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

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.

Present:

Ms. Ava Autrey/City, Design Review Committee Chairman

Ms. Tattie Bos/Mayor, Design Review Committee V. Chairman

Mr. Jeff Bradsher/County, HLC Chairman

Mr. Bernard Felder/City

Ms. Phiderika Foust/County

Mr. Scott Hirsch/City, HLC Treasurer

Mr. John Misenheimer/County, Education Committee Chairman

Mr. John J. Parker, III/Mayor, Projects Committee Chairman

Ms. Ross Richardson/County, Survey Committee V. Chairman

Mr. Michael Sullivan/County

Dr. Dan L. Morrill, HLC Consulting Director

Ms. Mary Lynn Morrill, HLC Recording Consultant

Absent:

Ms. Deborah Cox/City, HLC V. Chr., Survey Committee Chairman

Mr. David T. Ritch, MHA President (ex-officio)

Visitors:

Ms. Laurie Guy, Queens College/Withers-Efird House

Mr. Charlie Clayton, Carolina Theatre Preservation Society

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

Mr. Bradsher welcomed everyone to the meeting.

MS. RICHARDSON PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. PARKER THAT THE MONEY REMAINING FROM THE $1,000.00 DONATION BY MS. CATHERINE BROWNING, APPROXIMATELY $700.00, BE USED FOR HLC FOOD, A BUS IF NEEDED FOR AN IN-HOUSE TOUR, OR ANY OTHER OFFICE ITEMS THAT MIGHT ASSIST HLC ACTIVITIES. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Mr. Bradsher reminded the Commissioners that the HLC will not meet in July.

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

Dr. Morrill reported that the listing of the Croft Schoolhouse with Percivals expired on May 13th.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. MISENHEIMER THAT DR. MORRILL AND MR. PARKER CONSULT WITH SPRINGSTEED REALTY ABOUT THE WISDOM OF SEEKING A LESSEE FOR THE CROFT SCHOOLHOUSE AND NEGOTIATE AND APPROVE A LEASE IF IT IS DEEMED THAT SUCH WOULD BE PRUDENT. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that an ad-hoc committee composed of Ms. Autrey, Mr. Felder, Mr. Parker, Mr. Paul Fomberg of Archives and History, Mr. Turner and Dr. Morrill met on May 9th to interview a pool of architects to provide design services for prospective projects.

MR. PARKER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE BE AUTHORIZED TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH JOSEPH K. OPPERMAN TO MAKE PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS OF THE PRESERVATION STRATEGIES FOR THE OEHLER HOUSE AND THE McAULEY HOUSES. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the owner of the Grier-Rea House has submitted a proposal to the Historic Landmarks Commission. The owner will donate the house to the Commission on the condition that the house will be moved off the site no later than August 1, 2002. Also, the owner is willing to sell a lot across Rea Road of approximately 1/2 acre for $125,000. The house is not now designated as a historic landmarks. It must be so designated before the Commission can spend any money on moving or restoring the house. There are several options open to the Commission. The HLC agreed that the matter be referred to the Projects Committee for review.

Dr. Morrill reported that the HLC recently received a letter from the City, the owner of the Carolina Theater, stating that it believes that proceeding with historic designation for the remaining interior parts of the Carolina Theater is premature at this point. Currently, only the facades facing Tryon Street are designated historic. Dr. Morrill reminded the Commissioners that N. C. General Statute 160A-400 states that designation of the interior of a building can only occur with the owner’s consent. He said that since the City owns the property it has the legal right to decide whether the Carolina Theater interior can be designated as a historic landmark.

MR. FELDER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT THE HLC NOT PROCEED WITH THE DESIGNATION PROCESS FOR THE CAROLINA THEATER AT THIS TIME, BUT THAT CONTACT BE MAINTAINED WITH THE CITY TO DETERMINE WHEN ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE CAROLINA THEATER CAN SERVE PRESERVATION PLANS FOR THE STRUCTURE AS THE OWNER AND HLC JOINTLY DEEM APPROPRIATE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Note: It should be noted that Mr. Clayton of the Carolina Theatre Preservation Society arrived at a later point in the meeting to tell the HLC about the interest and work of his organization. He said that the group would like for the HLC to begin processing the Carolina Theater immediately for historic designation in order to insure restoration, not renovation, for the property. Mr. Clayton was told about the above action taken by the HLC and the reasons for the action.

