HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC minutes 012319 Attachment 1
Orange County
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Summary
January 23, 2019
Old Orange County Courthouse
106 W. King Street, Hillsborough
MEMBERS PRESENT: Todd Dickinson, Becky Paxton, Steve Peck, Tom Loter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Ireland, Art Menius, Paul Noe (all excused)
STAFF PRESENT: Peter Sandbeck GUESTS: None
ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER
Chair Dickinson called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.
ITEM #2: CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: None
ITEM #3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES for December 12t", 2018 (Attachment 1): Peck moved to
approve the minutes; seconded by Loter; motion approved.
ITEM #4: ITEMS FOR DECISION: None
ITEM #5: DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Historic Resources Evaluation Exercise: Neville Log House:
Chair Dickinson provided an overview of the evaluation process and how this relates to
the HPC's efforts to designate properties as local landmarks. Staff explained the
ownership history of the Neville House, located on old NC 86, south of New Hope Church
Road. It was probably built for a middling farmer, probably the second quarter of the 19tn
century, most likely 1830s or 1840s. It was probably built for the Currie family, then
passed to the Lloyd family through the marriage of Mary Currie to Albert Lloyd in 1874.
Staff then presented an overview program including current and older photos, a map, and
aerial photo that showed the farmstead in 1955 and 1975. Notable details include the
handsome stone chimney, the corner joinery of the logs and the late Federal style mantel.
Views of the Gosling log house on St. Mary's Road were also shown to provide context.
Members worked through the evaluation process and discussed the various features and
scores. Evaluation scores highlighted the special significance of its long African American
ownership, visual relationship with the historic road, and the possibility that it might be
endangered. The Neville House received an average score of 62.75.
b. Follow up discussion of ideas about digital guide/map/markers for rural historic
resources: This item was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.
ITEM #6: UPDATES AND INFORMATION ITEMS
a. Progress report on designating landmarks in ETJs of towns:
Staff explained the long history of this initiative. The County Attorney's office prepared a
draft inter-governmental agreement of the type that might address this goal. This was
modelled on the Wake County agreement that has been in place for over 20 years. The
attorney consulted with Wake County and learned that they have been very pleased with
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their agreement and how it has operated. Staff handed out the new draft agreement for
members to review as time permits. Dickinson explained the long history of this effort. The
goal is to allow the HPC to designate landmarks in these zoning areas where the towns
do not have the power to designate landmarks. Also, town preservation commissions do
not normally designate landmarks. So the current situation in effect makes it impossible
for worthy properties to be given landmark protection if they are located within these ETJ
areas. Discussion followed. Members asked staff to revisit this with the attorney to
address this issue, then bring back a revised version at a future meeting.
b. Orange County Museum walkinq tour and fundraiser:
Dickinson told members about an upcoming historic/ghost walking tour hosted by noted
historian Ernie Dollar, to raise money for the museum. This will be held on Feb. 22 and 23
at 6 pm and 8 pm. This will have six stops and various historic sites around town. The cost
will be $25 per person. The museum is working hard to address their budget deficit and
this sounds like an entertaining way to help support their effort.
c. Harvey's Chapel Landmark Application:
Staff gave an overview of the status of this project. The consultant has carried out
research and prepared an outline for a first draft to be delivered by Jan. 31. Staff is
making arrangements to tour the interior for photography, and will look for any evidence of
historic altar furniture made by Henry Evans at that time. The surveyor is supposed to
complete the property survey while the leaves are still off the trees. The goal will be to get
this landmark designation up before the BOCC by June.
d. Piper-Cox House update:
Dickinson explained his activities to get the state to get the work underway. The state has
now released the project and has indeed hired a project architect. We will reach out to
them to get involved in the specs and contractor selection process.
e. Book project status/update:
Staff gave an update. Editor/author Laura Phillips has just resumed work on writing our
county property entries. She has completed about 70 to date. Our new researcher
continues to do good work. The Historic Preservation Fund of Hillsborough declined our
request for a $25,000 grant to help fund the book. That group will be undertaking new
projects so is not in a position to grant such a large amount. They plan to be a sponsor at
a lower level when we start to seek sponsorships or patrons. Staff obtained updated
pricing from the book designer. New prices are comparable to three years ago, with the
benefit of color being almost the same cost as black and white.
f. Gatewood House at Daniel Boone Village:
Staff presented an overview of the history of this very interesting two story plantation
house that James Freeland moved to the Daniel Boone Village from Caswell County. It
has been most recently used as the Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant. According to
tradition, George Washington is supposed to have slept here for one night on his
Southern Tour in 1791. Its exact date is not clear, possibly it stood there in 1791 but also
possible that it was built later, on the site of Gatewood's earlier house. The new
developers would like to have the house moved away. The challenge will be to find an
appropriate lot for the house. Preservation North Carolina is discussing options.
g. Schley Grange National Register nomination and history:
Staff reviewed our current project to sponsor a new National Register nomination for the
Grange Hall. That nomination draft has been submitted to the State Historic Preservation
office. Staff provided a PowerPoint depicting the story of the origins of the Schley Grange
and how the small grange was able to win a national competition in 1948 sponsored by
Sears and the National Grange, to win a new grange hall.
h. Open airtime:
Peck inquired about names of brickwork experts to help at the Burwell School Music
Room. Dickinson and Sandbeck offered to meet with Peck to inspect the building.
ITEM #7: ADJOURNMENT: Menius moved to adjourn, seconded by Noe; meeting adjourned at 8:30
Meeting summary by Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR staff
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