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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

PROJECTS COMMITTEE MEETING

April 4, 2005

6:00 p.m.

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.

Present:

Tattie Bos

Yolanda Johnson, Committee Vice-Chairman

Joe Kluttz, Committee Chairman

Yolanda Law

Len Norman

Laura Smith

Mike Sullivan

Dan Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Bryan Turner, HLC Projects Manager

Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Patricia Nystrom, HLC Attorney

Absent:

None

Visitors:

Dean Gates (Rozzell House)

Bob Lore, (W. T. Alexander House)

Agenda

Mr. Kluttz welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Dr. Morrill,  explained that he and Mr. Turner did appear before the Citizens Capital Budget Advisory Committee to present the Commission’s request for having historic preservation money included in an upcoming bond referendum. The CCBAC will be formulating its official recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners in the upcoming weeks.

I. Update on Sales and/Marketing Packages

Sidney and Ethel Grier House (Auction), 4647 McKee Road

Dr. Morrill stated that the action of the Sidney and Ethel Grier House is scheduled for May 21st at Noon. A representative of the Commission will have to be present to witness the proceedings. Dr. Morrill and Mr. Jeff Bradsher, HLC Chairman, will work out the details. It was agreed that specific guidelines and parameters regarding the granting of authority to accept the bid will need to be considered by the Projects Committee at its May meeting. Ms. Nystrom and Mr. Turner will develop a recommendation to be brought to the Projects Committee.

There was discussion of the road sign for the auction. The Committee directed Mr. Turner to advise the auctioneer that more emphasis should be placed on the historic significance of the property.

W. T. Alexander Property, West Mallard Creek Church Road

MS. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. NORMAN THAT THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE CONVENE IN  EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS AN OFFER THAT HAS BEEN RECEIVED TO PURCHASE THE W. T. ALEXANDER PROPERTY. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Bob Lore, Realtor, appeared before the Commission and stated that his firm, Meca Properties, had received an offer on the W. T. Alexander property. The details of same were discussed in executive session.  No motions were presented.

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

MR. SMITH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. NORMAN THAT THE COMMITTEE RECOMMEND TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL UTILITY TAP FEE FOR THE W. T. ALEXANDER PROPERTY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COST WILL BE RECOVERED AS PART OF THE OVERALL PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY. THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Bob Lore was instructed to continue to negotiate with the prospective buyers of the W. T. Alexander Property.

Rozzell House, 11647 Rozzelles Ferry Road

Mr. Dean Gates, Realtor, appeared before the Commission to explain the overall marketing strategy that he recommended for the Rozzell house property. He stated that the current zoning is R3. He stated that his evaluation of the property is based upon his analysis of what one can reasonably expect to obtain for the property. He reviewed comparables in the area. He explained that the Planning Commission staff does not support commercial development of the property. Mr. Gates stated that he thought a reasonable argument could be made for a commercial use.

The Committee agreed that Ms. Nystrom, Mr. Turner, and Dr. Morrill should meet with Mr. Gates separately this week to work through the details and make a recommendation to the Historic Landmarks Commission at its April meeting.

Charlotte Cotton Mills, 508 West Fifth Street

Mr. Turner distributed Mr. Wade Finger’s report on the overall marketing progress on the Charlotte Cotton Mills and briefly explained the report to the Commission. Mr. Turner reported that Corder Phillips has moved into their newly purchased space in the building.

Grand Theater, 333 Beatties Ford Road

Ms. Patricia Nystrom stated that an offer has been made for the purchase of the Grand Theater. She continues to discuss the potential terms. Matters have not been finalized.

Grace A.M.E. Zion Church, 219-223 S. Brevard Street

Dr. Morrill stated that the HLC and the Church have signed an option that will allow the Commission to enter into a contract to purchase the property. Staff has met with County staff to investigate the possibilities of financial assistance from the County. Dr. Morrill, as directed Mr. Jeff Bradsher, HLC Chairman, contacted Mr. Parks Helms, Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners. Mr.  Helms asked Dr. Morrill to forward a proposal that would essentially divide the cost of purchasing the building equally between the Commission and an advance from the County. Such a proposal has been emailed to Mr.  Helms. The details of same were discussed in executive session.

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

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

The Committee agreed in executive session to recommend to the Historic Landmarks Commission that it enter into a contract to purchase Grace A.M.E. Zion Church, 219-223 S. Brevard Street, Charlotte, N. C.,  in accordance with the terms set forth in the Historic Landmarks Commission's option on the property.

II. Current Project Status Review: Mr. Turner

Mr.  Turner gave a PowerPoint presentation on the status of each of the following projects: 1) Grand Theater 2) Oehler House 3) McAuley House. He then reviewed the status of the restoration of the Grier-Rea House and went over the Monthly Projects Report. A general discussion ensued.

III. Update On Prospective Projects: Dr. Morrill

N. S. Alexander House,  5014 North Sharon Amity Road

Dr. Morrill stated that staff continues to consider the feasibility of the project. The N. S. Alexander House was included as one of the projects that could be funded by an upcoming bond referendum. Mr. Turner has visited the property and has made preliminary estimates of restoration costs. The owner, however, has not made a decision about what to do  with the property. Staff will continue to monitor the situation.

IV. Old Business.

There was no old business.

V. New Business.

There was no new business.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.