that the exterior of the Builders Building be designated as a historic landmark.