Dr. Morrill reported that the voters approved $220,000,000 in November 2000 for land acquisition (Land Bond money) of which $60,000,000 has been spent. He said that a most interesting development has occurred with respect to the Historic Landmarks Commission’s possibly having the legal right to use portions of the money to acquire historic landmarks. He said that there is a need for a comprehensive strategy for use of the money, so that the needs of various County departments are taken into account. He said that he has been instructed to provide by May 31st a comprehensive list of properties that the HLC might use Land Bond money to acquire.

MR. MISENHEIMER PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. AUTREY THAT AN AD HOC COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF MS. BOS, MS. RICHARDSON, MR. MISENHEIMER, MR. BRADSHER, AND MR. PARKER CONFER WITH STAFF IN PREPARING A LIST OF PROPERTIES FOR SUBMISSION TO THE COUNTY BY MAY 31ST THAT THE HLC MIGHT USE LAND BANK MONEY TO ACQUIRE. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that discussions with the Coliseum Authority regarding the prospective designation of the Charlotte Coliseum (original) and Ovens Auditorium continue. He said that the Coliseum Authority has asked him to make a presentation regarding the prospect of designation.

MS. BOS PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. FELDER THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION DELAY PROCESSING THE ORIGINAL CHARLOTTE COLISEUM AND OVENS AUDITORIUM FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION UNTIL HLC STAFF MEETS WITH THE BOARD OF THE COLISEUM AUTHORITY. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the owner of the Electric Supply and Equipment Company is still interested in historic designation for the building. The Survey Committee has recommended that the building not be recommended for historic designation because in the committee’s opinion, the building does not retain sufficient historic integrity.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. SULLIVAN TO DELAY UNTIL THE HLC’S JUNE MEETING, CONSIDERATION OF THE ELECTRIC SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY BUILDING, 431 PENMAN STREET, CHARLOTTE, N. C., FOR HISTORIC DESIGNATION. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

Dr. Morrill reported that the joint public hearing with City Council to consider designation of the Withers-Efird House is scheduled to occur June 21. At this point, he recognized Ms. Guy from Queens College. Ms. Guy said that the Queens College Board of Trustees does not want the house to be designated historic.

MR. HIRSCH PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MS. FOUST THAT THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION TERMINATE THE HISTORIC DESIGNATION PROCESS FOR THE WITHERS-EFIRD HOUSE ON SELWYN AVENUE. THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE MOTION WITH THE FOLLOWING VOTE: FAVOR: AUTREY, BOS, BRADSHER, FELDER, FOUST, HIRSCH, MISENHEIMER, PARKER, RICHARDSON OPPOSE: SULLIVAN ABSTAIN: NONE.

Dr. Morrill reported that the City would be contacted to cancel the public hearing.

Dr. Morrill reported that the Town Board of Huntersville voted not to designate the John Milton Alexander House on Beatties Ford Road as a historic landmark pending additional discussions between the Commission and the owner. He said that he has sent a packet of information to the owner, but that previous contacts suggest that the owner will not consent to designation.

Dr. Morrill reported that the designation process continues for the Coffey House, the Oehler House, the McAuley House at its new location and the Rozzell House. He said that the Coffey House hearing with the Board of County Commissioners should occur in June.

Dr. Morrill reported that the ad hoc committee dealing with the trolley barn met with members of the Board of Charlotte Trolley, Inc. on May 8. He said that the committee decided that it would meet again following clarification of two issues - 1) determination of which firm is approved to develop the municipal-owned land surrounding the Hal Marshall Center and 2) determination of whether it would be possible for the Commission to use Land Bond money to acquire historic landmarks.

