Charlotte-Mecklenburg

October 8, 2007

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Richard Alsop,III/Mayor, HLC Vice-Chairman, Survey Committee Chairman

Mr. Matthew Benson/Mayor, Design Review Committee Chairman

Mr. Frank Bragg/City, finance Vice Chair

Mr. William T. Hobbs/County, Projects Com. Vice-Chairman, White Oak Chair

Mr. Joseph B. C. Kluttz, III/County, Nominating Committee Vice-Chair

Dr. Richard Mattson/County, Design Review Committee Vice-Chair

Mr. Gray Newman/County, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Len Norman/County, HLC Chairman

Mr. Lynn Weis/City, Survey Committee Vice-Chair

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Preservation Planner

Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Ms. Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Ms. Yolanda Johnson/City, HLC Education Chair/Liaison

Ms. Yolanda Law/County, HLC Treasurer, Finance Chair

Ms. Laura C. Smith/City, Nominating Committee Chair

Billy Raines, Ranson House

John Abbott, W. T. Alexander House

Ben McConell, Yandell property

Bob Bunn, Yandell property

Diane Althouse, Wing Haven

Andrew Beary, 2300 Cloister Dr.

Carol Ambrose, 2300 Cloister Dr.

Peter Willis Fleming, 260 Cherokee Rd.

Robby Byrum, William Grier House

Michael Campbell, Meck. Park & Rec.

Gil Hearn, 112 S. Tryon St.

Don Duffy, 260 Cherokee Rd.

D. Stugel, Wing Haven

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2007, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #2 - Chairman’s Report: Mr. Norman

Mr. Norman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He reminded the Commissioners to check the attendance data distributed at each seat. Attendance starts over on January 1, 2008. County reports are sent to the County Clerk the last day of December for evaluation. City reports are made to the City Clerk once every three months.

Mr. Norman said that the HLC will now hold public hearings at HLC meetings, the first ones being tonight, and that attendance will be optional at the public hearings with the City, in Matthews, Pineville, Davidson, Mint Hill and Huntersville to consider properties for historic designation.

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

Dr. Morrill reiterated Mr. Norman’s comments regarding public hearings. He said that the City Attorney has informed HLC staff that changes in the original State enabling legislation allow the HLC to hold its own public hearings for consideration of prospective historic landmarks which means that members of the HLC are no longer required to attend joint public hearings with the local governing boards. He said that HLC staff will be present at the hearings, which will occur after the HLC has held its hearings. The public hearing with the Pineville Town Board to consider the prospective designation of the 1928 Yandell Building and the Pineville Commercial Block will occur tomorrow evening, October 9, 2007.

Dr. Morrill reported that HLC staff has received word that two historic landmarks are in danger. Levine Properties stated that it would donate the Treloar House, 328 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, N. C., to the HLC if the HLC would move the building to another location. The developers of a large mixed use project in Huntersville contacted HLC staff and stated that they would donate the Tomlinson-Wilson House, 11400 Old Statesville Rd., to the HLC if the HLC would move the house to another location. The Projects Committee discussed both these items at its October 1, 2007, meeting and HLC staff has contacted the owners and awaits developments.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC staff has contacted the Assistant City Attorney to determine what action the HLC might take to prevent what appears to be a case of "demolition by neglect" of the Smith House on W. 10th St. in 4th Ward. There is specific language regarding the demolition by neglect matter in the State Enabling Legislation.

Dr. Morrill reported that HLC staff will devote considerable time during the upcoming month to fulfilling the requirements of an evaluation process the County has instituted for all County agencies.

Dr. Morrill said that two UNCC interns continue to do work for the HLC this Fall semester. One is assisting with research on prospective landmarks. The other is conducting an update of the modernist survey.

Dr. Morrill reminded the Commissioners of the request HLC Staff has submitted for modernist buildings that might be considered for historic landmark designation. Candidates should be submitted to HLC staff by October 15, 2007.

Dr. Morrill reported that at least two members of the HLC need to attend a preservation training workshop in Lincolnton in January, so the continuing education requirements of the Certified Local Government program can be met. Dr. Morrill said he will provide everyone with further details when he receives complete information.

