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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-19-2011 - 8aORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 19, 2011 Action Agenda Item No. ~ - (~ SUBJECT: Murphey School Local Historic Landmark Designation DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) Yes ATTACHMENT(S): 1) HPC Recommendation 2) Draft Designation Ordinance 3) HPC Minutes March 23, 2011 INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Stancil, 245-2590 Rich Shaw, 245-2514 Tina Moon, 245-2517 PURPOSE: To consider approving an ordinance designating the Murphey School as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark. BACKGROUND: In 1991, Orange County adopted the "Ordinance Creating the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) of Orange County" also referred to as the "Historic Preservation Ordinance". A few years later, in 1997, the County adopted a voluntary program to designate properties of local historic and architectural significance called the Local Landmark Program. One of the HPC's duties is to recommend properties for local landmark designation. Properties may be designated as individual landmarks or as part of historic districts. Properties must meet a higher standard of historic and/or architectural significance to be designated as an individual landmark. The higher standard is appropriate since, in North Carolina, landmark property owners are eligible fora 50-percent property tax deferral as long as the site retains its historic character. The designation process, outlined in Article 3 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, involves several steps culminating with the adoption of an ordinance for each individual landmark site or historic district. At its October 27, 2010 meeting, the HPC accepted a formal application from Jay Miller to consider the Murphey School for designation into the Local Landmark Program. Mr. Miller's application materials were forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review and comment. The HPC received a favorable response from the SHPO staff at its December meeting. The HPC concurred with the SHPO's evaluation -that the application materials were complete and that "the Murphey School has the requisite special significance and integrity for local landmark designation". At that same meeting, the HPC scored the Murphey School highly on its historic site evaluation form and voted unanimously to request a public hearing with the BOCC, as required by Section 3.7 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. The BOCC held a joint public hearing with the Historic Preservation Commission on March 3, 2011 to receive public comments on the Murphey School Local Historic Landmark application 2 and draft designation ordinance. At the close of the public hearing, the Board referred the designation ordinance to the Historic Preservation Commission for its formal recommendation. At its March 23, 2011 regular meeting, the HPC voted unanimously to recommend the adoption of "An Ordinance of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners Designating the Property Known as the Murphey School in Orange County, North Carolina as a Local Historic Landmark". The Murphey School would be the fifth property to receive local designation, joining the ranks of Chatwood, Moorefields, Riggsbee's Rock House and the Bingham School Inn. Murphey School was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on August 20, 2009 under Criteria A for its association with statewide efforts to improve education and Criteria C for its distinctive architecture. Named for North Carolina's "Father of Public Education" Archibald D. Murphey, Murphey School was constructed in 1923 as part of the early twentieth century consolidated school movement. Well-preserved, the rectangular one-story brick building features elements of the Classical and Spanish Revival styles. An auditorium was added to the west side of the building in 1936 and fronted with atwo-story classical Doric portico (temple front). The building was designed by Henri Colvin Linthicum, a specialist in school design and partner with his father in the architectural firm of Linthicum and Linthicum. A handful of outbuildings survive on the property dating to the first half of the twentieth century, including a 1923 frame bungalow that served as the teacherage. Though primarily honorary in nature, designation programs remain the most powerful tool to promote historic preservation at the local level. With the BOCC's adoption of the County's design standards (October 5, 2010), the HPC is eager to promote the local landmark program more diligently to further identify and protect the County's most significant cultural assets. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Should the Board adopt the proposed ordinance designating Murphey School as a Local Landmark, the owner of the property would be eligible for the 50-percent property tax deferral. Mr. Miller purchased the Murphey School in 2009. The assessed value of the property at that time was $181,820; the total property tax bill due on September 1, 2008 was 1 981. The current (post renovation) assessed value of the Murphey School property is $533,207. This year's property tax bill due on September 1, 2010 was $4,969. Should Mr. Miller apply for the 50-percent property tax deferral, the property tax bill would be approximately 2 485. This equates to an approximate $500 net gain for the County tax base. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the attached ordinance to designate the Murphey School as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark, and thank Mr. Jay Miller for his outstanding efforts to restore Murphey School and make it available for public events so that the residents of Orange County may continue to learn and appreciate the significance of this landmark property. 