Dr. Morrill reported that an ad-hoc committee dealing with the issue of Cedar Grove met April 26th and May 10th at Cedar Grove. He said that the first meeting, chaired by Ms. Cox, was with the owner, Ms. Belle Banks, and that the second meeting, also chaired by Ms. Cox, was with the owner and members of a church that wishes to purchase twenty acres of land that is designated historic. Dr. Morrill reported that discussion will continue.

Dr. Morrill said that, unknown to staff, the owners of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in the Cherry Community had already signed a sales contract with a private sector buyer before the April meeting of the Commission. He said that he has notified the Church that if the contract is not consummated that the Church should contact the HLC office. Mr. Bradsher expressed concern about the HLC’s not having presented a contingency contract that would have enabled the HLC to act faster in property negotiations. He said that this lesson should be kept in mind in future negotiations with property owners. Mr. Bradsher asked that Mr. Turner contact Attorney Patricia Nystrom to develop a standard form for the HLC contingency contracts.

Mr. Sullivan left the meeting at this point - 7:20 p.m.

Dr. Morrill reported that the $7500 contract for the Survey of African American resources has been signed and returned to the N. C. Division of Archives and History. Staff will request that $15,000 of the Survey Budget Betterment Request before the County be used to fund the balance of the project. He said that the Survey of Institutional and Industrial buildings continues.

Dr. Morrill reported that Historic Charlotte, Inc., has not notified the HLC about the release of $45,000 from the Knight Foundation to assist with the building of an auxiliary building at the Davidson Schoolhouse at Rural Hill. Consequently, work cannot proceed.

Dr. Morrill asked Mr. Turner to give an update on the status of the HLC’s current projects. Mr. Turner presented the following update:

- Charlotte Cotton Mills: Bid for demolition were received May 10, 2001. Anticipate issuing notice to proceed during the week of May 14. Demolition is anticipated to begin by the first week of June with a 75-day completion period. Begin design of Phase II in June, with construction to begin August 1. Building C demolished. Building B belongs to the HLC.

- Oehler Farm, land acquisition: Land acquisition w/land banking bonds approved by BOCC on Feb. 6 and purchase complete on March 8. Preliminary site plan presentation in the Commission April 9, 2001. Establishing 5-acre flag lots and locating site for McAuley house. Awaiting approval of environmental site evaluation for waste system.

- Rozzell House: Contracts from Crosland have been received and forwarded to Pat Nystrom for review. Some revisions will be required. Property being prepared for historic designation. Inspection of additional properties is required prior to acceptance of contracts. Awaiting zoning approval to proceed. Zoning approval anticipated June 10. Boundary survey has been completed with boundary flagged at 50 ft. intervals.

- McAuley House: Designated historic Feb. 20, 2001. Preparation for relocation has begun. Preliminary construction began April 16. Awaiting approval of environmental permit for new location at Oehler Farm.

- Rosenwald School (Newell): Letter forwarded to Lodge President advising requirements for Historic Landmarks to be involved in Building Restoration.

- Palmer Fire School: Dr. Morrill has reviewed preliminary schematic master plans being developed by FWA. Architect to make additional modifications and request another review. Discussed schedule with FWA and they anticipate having additional information for review by 1st of June.

- Mt. Zion Lutheran Church: Church members have advised they have contracted with Deconti Odden & Griffith Inc. Contractors for the sale of the property.

- Dr. George E. Davis House: Board of Directors of JCSU has directed university attorneys to proceed with division of university property to include the Davis House. No additional information has been obtained as of May 11, 2001.

- Croft School House: Extensive site cleanup has been accomplished. Exterior and interior paint repair will be completed as a maintenance issue. New sales agent to be approved.

- Ratcliffe-Otterbourg House, 2100 Randolph Rd.: Approval of contract by Pat Nystrom complete. Building and system inspections have been completed. Mandatory referral scheduled for May 15, 2001.

- W. T. Alexander Plantation: Consultants developed schematic plans for review by Projects committee at March 22nd meeting. Schematic masterplans have been forwarded to several residential developers for input to economic feasibility response requested by May 14, 2001.

