Charlotte-Mecklenburg

September 10, 2007

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 6:50 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

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

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

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

Mr. Gray Newman/County, Projects Committee Chairman

Mr. Len Norman/County, HLC Chairman

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

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

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Mr. Stewart Gray, HLC Preservation Planner

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

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

Visitors:

Frank Quattrocchi - Shook Kelley

John Abbott - W. T. Alexander

Caroline & John Naysmith - N. S. Alexander

M. Stank - Firehouse #2

Donald Campbell - Donald A. Campbell Brokerage

Jim Donnelly - Home Federal Building

Lisa Gardner - McAden House

Danitzia A. Pawlouch

MS. JOHNSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT THE HLC MINUTES FOR AUGUST 13, 2007, BE APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

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

Mr. Norman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He said that the following Public Hearings are scheduled: 1) Tuesday, October 9, 2007(6:30 p.m.) - Pineville 2) Monday, November 5, 2007 (6:30 p.m.) - Huntersville and 3) Tuesday, November 13, 2007(7:00 p.m.) - Davidson. He said that Ms. Smith will let each person know his/her assigned date.

Dr. Morrill reported that a graduate UNCC student will be serving as an intern for the HLC this fall to update the HLC’s survey of modernist architecture in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. He said that the intern will work 9 hours per week for 15 weeks and that he is requesting approval for a $1500 fee for the internship.

MS. LAW PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT $1500 PER APPROVED AS A FEE FOR AN INTERN TO WORK NINE HOURS WEEKLY FOR FIFTEEN WEEKS TO UPDATE THE HLC’S SURVEY OF MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE IN CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill asked that the HLC hold a public hearing at this point to consider National Register status for the Robinson Rock House Ruin.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS THAT THE HLC CONVENE IN A PUBLIC HEARING SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Nobody was present to speak to the issue.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE HLC RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HOBBS TO RECOMMEND TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES THAT THE ROBINSON ROCK HOUSE RUIN OFF PLAZA ROAD EXTENSION, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL AS A NATIONAL REGISTER SITE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that Beazer Homes has not contacted the HLC since they met with staff in mid-August about the future of the Coffee Cup Soda Grill. HLC Staff assumed that Beazer would be returning with a specific preservation solution for the property but this has not occurred. Also, nobody has applied for any Certificates of Appropriateness on he property, including one for demolition.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff is concerned about the future of the William Newell House, 8410 Old Concord Rd., Charlotte, N. C. On June 11, 2007 the HLC approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the house but delayed its demolition for 365 days. Dr. Morrill said that it is clearly the most historic house in the Newell Community. HLC Staff will be discussing the situation with the Projects Committee at its upcoming meeting.

Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC Staff continues to work with Pineville officials on several issues. A meeting was held recently with Pineville Planners to review design concepts for the redevelopment of historic landmarks on the south side of Main Street.

Dr. Morrill said that Mr. Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager, has been working to obtain a site plan that will accompany the application for a rezoning request for the Grier-Rea House, 7601 Providence Road, Charlotte, N. C. The process should be finished soon, and the rezoning request will be filed with the Planning Commission. HLC Staff anticipates that office zoning will greatly facilitate selling the property. Mr. Turner is also consulting with the County Attorney to resolve outstanding issues with the contractor on the project.

Dr. Morrill said that the request to have the Torrence Lytle School Building conveyed from the County to the HLC will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners in October. This promises to be a most interesting project for the HLC. The building has been declared eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Dr. Morrill reported that HLC Staff continues to work on advising the Projects Committee as to whether it would be feasible for the HLC to purchase the P & N Thrift Dept. Toward that end an appraisal of the approximate value of the property has been ordered.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff has secured an appraisal of the McElroy House on Beatties Ford Road. The property is for sale, but the asking price for the property is substantially higher than the appraised value. HLC Staff is waiting to see if the private market will produce a buyer who supports preservation.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Turner has worked out an arrangement with the County to secure the materials upfront that Mr. Robert Schmitt needs to begin work on the Sidney and Ethel Grier House, 4647 McKee Road, Charlotte, N. C. Work should begin soon.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Stewart Gray continues to monitor the situation at White Oak Plantation, 7729 Hood Road, Charlotte, N. C. A tenant is now in the rental house. The swimming pool is clean. Ms. Lexie Longstreet, realtor, continues to market the property.

Dr. Morrill said that HLC Staff has been discussing the status of the Charlotte GM Fishbowl Bus which the HLC has owned since 1992. CATS is currently restoring the bus and is developing a budget for putting it in full operational condition. At some point in the near future a determination will have to be made regarding potential uses for the bus.

Dr. Morrill reported that Ms. Linda Kidd, realtor, continues to market the Rozzel property, 11647 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, N. C. To date, no offers have been received.

Dr. Morrill reported that he and Mr. Gray have been working with Mr. Turner to secure bids for moving and restoring the McAuley House on the Huntersville-Concord Road.

Dr. Morrill reported that Mr. Lynn Weis, Ms. Laurie Smith and Ms. Yolanda Johnson will be serving on a committee to meet with Charlotte Trolley to discuss the future of Trolley Number One. This car was brought from Greece to Charlotte in the 1980s and was the centerpiece of a fundraising campaign to build support for a vintage trolley line in Charlotte. CATS has determined that the car will not be able to operate on the Light Rail Line in South End. Charlotte Trolley is considering seeking another location for the car to operate and may be selling or leasing it to another city. Dr. Morrill suggested that Charlotte Trolley should move ahead with assuring that the car remains operational, either locally or elsewhere. Once Charlotte Trolley has identified specific users, it should meet with the Trolley Committee of the HLC to discuss final arrangements. There was a consensus among the Commissioners that this would be wise course to follow.