3 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Memorandum TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Todd Dickinson, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission DATE: April 2, 2011 SUB7ECT: Murphey School Designation as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark COPY: Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board Please find attached a draft ordinance prepared by the Historic Preservation Commission, with which you may designate the Murphey School as our next Orange County Local Historic Landmark. We, the Historic Preservation Commission, highly value this structure as an excellent adaptive reuse of an abandoned historic building. Its restoration was very well done, conserving the materials, exterior and interior design, architectural details and site of the structure in such a way as to fulfill our desire and obligation to preserve, protect, and return a significant Orange Country structure to use. I am sure its neighbors are happy an abandoned eyesore is now a beautiful building, available to them for community events. The designation of the Murphy School as a Local Historic Landmark is a deserved recognition of the care and diligence Mr. Miller has taken in his work. This return to service of a respected, well preserved and restored Orange County building, is the primary intention of our Local Landmark program. We hope the County Commissioners are as happy with the effect of the program as we are. Thank you for your support of our efforts. ~u~-a~I~-o~5 -DRAFT - AN ORDINANCE OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DESIGNATING THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE MURPHEY SCHOOL IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK Whereas, all of the prerequisites to the adoption of this ordinance prescribed in Part 3C, Article 19, Chapter 160A (Historic Districts and Landmarks) of the General`-Statutes of North Carolina and an Ordinance Creating the Historic Preservation Commission of Orange County (the "Historic Preservation Ordinance") have been met; and Whereas, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has-taken into full consideration all statements and information in the application and the designation report prepared by the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission and presented to the Board of County Commissioners on the 3rd day of March, 2011, on the question of designating the property known as Murphey School as a historic landmark; and Whereas, the property known as Murphey School, located in Chapel Township in the County of Orange and more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto, remains a remarkably intact example of the classical brick consolidated schools that were constructed throughout rural North Carolina during the 1920s and 1930s, and retains the original teacherage, water tower, and some play equipment; and Whereas, the original classroom wing displays elements of Spanish Revival design, a less common form for consolidated schools, and the subsequent classical temple-front auditorium was constructed with WPA funds; and Whereas, Murphey School was designed by Henri Colvin Linthicum, a specialist in school design and partner with his father in the architectural firm of Linthicum and Linthicum; and Whereas, Murphey School was named for North Carolina's "Father of Public Education," Archibald D. Murphey, a native of Orange County; and Whereas, the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission has recognized the historic, architectural and cultural significance of the property known as Murphey School and has recommended that the property be designated a "historic landmark" as outlined in Article 3 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance; and Whereas, the Division of Archives and History of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources has reviewed and commented on the findings of the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission. 4 Now, therefore, be it obtained by the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina that: 5 Section 1. The property known as Murphey School, located in Chapel Hill Township, Orange County, North Carolina jurisdictional area, more particularly described in Exhibit A, is hereby designated a historic landmark pursuant to Part 3C, Article 19, Chapter 160A of the General Statutes of North Carolina and the Orange County Historic Preservation Ordinance. Section 2. The owner(s) and occupant(s) of the property known as Murphey School be given notice of this ordinance as required by applicable law, and that copies of this ordinance be filed and indexed in the office of the County Clerk, Orange County Register of Deeds, Orange County Tax Supervisor and Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, as required by the applicable law. Section 3. In accordance with Part 3C, Article 19, Chapter 160A of the General Statutes of North Carolina and the Orange County Historic Preservation Ordinance, the exterior and site features of all historic landmarks are always under the purview of the Historic Preservation Commission's Certificate of Appropriateness Provisions. The jurisdiction of the Historic Preservation Commission may also extend over interior spaces with the consent of the owner. The Historic Preservation Commission shall include in its jurisdiction for Murphey School the preservation of the following interior features that it finds to be unique and important to the property, and to which the owner has agreed: the auditorium, including the stage itself and coffered ceiling; the transom; the beaded board sheathing; and the pressed tin ceilings and wood floors throughout. The HPC shall determine Certificates of Appropriateness to Murphey School based on approved design standards, with reference to the designation ordinance, the application materials and the designation report. Section 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. Section 5. Any part of this ordinance determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of any law or constitutional provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity of the remainder. Section 6. This. ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. s NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby officially designate Murphey School as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark. This the 19th day of Apri12011. Bernadette Pelissier, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners Attest Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board EXHIBIT A Murphey School is located at 3729 Murphy School Road, the intersection of Murphy School Road and NC 10, in Chapel Hi11 Township. Murphey School is referenced in Orange County Land Records as Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 9892-59-5445. a; ~~ ~~~ ~ ~.