Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

September 7, 2004

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 6:55 p.m.

Joe Kluttz, Committee Chairman

Yolanda Johnson-Gess, Committee Vice-Chairman

Tattie Bos

Len Norman

Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Catherine Browning, First Charlotte Properties(Realtor, Grier House)

Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Yolanda Law

Laura Smith

Mike Sullivan

1. Opening Remarks: Mr. Kluttz

Mr. Kluttz welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Director’s Report: Dr. Morrill

Dr. Morrill could not be present due to the fact that he had to attend the Town Board Meeting in Matthews representing the HLC’s interest in the Bost House.

Mr. Turner reported for Mr. Peter Pappas and Mr. Wade Finger who could not be present. Mr. Turner said that negotiations continue regarding the sale of the HLC’s section of the Charlotte Cotton Mills, 508 W. 5th Street. Mr. Turner reported that Mr. Pappas had 60 parking spaces and the HLC had 40 parking spaces at the outset. The HLC can buy 9 available spaces at a cost of $15,250.00 per space if it desires to do so.

4. Projects Status Review: Mr. Turner

- Charlotte Cotton Mills, 508 W. 5th St.: Property is being marketed by Pappas Properties. Minor floor alteration proposal was approved by HLC at the April meeting. No modifications have been made at the request of Pappas Properties.

- Oehler Farm: Stabilization construction is on hold due to lack of renovation funds.

- Rozzell House, 11647 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.: Substantial completion on the house has been achieved. Remaining work continues on outbuildings. Tenant house is vacant.

- McAuley House: Stabilization construction is on hold due to lack of renovation funds.

- W. T. Alexander House : Property is being marketed by MECA Properties. Three inquiries since property was listed; no serious prospects.

- Grier-Rea House, 7601 Providence Rd.: Scope of services for completion of exterior stabilization/restoration has been finalized. Design is underway. Interior lead paint abatement is approximately 40% complete.

- Grier House, 4647 McKee Rd.: Stabilization/Renovations have been complete. First Charlotte Properties is marketing the property for sale.

- Trolley Car Barn: Renovation is underway

- Grand Theater, 333 Beatties Ford Rd.: NWCCD is trying to complete closing on the project. They are looking at other options for redevelopment of the property.

- Yandell (Oakley) House, 129 Main St., Pineville, N. C.: Property is being marketed by MECA Properties. May - 5 prospects, June - 3 prospects, July - 5 prospects, August - 10 prospects, September - 3 prospects to date.

- Bethesda School, 13129 Alexanderana Rd.: HLC has attempted to relocate the building. HLC staff has met with CVSS to discuss plan to relocate school building to Rural Hill. Plan to request special funding from BOCC for project.

- P & N Depot, Old Mt. Holly Rd.: Building has been secured by HLC.

5. Projects Financial Status: Mr. Turner

Mr. Turner distributed the current financial data regarding the projects.

a. W. T. Alexander Plantation: The property continues to be marketed by MECA Properties. No offers have been received on the property. See the update under Number 4 above.

b. Oakley(Yandell) House: The property continues to be marketed by MECA Properties. See the update under Number 4 above.

c. Sidney & Ethel Grier House, 4647 McKee Road: Ms. Browning was present to discuss the current situation with the Committee. The property is being marketed for $500,000. Ms. Browning said that very little interest has been shown in the house. She said that the two major negatives are the price and the fact that the house sits in the middle of a Portrait Home condominium complex. Even though the house is on two acres of land and has 2,950 square feet, it does not have kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Ms. Browning said that the HLC can consider auctioning the house if it so desires. She explained what is involved with a house auction. Mr. Turner said he would be happy to get estimates to provide a completed kitchen and bathrooms in the house. The Committee discussed the different marketing options.

Mr. Turner reported that the following properties are being considered as prospective projects:

a. Jordan Farm, Hus McGinnis Road

b. P & N Thrift Depot, Old Mt. Holly Rd.

c. Bost House, Matthews, N. C.

d. Bethesda School, 13129 Alexanderana Rd.

There was no old business

Mr. Norman, Chairman of the HLC’s Survey Committee, reported that the Committee met September 2 and looked at the Center City Survey which is being prepared by Dr. Morrill and Mr. Stewart Gray. He said that the Charlotte Observer featured a fine article on the Survey in the September 3, 2004 issue of the paper.

MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT THE MEETING ADJOURN AT 6:55 P.M. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.