Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

Projects Committee Meeting

August 8, 2005

5:00 p.m.

Location: 2100 Randolph Road

Time: 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Joe Kluttz, Committee Chairman

Yolanda Johnson, Committee Vice-Chairman

Richard Mattson

Len Norman

Laurie Smith

Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Bryan Turner, HLC Project Manager

Yolanda Law

Tattie Bos

Carrie Levine, Charlotte Observer

Marika Kalogerakis, Pappas Properties, Charlotte Cotton Mills

1. Opening Remarks Mr. Kluttz, Committee Chairman

Mr. Kluttz stated that it would be an interesting meeting.

2. Director’s Report Dr. Morrill

Dr. Morrill noted that all matters in which he was involved would be covered by subsequent items on the agenda.

                a. Rozzel House

A discussion ensued about the efforts to sell the Rozzel property. Pat Nystrom stated that there is a significant amount of marketing occurring. She stated that a newspaper article has been published.

Dr. Morrill noted that he had been discussing the prospect of Jeff Bradsher’s developing the property. Discussions are ongoing.

Staff noted that the only outstanding issues with the W. T. Alexander Plantation and the prospective buyer is the quality of the well water, which is being tested. The examination period has been extended until August 12^th. There is every prospect that the buyer will close on the property by the end of August.

An update on the prospective sale of different parts of the building was presented. Ms. Kalogerakis explained the details and reviewed the attached report. Activity is good, but there are no offers on the table.

Staff explained that the prospective buyer of the Grand Theater continues to evaluate the projected renovation costs. Examination period ends August 15^th , and Ms. Nystrom expressed some concern about whether the closing will occur.

Staff explained that the property continues to be maintained. First Charlotte Properties awaits direction from the HLC as to how it intends to move forward with marketing the property. There was a consensus that the Historic Landmarks Commission should market the property itself for six months and improve landscaping.

4.  Current Project Status Review Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Mr. Turner reviewed the project status report. Staff will be overseeing construction administration of the project. Mr. Turner reported restoration of the Grier-Rea House has begun. The Bathesda School has been moved. There was a consensus that Bryan should prepare a minimum expenditure to protect the building and present this to the Commission at the September meeting. This should also include what has already been spent.

MS. JOHNSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT THE COMMITTEE CONVENE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

            a. Grace A.M.E. Zion Church. Considerable discussions ensued about the prospective purchase of Grace A.M.E. Zion Church, especially in view of the appraisal which the Commission ordered.

MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. SMITH THAT THE COMMITTEE RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

In Executive Session the Committee approved a motion to the Historic Landmarks Commission that the Commission terminate its contract to purchase Grace A.M.E. Zion Church and submit a new offer.

MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. SMITH THAT THE COMMITTEE RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

            b. Wearn House. Dr. Morrill explained that the Trust Department of Bank of America wishes to sell the property. The exact amount of land to be included in the sale has yet to be determined by the Bank. The Bank might seek to sell the property to the Commission. Matters are still evolving. There was agreement that the possibilities should be pursued.

            c. Alpha Cotton Mill Houses. Dr. Morrill explained that the Charlotte Housing Authority will be demolishing the houses in the very near future. Discussions with Crosland, Inc. about the possibility of moving some of the houses to the Alpha Mill site do not seem promising. Crosland officials have explained that they must await the determination of Federal tax credits before they allow the houses to be move on site. Also, full financial plans would have to be developed.

            d. Southern Public Utilities Streetcar Barn. Dr. Morrill stated that there had been no substantive changes since the last HLC Meeting.

            e. Morgan School. Dr. Morrill explained that CMS has decided that it will not be using the building for educational purposes and that therefore the building will revert to the City. Discussions with CMS and the City will be pursued as to how the building will be preserved.

6.  Old Business. There was no old business

7. New Business. There was no new business.

MR. NORMAN PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. JOHNSON THAT THE COMMITTEE ADJOURNED. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Time:  6:02 p.m.