A. McAuley Road Farmland (Huntersville)

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER RECOMMENDING THE McAULEY ROAD FARMLAND IN HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., FOR DESIGNATION AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

A public hearing was held for the "McAuley Road Farmland" (including the land listed under Tax Parcel Number 01128105, the land, historic farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings associated with the farmhouse listed under Tax Parcel Number 01128108, and a portion of the land associated with Tax Parcel Number 01113108 as shown on the attached exhibit "A". All tax parcels listed in the Mecklenburg County Tax Office, Charlotte, N. C. as of September 1, 2007). The property is owned by Phillips Bragg, Leslie Bragg, J. Frank Bragg, Katharine Bragg, Price Zimmermann, and Margaret Zimmermann and is located along McAuley Road in Mecklenburg County, N. C., as described. It should be noted that a portion of Tax Parcel Number 01113108 included in the designation includes the area extending west 100 feet from the center of the road.

No one was present in opposition to local historic designation for the property as presented.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE HLC MOVE OUT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON THAT THE HLC AFFIRM ITS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE McAULEY ROAD FARMLAND, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH MR. BRAGG ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

B. Pineville Commercial Block, 312-330 Main St., Pineville, N. C.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER RECOMMENDING THE PINEVILLE COMMERCIAL BLOCK, 312-330, PINEVILLE, N. C., FOR DESIGNATION AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

A public hearing was held for the "Pineville Commercial Block" (listed under Tax Parcel Numbers 20501301, 20501302, 20501303, 20501304, 20501305, 20501306, 20501307, 20501308, 20501309, and 20501310 as of September 1, 2007, and including the exterior of the buildings at 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 326, 328, and 330 Main Street in Pineville, the sidewalk in front of the building, and the parcels of land under the buildings listed under Tax Parcel Numbers 20501301, 20501302, 20501303, 20501304, 20501305, 20501306, 20501307, 20501308, 20501309, and 20501310 in the Mecklenburg County Tax Office, Charlotte, N. C. as of September 1, 2007). The property is owned by Persian Rug House of Pineville, W. A. Yandell Rental and Investment Co., Caps of Pineville LLC, Lewis Z. Bailes, Jr., and Peggy L. Bailes, Charles Bradford Smith and Tammy Nichols, J. A. Ardrey(Heirs), and Miller Family Lpl. The property is located at 312-330 Main Street, Pineville, N. C.

No one was present in opposition to local historic designation for the property as described.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC MOVE OUT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC AFFIRM THE RECOMMENDATION THAT THE PINEVILLE COMMERCIAL BLOCK, 312-330 MAIN STREET, PINEVILLE, N. C., BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH MR. KLUTTZ ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

C. Yandell Building, 325-329 Main St., Pineville, N. C.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER RECOMMENDING THE 1928 YANDELL BUILDING, 325-329 MAIN STREET, PINEVILLE, N.C., FOR DESIGNATION AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

A public hearing was held by the HLC for the "1928 Yandell Building" (listed under Tax Parcel Number 22106102 as of September 1, 2007, and including the exterior of the building at 325-329 Main Street in Pineville, the sidewalk in front of the building, and the parcel of land under the building listed under Tax Parcel Number 22106102 in the Mecklenburg County Tax Office, Charlotte, N. C., as of September 1, 2007). The property is owned by the W. A. Yandell Rental and Investment Co. and is located at 325-329 Main Street, Pineville, N. C.

Opposition to historic designation was expressed by a representative of the owner. Dr. Morrill reminded the Commissioners that no interior of a structure can be designated historic without owner consent but exterior designation does not require owner support.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC MOVE OUT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE HLC AFFIRM THE RECOMMENDATION THAT THE YANDELL BUILDING, 325-329 MAIN STREET, PINEVILLE, N. C., BE DESIGNATED A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK AS PRESENTED.

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION THAT 325 MAIN STREET, PINEVILLE, NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.

THE ORIGINAL MOTION WAS AFFIRMED WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: OPPOSE: ALSOP, HOBBS, NEWMAN ABSTAIN: KLUTTZ FAVOR: BENSON, BRAGG, MATTSON, NORMAN, WEIS.