Mr. Bragg left the meeting.

Item #5 - Design Review Committee Report: Mr. Benson

Mr. Benson reported that the Design Review Committee met August 29, 2007, at the HLC office at 8:00 a.m. Minutes from the meeting can be found on the HLC’s website - www.cmhpf.org.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN BUILDING, 139 S. TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, N. C., FOR THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE INTERIOR AND FOURTH STREET ELEVATION BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED, WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT HLC STAFF AND DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WORK FURTHER WITH THE OWNER BEFORE THE NEXT HLC MEETING REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TREATMENT OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING, MAKING THE FRONT ENTRANCE AS TRANSPARENT AS FEASIBLE AND HAVING IT BE A STAND-ALONE STRUCTURE THAT DOES NOT TOUCH THE BUILDING.

Home Federal Savings and Loan, 139 S. Tryon Street

The applicant is requesting approval of a plan that would involve a new sign over the main entrance., changes to the lobby area, and a new entrance on the southern side elevation.

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT THE SURVEY COMMITTEE’S PROPOSED MOTION BE AMENDED SO THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN BUILDING, 139 S. TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, N.C . BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED AT THE SEPTEMBER 10TH MEETING ONLY FOR THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE INTERIOR AND FOURTH STREET ELEVATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE MOTION FOR THE HOME FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN BUILDING, 139 S. TRYON STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED AS AMENDED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

McAden House, 920 Granville Road

The applicant is proposing to convert the existing laundry room into a breakfast room. The most significant change to the house would be the replacement of an existing window with a new doorway with a transom and sidelights. Other proposed changes include the cabinets, flooring and woodwork in the kitchen. Other changes include a new sink in the upstairs bathroom, a new laundry area, a new pool shelter, and new landscaping.

THE SURVEY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE HENRY MCADEN HOUSE, 920 GRANVILLE ROAD, CHARLOTTE, NC. ., BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE PROVISION THAT THE TRIM AROUND DOORWAYS AND CASED-OPENINGS NOT MIMIC ORIGINAL DOOR AND WINDOW TRIM, AND THAT NO NEW TRIM BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING G REAR DOORWAY. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH MR. BENSON ABSTAINING IN THE VOTE.

W. T. Alexander House, Mallard Creek Church Road

The applicant is proposing to demolish an existing deteriorated chicken coop and construct in its place a new barn with a shed addition that replicates the dimensions of the chicken coop.

THE SURVEY 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 PROVISION THAT THE BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING BE USED ON THE SHED ADDITION TO THE BARN, AND THAT ROCK FROM THE ORIGINAL BUILDING BE USED IN THE NEW FOUNDATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

N. S. Alexander House, 4717 Shamrock Drive

The applicant is proposing a new one-and-one-half story detached garage, kitchen addition, enclosure of the rear porch, conversion of the rear bedroom into a bathroom and closet. New garage changes were presented as requested by the Design Review Committee.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE N. S. ALEXANDER HOUSE, 4717 SHAMROCK DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE CONCEPTUALLY APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT THE NEW GARAGE SHALL BE 20 FEET FROM THE HOUSE AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT STAFF AND THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN SHALL WORK FURTHER WITH THE OWNER TO DEVELOP A DESIGN FOR THE GARAGE THAT WILL LOWER THE ROOF RIDGE OF THE GARAGE APPROXIMATELY FIVE FEET AND THAT WILL MAKE THE FRONT DORMER LESS COMPETITIVE AESTHETICALLY WITH THE HOUSE AND THAT WILL DIFFERENTIATE THE DORMER FROM THE ARCHITECTURE APPOINTMENTS OF THE HOUSE.

MR. WEIS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. ALSOP THAT THE SURVEY COMMITTEE’S PROPOSED MOTION BE AMENDED SO THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE N. S. ALEXANDER HOUSE, 4717 SHAMROCK DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BE APPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANS PRESENTED AT THE SEPTEMBER 10TH MEETING INCLUDING THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE GARAGE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

MR. ALSOP PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. KLUTTZ THAT THE MOTION FOR THE N. S. ALEXANDER HOUSE, 4717 SHAMROCK DRIVE, CHARLOTTE, N.C ., BE APPROVED AS AMENDED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Charlotte Fire Station #2, 1212 South Boulevard

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR CHARLOTTE FIRE STATION #2, 1212 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N.C., BE CONCEPTUALLY APPROVED AS PRESENTED WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT HLC STAFF AND THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WILL APPROVE THE FINAL PROPOSED PLANS BEFORE THE NEXT HLC MEETING.

The matter regarding final proposed plans did not get resolved.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. LAW THAT HLC STAFF AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE BE AUTHORIZED TO RESOLVE FINAL PROPOSED PLANS FOR FIRE STATION#2, 1212 SOUTH BOULEVARD, CHARLOTTE, N. C., BEFORE A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS IS ISSUED. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Item #6 - Survey Committee Report: Mr. Alsop

Mr. Alsop reported that the Survey Committee will meet Thursday, September 20, 2007, at 8:00 a.m., at the HLC office.

Item #7 - Projects Committee Report: Mr. Newman

Mr. Newman reported that the Projects Committee will meet Monday, October 1, 2007, at 8:00 a.m., at the HLC office.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Law

Ms. Law presented the monthly finance report regarding HLC Projects. The report was distributed to each Commissioner.

Mr. Weis said that demolition by neglect continues to be a concern. Dr. Morrill said that the Design Review Committee could discuss the issue and make recommendations.

There was no new business. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.