Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission

SURVEY COMMITTEE MEETING

January 6, 2005

6:00 p.m.

 

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

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

 Present:

Len Norman, Committee Chairman

Matt Benson

Richard Mattson

Dan Morrill,  HLC Consulting Director

Stewart Gray, HLC Assistant Consulting Director

Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Absent:

Scott Abernethy

Jack Boyte

Visitors:

Allen Brooks, Fennell House

Jeff Douglas, Fennell House

Paula Stathakis, Fennell House

Mr. Norman welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained actions taken by the Commission regarding Survey Committee business since the last meeting of the Committee. 

Mr. Gray reviewed the Survey and Research Report on the Carolina Cadillac Building at 1301 South Tryon, St. Charlotte.  The staff stated that in its opinion the building did meet the criteria for eligibility as a historic landmark. 

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON TO RECOMMEND TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT THE CAROLINA CADILLAC BUILDING, 1301 SOUTH TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, N.C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND ENTIRE TAX PARCEL) BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION.  THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reviewed the Survey and Research Report on the Fennell House at 301 East Kingston Ave., Charlotte, and explained that the principal issue with respect to eligibility for historic landmark designation  was whether the house has sufficient special significance.  Allen Brooks, architect for the owner, stated that the Fennell House does have special significance largely because of its architectural integrity.  The Committee suggested that the owner prepare a report with illustrations that compared the Fennell House with other houses of similar design in the original portion of Dilworth and submit the report to the Survey Committee at its next meeting.  The applicant agreed to prepare such a report and thanked the Committee for its time and attention.

Dr. Morrill reviewed the Survey and Research Report on the Former United States Post Office Building at 195 North Trade St., Matthews.  The staff stated that in its opinion the building did meet the criteria for eligibility as a historic landmark. 

DR. MATTSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. BENSON TO RECOMMEND TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT THE FORMER UNITED STATES POST OFFICE BUILDING AT 195 NORTH TRADE ST., MATTHEWS, N.C. (INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, AND THE ENTIRE TAX PARCEL),  BE PROCESSED FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION.  THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The Committee considered the status of the most endangered properties identified in the Uptown Charlotte Survey.  There was special concern expressed with respect to the Dupont Building, which the County reportedly intends to demolish.  Dr. Morrill stated that he would investigate the circumstances surrounding the building.

Mr. Gray explained the dimensions of the proposed McAuley Road historic landmark and stated that a Survey and Research Report would be forthcoming in the near future.  The Committee expressed support for the concept.

 Dr. Morrill reported that the Town of Davidson has applied to have a substantial portion of the town processed for listing as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.  The Town wishes to apply for a Federal matching grant of $20,000 to assist with funding the study to support the eligibility of the proposed district.  All local grants applications for Federal grants sent to the State Historic Preservation Office must be submitted by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, because it is the Certified Local Government for Mecklenburg County.  Dr. Morrill explained that except for minimal administrative costs all expenses would be paid by the Town of Davidson.

MR. BENSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY DR. MATTSON TO RECOMMEND TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION THAT IT APPLY FOR A MATCHING FEDERAL GRANT TO ASSIST IN FUNDING A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE ELIBILITY OF A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THE TOWN OF DAVIDSON FOR LISTING IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AS A HISTORIC DISTRICT.  THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that a citizen has asked that the dining hall at the former North Carolina Corrections Facility in Huntersville be considered for historic landmark status.  Dr. Morrill said that staff would gather additional information on the building for presentation at the next meeting of the Committee.

There being no further business, Mr. Norman declared the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.