Item #5 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Newman

Mr. Newman reported that the Projects Committee met October 1, 2007. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

MR. NEWMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION RE-CONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: During Executive Session the HLC voted to authorize Ms. Nystrom, on behalf of the HLC, to offer CSX a determined amount of money to purchase the Thrift Piedmont & Northern Depot and associated land, Old Mt. Holly Rd.

Item #6 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Benson

Mr. Benson reported that the Design Review Committee met Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. at the HLC office. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

A. Revision of the Certificate of Appropriateness Application for the Wadsworth House, Garage

A proposed project for the garage building was approved by the HLC. Since that time, Charlotte zoning has requested that some changes be made in the plan. Revised plans and elevations were presented.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT A REVISION FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS (07-01) FOR THE WADSWORTH HOUSE PROPERTY/GARAGE, 400 S. SUMMIT STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

B. William Grier House and the Hayes-Byrum House Relocation

Moving the William Grier and the Hayes-Byrum houses was approved by the HLC. The applicant has requested that a anew location for the houses be approved.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR RELOCATIONS OF THE WILLIAM GRIER HOUSE AND THE HAYES-BYRUM HOUSE, 8600 STEELE CREEK ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

C. The W. T. Alexander House, Mallard Creek Church Road

The applicant proposes to make significant changes to the garage associated with the W. T. Alexander House.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE W. T. ALEXANDER HOUSE, MALLARD CREEK CHURCH ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. .C, BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE EXTERIOR OF THE STAIR TOWER BE SIMPLIFIED AS AGREED UPON AND THAT THE DOOR LIGHTS BE APPROVED BY THE HLC STAFF AND THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE CHAIR BEFORE INSTALLATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

D. Major Alexander James House

The owners of the Major Alexander James House are proposing to alter the existing one-story wing on the north side of the house.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE MAJOR ALEXANDER JAMES HOUSE, 260 CHEROKEE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #7 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee met September 20, 2007. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmphf.org.

1. First National Bank Building, 110-112 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, 110-112 SOUTH TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (ENTIRE EXTERIOR, INTERIOR BOARD ROOM AND ELEVATOR LOBBIES), BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

2. Ranson House, 412 S. Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE RANSON HOUSE, 412 S. OLD STATESVILLE ROAD, HUNTERSVILLE, N. C., BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

3. Charlotte Fire Station Number #4, 420 East Fifth Street, Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT CHARLOTTE FIRE STATION NUMBER FOUR (EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR AND TAX PARCEL ON WHICH THE STRUCTURE SITS), 420 WEST FIFTH STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH MR. NORMAN ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

4. Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Avenue, Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE WING HAVEN GARDENS AND BIRD SANCTUARY, 248 RIDGEWOOD AVENUE, CHARLOTTE, N. C. (SITE AS DEPICTED IN THE SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT), BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

1. 1956 Solomon Levine House in the Cloister, 2399 Cloister Drive, Charlotte, N. C.

The house was designed by local architect Jack Boyte, who was then working for Louis Asbury & Associates. The owners were present in support.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE SOLOMON LEVINE HOUSE, 2300 CLOISTER DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST AND THAT THE HLC FUND A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT ON THE PROPERTY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill explained that he would be producing this report instead of the report on the Gerrard Tire Company Building.

2. Big Rock Historic Site

The owner is Mecklenburg County (Park and Recreation.) The Neighborhood Association desires historic designation.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE BIG ROCK HISTORIC SITE, OFF ELM LANE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST AND THAT A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT BE FUNDED BY THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

3. The S. B. Alexander House, 250 Cherokee Road, Charlotte, N. C.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE S. B. ALEXANDER HOUSE, 250 CHEROKEE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE PLACED ON THE HLC’S STUDY LIST AND THAT A SURVEY AND RESEARCH REPORT BE PREPARED AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH DR. MATTS0N ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Law

The monthly finance report was distributed and is on file at the HLC office.

No old business was presented.

An appraisal for the Smith House in Fourth Ward was discussed. It was agreed that the Projects Committee would consider this matter at its next meeting. Mr. Turner said that he will investigate whether the Commission could obtain a pro bono appraisal.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.