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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC agenda 102820 AGENDA ORANGE COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 6:30 PM ****Virtual Meeting via GoToMeeting—link sent upon written request**** October 28, 2020 TIME AGENDA ITEMS 6:30 1. Call to Order 6:32 2. Changes or Additions to Agenda 6:34 3. Approval of Minutes: Sept. 23, 2020 meeting (Attachment 1) 6:35 4. Items for Decision : None 6:35 5. Discussion Items: a. Davis Farm Cotton Gin and Press: landmark evaluation exercise (Attachment 2) b. Annual Report and Work Plan for 2019-20: Review and discussion of draft (will be emailed separately) c. Oaks Community Rural Historic District: new interest from local residents d. Membership 7:50 6. Updates and Informational Items a. Dendrochronology project receives Covington Foundation grant b. Book project status/update c. Occaneechi Village workday and National Register d. Open air time for other new information by members/staff 8:15 7. Adjourn **Next meeting: December 9, 2020** Attachment 1 1 Orange County HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION DRAFT Meeting Summary September 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm Virtual meeting via Go To Meeting ___________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Ballard, Todd Dickinson, Tom Loter, Art Menius, Paul Noe, MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Peck 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: Staff asked to be able to add an update about the SHPO’s training requirements for our CLG status. ITEM #3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES for January 22, 2020 (Attachment 1): Menius moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Loter; motion approved. ITEM #4: DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Presentation on Davis Farm and Cotton Gin: Staff provided a powerpoint program depicting the Davis Farm and Cotton Gin complex, consisting of a mid 19th century log house and outbuildings, with later additions and a cotton gin and press dating from the 1870s. The early log house was expanded by two periods of additions. The outbuildings were all moved. The early kitchen and smokehouse survive. Down the hill and west of the house is a barn that houses an 1870s cotton gin and a unique hand-built cotton press, all still intact but threatened by ongoing roof leaks. The gin would have been powered first by a portable steam engine, and later by a small gas engine or tractor. Staff believes the gin and press and associated barn merit consideration for landmark status as a tool for long- term preservation. Our ordinance allows us to grant funds to a landmark for preservation purposes. Discussion followed with a focus on the special significance of the cotton gin and the question of public access. Member hoped to help find a way to help preserve it on site. The setting of the gin within that vernacular complex is part of its significance. And there is the larger story of how cotton growing was part of the story of the county, so the research phase of the landmark process should yield some good material. Staff was directed to proceed with the landmark process, first by doing an evaluation at an upcoming meeting. We can then seek out grant funds that we could pass through. b. Bethlehem Presbyterian Church: Staff gave a presentation about this history of the congregation, started in 1822 by Rev. Elisha Mitchell (think UNC professor and Mt. Mitchell) and others, and its several churches, up to the present imposing 1922 church. The small congregation is slowly losing members so is at present debating the idea of what to do with this wonderful building as a sort of succession plan. One thought is to engage the county in a discussion about using the church as a local community center. As part of this conversation, the HPC should be prepared to comment on the building’s significance and its potential for a future landmark, as a recommendation to the BOCC should the county wish to become involved in some capacity. Discussion followed about the architectural and historical significance and how the HPC might wish to proceed with 2 landmark status. Other issues include the eventual care of the important cemetery, and the potential for archaeological significance for the earlier church sites. c. Prospects for New National Register Nominations: Staff raised the topic of how the HPC might be able to assist with having the original Occaneechi Village archaeological sites nominated to the National Register. It is on property owned by the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust (Ayr Mount etc.). This might be a good collaborative project to undertake with Dr. Steve Davis with the UNC archaeology program. This would require permission from the owners as part of this process, as well as participation from the Tribal Council. Members expressed strong support for this project. Another potential is the Troy and Roberta Andrews House, which is the remarkable stone modernist house designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright’s. Noe asked for an update on the important archaeological site of the old tannery, between the Dickson House and the Post Office. d. White Cross School proposed landscape improvements: The owner is proposing to make minor improvements to the site around this landmark property, such as paving some parking spaces and adding some plantings. The use of the building has been changed from a preschool to a multi-tenant space for artists and craftspeople. Staff presented the proposed site plans and photos, noting where gravel parking spots will be paved. County planning ordinance requires a certain number of major trees along the front right of way, along NC 54. Our design guidelines stipulate the preservation of important historic vistas of the historic property, so are in conflict with the county