~ ~ 'S.. ~ ,;,~'' Est" ~ ~ '~ 7 ~~~ ~ ~~ Yw ~ r"~±,~~.~ '~ ~±.,~ }K~ xw~ t n -.~` dr ,~r, ',r t, µ~~- 'k -~ ~' ~•a ~f~.p,.~ t~ ~,~ t~.~,~,!k~~*y:- f ,n r +i~ + ~ ~ y~+f. ~ "x jk j ,~t; r ~ >. ~. ~ : « .. .~ ,.. ;, ~~1 ~ ~i F 'trth, ~ ~ ~F; fi't' .~'~* yy, ''t ~~ r,.„ ;,~ l"3 -~+~~ ~,~ f' a .~ ~ r s . w F ~ na .R ~ ~ tk ~ . ~~ ~ ~r ~' ~+,._ ~, ~ ~ ; . ~~ ' ~ ~ ~~ `s.:~rw~ l'~ ~~~~ `t.~D... ,~ '~ \ ~• ~ x i+t •J: . Fes, + ~'~F ~!a„~ ~~ J~`•~"~a•jY ~~ x °~~ *t ~ rR _ 4 ~ r ~ ~~S s~F Y e~~~ `~fi-. ~ ~=~i 'r ~ ra ,,C!f. ~~" ` ~~i`,,,~~ +~r,~,i,,~ .. FS . ~l ~ ~ • ~ J'M h~~ l ~~x ..~~~1. t,. ~ { ~ i~'1 ~~ T «. r ,.+,t a fib- Y~. #., ~~' ; ..~ j 77, p ~-1" ~ a + ~~+~. ~ ~ ~ F hSt ~ t .~ ~ ~ L ~* ;• ~'S~. ~ y ~ ~j~~ 4~ t F ;'r' s ~, t~l.~ f ~ ~~ a '1~ r'~, '~"i4 #~ ~+4y~ '~"y~@ *.~ S4 a f ~~ i,'M~S~i"~Fw~ ' J' ~ ~~I~t i~~ttt[~~r. ~ ~5 ~.' G+, 11 ~ .}'~ aK a _ F., +M <'.. f l t ~ i ;~~. + ~ ~ ~ ~~ F .~-.. i<~ ~° .r r ~,. }~ .t ~ . ~ i ~s ~ _ '~ + ° > ~~ ~ ~< ~. '~.~, rr,o. a ~• DRAFT -MINUTES g HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION March 23, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Todd Dickinson, Tom Allison, Steve Rankin, and Rob Golan MEMBERS ABSENT or EXCUSED: Alice Remini, Statler Gilfillen GUESTS PRESENT: STAFF: Rich Shaw, Tina Moon, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER Chair Dickinson called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. ITEM #2: ROLL CALL Dickinson requested that staff call the roll; four HPC members were in attendance. ITEM #3: INTRODUCTIONS OF GUESTSNISITORS None. ITEM #4: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA Moon reported that she had just received a request for the Quick Response Team (QRT) to document a house before a fire training burn. Allison asked staff to call in the morning with the address of the property. ITEM #5: APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. February 23, 2011 Golan and Dickinson requested minor corrections. Allison motioned to approve the minutes as corrected. Golan seconded the motion. The HPC voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2011 meeting. ITEM #6: REPORTS a. Blackwood Farm Park Master Plan Staff reported that the Blackwood Farm Park Master Plan was approved at the Board of County Commissioners' March 3`~ regular meeting. b. Unified Development Ordinance Staff provided updates on the Unified Development Ordinance, and referred members to the Planning Department's website for additional information. ITEM #7: PUBLIC HEARINGS None. ITEM #8: ITEMS FOR DECISION a. Recommendation for Murphey School Local Landmark Application Members read through the draft designation ordinance for the Murphey School Local Landmark application. Rankin identified two minor typos. Golan and Dickinson requested adding a phrase noting that Archibald Murphey was an Orange County native. Members agreed to add a phrase to the sixth "Whereas" so that it would read, "Whereas, Murphey School was named for North Carolina's "Father of Public Education," Archibald D. Murphey, a native of Orange County;" Members also discussed the overall renovation project and the possibility of publicly thanking the owner, Jay Miller, or trying to create some sort of preservation award for him. Draft -Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 23, 2011 Page 1 Dickinson summarized the HPC's comments in his motion to recommend approval of the Murphey School 9 Local Landmark application. Rankin seconded the motion. The HPC voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Murphey School Local Landmark application. Dickinson shared his correspondence with Alice Remini, who was unable to attend the meeting. Remini stressed her support for the application. Dickinson offered to work with staff to. prepare a cover memo to accompany the draft designation ordinance. ITEM #9: DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Preservation Month Activities Dickinson asked Rankin for an update on his efforts to obtain WPA photos of rural Orange County sites for display during National Preservation Month in May. Rankin agreed to follow up on this by the next (April) meeting. Staff reported that the American Institute of Building Design, North Carolina Society, had agreed to sponsor the Photo Contest prize money again this year. Moon handed out freshly printed photo contest brochures and entry forms ready for distribution throughout the county. b. Draft Memorandum for Work Plan Dickinson distributed a draft memo regarding the HPC's interest in becoming more involved with the care of county-owned properties of historic significance. Members discussed how much detail to include in the initial request, and whether to speak to the protection of underground resources as well. Dickinson offered to refine the memo based on everyone's comments in time for the April meeting. c. Work Plan for 2011 Dickinson reviewed the items listed on the work plan chart assigned to the March meetings. Members discussed their various projects and scheduled them for the upcoming meetings. Golan agreed to prepare an attractive one-page flyer to highlight the photo contest, something that could be posted onto utility poles and information kiosk in downtown Hillsborough. Dickinson agreed to refine his draft memo regarding the HPC's offer to provide assistance with the maintenance of county-owned historic structures and associated property. Staff offered to draft a memo suggesting potential next steps in the dialogue with the Town of Hillsborough regarding local landmarks. Dickinson suggested reviewing the items from the 2009 Preservation Summit at the HPC's May meeting. d. Membership During the review of the meeting minutes, Golan spoke of the potential HPC candidate in the White Cross area. Rankin agreed to try again to contact this person and see if she would be interested in joining the HPC. Members agreed to begin posting the membership handout again. ITEM #10: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS and handouts at meeting Staff encouraged members to read through the informational materials, which were particularly interesting this month. ITEM #11: ADJOURNMENT Golan motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Rankin seconded the motion. Next meeting scheduled for April 27, 2011. Draft -Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 23, 2011 2