Item #4 - Design Review Committee Report: Ms. Autrey

The Design Review Committee met April 25, 2001. Minutes from the meeting and copies of issued Certificates of Appropriateness are on file at the HLC office.

Minutes can also be found on the HLC’s website: www.cmhpf.org or www.landmarkscommission.org.

THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENTED A SECONDED MOTION TO DELAY THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR 365 DAYS FROM THE ISSUANCE DATE AND THAT THE PROJECTS COMMITTEE GIVE THE MOST SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THE FEASIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION’S PURCHASING THE ROBINSON HOUSE, 8716 STEELE CREEK ROAD, MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N. C., AND THE TAX PARCEL NUMBER WITHIN WHICH IT SITS, SO THAT DEVELOPMENT CAN OCCUR WHICH WOULD BE SENSITIVE TO THE RURAL CHARACTER OF THE ROBINSON HOUSE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

The next Design Review Committee meeting is scheduled for May 30, 2001, at 5:30 p.m., at the HLC office. The meeting is always held 17 days after the monthly HLC meeting at the HLC office. Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness are due by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the monthly HLC meeting.

Item #5 - Education Committee Report: Mr. Misenheimer

Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Education Committee met April 19, 2001. Minutes are on file at the HLC office and are distributed on the HLC’s website: www.cmhpf.org or www.landmarkscommission.org.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that the Board of Editors met March 15, 2001, to discuss plans for the Website Journal. The Board of Editors will review and select manuscripts for an INTERNET Journal on the HLC’s website. The Board members include Mr. Misenheimer, Chairman of the Education Committee, Dr. Annette Snapp from the Charlotte Museum of History, Dr. Marianne Bumgarner-Davis from JCSU, Dr. James Hogue from UNCC, Mr. Robin Brabham from Special Collections at the UNCC Atkins Library Dr. Thomas Hanchett, Museum of the New South and Dr. Morrill.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that Ms. Sally Billington told him that Historic Charlotte has not received a letter as of today’s date authorizing Historic Charlotte to turn over the $45,000 grant money to the Historic Landmarks Commission to build a bathroom/auxiliary classroom facility to serve the Davidson Schoolhouse.

Dr. Morrill reported that he was in New York City April 15 - 17. He said that a series of video tapes on inner city neighborhoods are offered for sale to the public and that the Education committee might be interested in pursuing a project of this type, possibly through WTVI. The Committee agreed that Dr. Morrill should pursue this possibility.

Mr. Misenheimer reported that the next Education Committee is scheduled for June 21, 2001 at the HLC office.

Item #6 Projects Committee Report: Mr. Parker

Mr. Parker reported that the Projects Committee will meet Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at 6:00 p.m., at the HLC office.

Item #7 - Survey Committee Report: Ms. Cox

Dr. Morrill reported that the Survey Committee will meet Thursday, June 7, 2001, at 6:00 p.m., at the HLC office.

Item #8 - Treasurer’s Report: Mr. Hirsch

No further motions were presented as the $700.00 discretionary money was voted on under the Chairman’s Report.

The HLC budget year runs July 1 to June 30 of each calendar year.

a. Ms. Richardson reported on 8 properties in Biddleville, one property in Wesley Heights and 6 properties in West Charlotte.

Item #10 - Nominating Committee Report: Ms. Autrey

Ms. Autrey, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, reported that the Committee (Ms. Autrey, Ms. Foust, Mr. Parker) met and presents the following recommended slate for HLC officers FY2001-2002 which will be voted on at the June 11, 2001 HLC meeting:

Vice-Chairman: John Misenheimer

Secretary: Ross Richardson

Treasurer: Tattie Bos

Ms. Autrey reminded the Commissioners that nominations can be made from the floor with the nominee’s consent before voting for officers at the June 11th meeting.

MS. AUTREY PRESENTED A MOTION SECONDED BY MR. HIRSCH THAT THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF HLC OFFICERS BE HELD AT THE JUNE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION MEETING. THE COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MOTION.

No motions were presented.

No motions were presented.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.