planning rule. Staff reviewed and approved this project as presented in these plans as a minor works COA which allows for administrative approval if the project meets our design guidelines, which this does. Staff is sharing this project with members for informational purposes as per our ordinance. e. Lands Legacy Action Plan update: Staff referred members to the draft updated Lands Legacy Action Plan provided by Chris Hirni, Land Conservation Manager, for our review and information. This reflects our major concerns we voiced the last time, in 2017, such as assisting the HPC with funding for landmark and National Register reports, archaeological projects, and promoting land protection projects that also protect significant historic or cultural resources. Unfortunately, the funds we get from this program come from a professional services line item, so are not available to fund bricks and mortar preservation work, such as the stabilization of the old cotton gin. f. Added discussion about CLG training requirements for 2019-20: Staff reported that the SHPO CLG coordinator is requiring that at least two members view three CLG training videos each. So we are short. Those of you who have already viewed one or two of these need to view one more and write up a brief report and submit to staff by Sept. 30. Also PNC is holding this year’s annual conference virtually, on Oct. 15 and 16. g. Membership: It is time for us to ramp up a search for new members to have as backups. ITEM #6: UPDATES AND INFORMATION ITEMS a. Piper-Cox House update: The restoration work is completed, and it looks great. The state found some mold in the basement and so they are now working on that. b. Book project status/update: Editor/author Laura Phillips has written approximately 120 property entries for Hillsborough and 100 for the county. The lack of detailed research continues to slow us down. The Alliance is preparing to enter into a contract with our book designer so we can get that next phase started soon. We need nicely designed promotional materials to send with our funding request letter. c. Possible dendrochronology project: At the suggestion of Catherine Bishir, we are 3 going to partner with the Alliance to apply for a Covington Grant to initiate a project to do the dendrochronology on a group of 5-10 buildings in Hillsborough, to support our current research and writing for the book project. We’ll hear back in late October. d.Open air time: Noe discussed the old Cameron Ice House that is behind the Cameron Park School, and that there is a boy scout project to develop an interpretive sign for this. Staff reviewed the history of the restoration of the ice house in the 1990s by the Preservation Fund. It is owned by the Board of Education, as is the Hughes Academy. There is an archaeological issue if a post hole has to be dug for the new sign. Noe volunteered to monitor the digging of the post hole. ITEM #7: ADJOURNMENT: the meeting was adjourned at 8:12. Meeting summary by Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR staff ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL LANDMARK APPLICATION Page 1 of 3 Scoring: Lowest (-10); Highest (100); Midpoint (50) HISTORIC RESOURCE EVALUATION FORM (Preserving the Orange Tradition: A Landmark Designation Program for Orange County - Appendix E) Property Name: Location: Owner: Tax Reference: Address: OR Number: RESOURCE TYPE: AGE: National Register / Study List 10.0 Pre 1800 10.0 Archaeological Site / Cemetery 7.5 1801-1865 7.5 Building Complex 5.0 1866-1885 5.0 Individual Building 2.5 Score 1886-1930 2.5 Other Resource 1.0 Post 1931 1.0 Score Post 1959 0.0 HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: Associations with a National State Local Local None person, event, group (1+) (1+) (3-4) (1-2) or institution of Score significance 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Builder/Architect, Very Significant Notable Minor None period, style, or Genre Significant Score 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resemblance to historic Very Significant Notable Minor None landscapes and land use Significant Score patterns 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 CONTRIBUTING FEATURES: Diverse, additional elements related to history, landscape, or Very Notable None architecture that contribute to knowledge of the site and enhance Significant its historic or cultural significance. Examples: statuary, mach inery, Score fences, outbuildings, family histories and memorabilia, etc. 10.0 5.0 0.0 INTEGRITY: Condition Excellent Good Fair Poor Ruin Score 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 Alterations None Minor Some Significant Major Score 10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 Has the Structure Been Moved? Yes No Score TOTAL POINTS 0.0 5.0 Is the Structure At Risk? Yes No Score 5.0 0.0 Score MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES (-10 to + 10): Attachment 2 ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL LANDMARK APPLICATION Page 2 of 3 HISTORIC SITES SCORING CRITERIA Points Resource Significance Contributing Integrity Awarded Type Age Historic Architectural Environmental* Elements Condition Alterations Designated National Pre-1800 Early Associated with at least Very significant: Very significant: Register of Historic Settlement one person, event, High Academic: All or most NPS Diverse, additional Excellent. 10.0 Places site or included and the group or institution Designed by architect; landscape features elements related to Structure, roof, and None on National Register Revolutionary of National superb example of evident; strong history, landscape, surfaces sound. Study List War significance nationally-recognized resemblance to historic or architecture that period, style, or genre patterns of land use. contribute to Associated with at least Significant: Unique Significant: knowledge of the site Good. Minor. Repainting; Significant one person, event, example of nationally Many NPS landscape and enhance its Minor exterior repairs some minor trim 7.5 archaeological site 1801-1865 group or institution popular plans of the features evident; bears historic or cultural required. Some replacement; old or cemetery Pre-Civil War of State day; or, unique resemblance to historic significance. minor surface additions of awnings significance regional vernacular patterns of use with deterioration. and shutters. adaptation. minor modifications. Building complex Associated with at least Notable: Very significant: Fair. Some. Greater such as farmstead 3-4 of the following Notable: Some NPS features Outstanding or unique Evidence of roof leaks. extent of old, 5.0 with main 1866-1885 grounds for Local Common example of evident, but modified example, or numerous Some structural minor structural dwelling, barn, and Reconstruction significance: a person, nationally popular over time. General occurrences of members need replacing. alterations. outbuildings event, group period, style, or genre. historic patterns and contributing elements. Minor foundation work. or institution character are retained. (10.0) Substantial repairs. 1886 to Associated with at least Minor: Notable: Poor. Significant. 50 years 1-2 of the following Minor: Some evidence of Excellent or Major roof leaks, Structures added; 2.5 Individual building before present: grounds for Local Common vernacular historic patterns and unusual example, or deteriorating structure artificial siding; or site Industrialization significance: a person, adaptation of popular character remain, but some occurrences of and foundation. Major changes to roofline. through event, group period, style, or genre. substantial modification contributing elements. repairs needed to World War II or institution exists. (5.0) exterior surfaces. Major. Demolition; Ruin. Beyond 2 major additions 0.0 No association None None None reasonable with different restoration. architecture. *Environmental significance based on National Park Service (NPS) classification of eleven (11) landscape characteristics as detailed in National Register Bulletin No. 30: Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Rural Historic Landscapes. HISTORIC RESOURCE EVALUATION FORM (Preserving the Orange Tradition: A Landmark Designation Program for Orange County - Appendix D) ORANGE COUNTY LOCAL LANDMARK APPLICATION Page 3 of 3 Environmental Significance (Excerpted from the National Park Service (NPS) classification of eleven (11) landscape characteristics as detailed in National Register Bulletin No. 30: Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Rural Historic Landscapes) A classification system of eleven characteristics has been developed for reading a rural landscape and for understanding the natural and cultural forces that have shaped it. The first four characteristics are processes that have been instrumental in shaping the land, such as the response of farmers to fertile soils. The remaining seven are physical components that are evident on the land, such as barns or orchards. Many, but not all, rural properties contain all eleven characteristics. As information about existing characteristics is r elated to the historic contexts for a geographical area, assessments of significance, integrity, and boundaries can be made for specific properties. Processes: 1. Land Uses and Activities: Land uses are the major human forces that shape and organize rural communities. 2. Patterns of Spatial Organization: The organization of land on a large scale depends on the relationship among major physical components, predominant landforms, and natural features. 3. Response to the Natural Environment: Major natural features, such as mountains, prairies, rivers, lakes, forests, and grasslands, influenced both the location and organization of rural communities. 4. Cultural Traditions: Cultural traditions affect the ways that land is used, occupied, and shaped. Religi ous beliefs, social customs, ethnic identity, and trades and skills may be evident today in both physical features and uses of the land. Physical Components: 5. Circulation Networks: Circulation networks are systems for transporting people, goods, and raw materials from one point to another. They range in scale from livestock trails and footpaths, to roads, canals, major highways, and even airstrips. 6. Boundary Demarcations: Boundary demarcations delineate areas of ownership and land use, such as an ent ire farmstead or open range. They also separate smaller areas having special functions, such as a fenced field or enclosed corral. 7. Vegetation Related to Land Use: Various types of vegetation bear a direct relationship to long-established patterns of land use. Vegetation includes not only crops, trees, or shrubs planted for agricultural and ornamental purposes, but also trees that have grown up incidentally along fence lines, beside roads, or in abandoned fields. 8. Buildings, Structures, and Objects: Various types of buildings, structures, and objects serve human needs related to the occupation and use of the land. 9. Clusters: Groupings of buildings, fences, and other features, as seen in a farmstead, ranch, or mining complex, result from function, social tradition, climate, or other influences, cultural or natural. 10. Archeological Sites: The sites of prehistoric or historic activities or occupation may be marked by foundations, ruins, changes in vegetation, and surface remains. 11. Small-scale elements: Small-scale elements, such as a foot bridge or road sign, add to the historic setting of a rural landscape. These features may be characteristic of a region and occur repeatedly throughout an area, such as limestone fence posts in Kansas or cattle gates in the Buffalo River Valley of Arkansas. While most small-scale elements are long- lasting, some, such as bales of hay, are temporal or seasonal.