HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION
1961 ‐ 1972 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1961 – 1967
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June 1967
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Improved City Cemetery and repaired Jacob Johnson monument
Established Capital City Trail in collaboration with Woman’s Club
Published brochures
Laid foundation for interest and education regarding early
post office building, Richard B. Haywood House, Mordecai House
Marked historic sites, including Henry Clay Oak and sites in
Governorʹs Mansion area
Instrumental in passing local legislation granting City of Raleigh’s
historic sites commission additional powers
City acquired Mordecai House
Mordecai property turned over to commission to develop and
supervise as historic park (first example in state)
December 1967
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Partnered with Junior League of Raleigh to publish the book
North Carolinaʹs Capital, Raleigh
June 1968
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Moved 1842 Anson County kitchen to Mordecai Square, placing it
on approximate site of former Mordecai House kitchen
August 1968
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City Council approved Mordecai development concept
November 1968
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City purchased White‐Holman House property;
commission requested to work on solution for preserving house
itself; section of property utilized as connector street
March 1969
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Supervised excavation of Joel Lane gravesite
April 1969
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Collaborated with City to request funds for HUD grant to develop
Mordecai Square
June 1969
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Lease signed for White‐Holman House
September 1969
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Blount Street preservation in full swing
May 1970
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Received $29,750 HUD grant for Mordecai development
June 1970
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Two ʺPACEʺ students inventoried Mordecai Book collection
November 1970
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Hugh Morson Plaque dedication at Federal Building
2.5
April 1971
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Appreciation dinner for community members who made
contributions to historic preservation ‐ Desmond Guiness, guest
speaker
May 1971
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Parks and Recreation assumed management of City Cemetery
March 1972
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Mordecai Square Historical Society formed under auspices of
Raleigh Historic Sites Commission
April 1972
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Mordecai House opened to public
September 1972
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Early Post Office moved to Mordecai Square
2.6
1973 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
February 1973
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March 1973
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April 1973
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The Wake County Bar Association approved fundraising drive for
$18,000 to move and restore Badger‐Iredell Law Office
Commission resolved to find ways to protect the Lewis‐Smith
House and Seaboard Building, both proposed to be destroyed by
the city’s ʺCapital Planʺ Commission representatives appointed to address Wake County
Delegation regarding Lewis‐Smith House and Seaboard Building
Voted to cosponsor a tour of Raleigh and Wake County for the
County and Local Historians Association
Commission representatives contacted Wake delegation regarding
Lewis‐Smith and Seaboard
Commission voted to ask City Council to reevaluate the proposed
North‐South Expressway through Oakwood
May 1973
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Arranged presentation on the Lewis‐Smith House and Seaboard
Building for the Capital Area Planning Commission
June 1973
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Landscaping plan presented for Mordecai Square; committee
appointed to serve on landscaping project
27 plaques installed on historic properties
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July 1973
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State offered to preserve Lewis‐Smith House through relocation to
Blount Street
Public hearing held July 11 to reestablish the commission as the
“Raleigh Historic Properties and Districts Commissionʺ City appropriated funds to buy lot on New Bern Avenue for
White‐Holman House relocation
August 1973
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Actions of the Raleigh Historic Sites Commission ratified and
confirmed as actions of the (new) Raleigh Historic Properties and
Districts Commission
September 1973
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State presented plans to adapt Andrews‐London House; stated
that if purchased, the Merrimon House “will be saved”
Appointed committee to work with Downtown Revitalization
Committee
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October 1973
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Badger‐Iredell Law Office moved to Mordecai Park on October 17
2.7
1974 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1974
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February 1974
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March 1974
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Mr. Jesse Page named architect for the dependencies on Mordecai
Square with the exception of post office and law office
Commission studied feasibility of reserving a room in the Olivia
Raney Library for books, maps, and manuscripts as well as a
proper place in the Civic Center for Raleigh’s historic artifacts
Guidelines Committee provided copies of 2 ordinances and
Criteria for Evaluation at its first meeting
Approved hiring of curator for Mordecai Historic Park
Andrew Johnson Birthplace closed and stripped for research
purposes
Observed public hearing on utilizing Civic Center space
for a revolving exhibit featuring history periods of Wake County
N.C. Historical Commission met to consider proposed 1974‐1975
Capital Improvement Budget’s effect on the Seaboard Coast Line
Office Building, affording the commission an opportunity to
comment on its proposed demolition
Approved Andrew Johnson Birthplace contracts, which included
removal of furniture, photographic record of exterior and interior,
and architectural research
Interior of Andrew Johnson Birthplace photographed prior to
house’s relocation to Park (interior articles packed and stored)
Approved loan agreement with Archives and History for Allen
Kitchen restoration
Accepted plans for Mordecai Garden’s April 7 ribbon‐cutting
ceremony; approved designation of garden ʺEllen Mordecai
Gardenʺ April 1974
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Needlework Exhibition netted approximately $8,600 for Mordecai
Square Historical Society
May 1974
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Mr. Al Honeycutt conducted preliminary architectural research on
Andrew Johnson Birthplace; Garden Opening held May 5
Formal dedication of Allen Kitchen May 19
9,000 visitors to Mordecai over 2‐year period
1865 Harper’s Weekly picture of Andrew Johnson birthplace
discovered during research
Endorsed through resolution a rezoning proposal to support
Historic Oakwood
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2.8
June 1974
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July 1974
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September 1974
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November 1974
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Lewis‐Smith House moved from Wilmington Street to Blount
Street
Archives and History recommended that B. Moore Parker House
be saved; commission moved to designate as Raleigh Historic Site
and National Register property
Approved resolution to State Planning Commission strongly
urging the relocation of North Carolina Museum of Art to State
Building Complex area
Mr. Tom Parramore, Architectural Research Historian, authorized
research on Andrew Johnson Birthplace
Mr. Ed Turberg from Archives and History researched
outbuildings at Mordecai Historic Park
Commission presented specifications for outside lighting on
Mordecai Square
Resolution to Department of Administration recommended
locating a permanent visitorʹs center in an historic structure
Approved appointment of commission member to Wake County
Bicentennial Program
Dr. Sarah Lemmon presented the commission with Vol. 2 of the
Oakwood Study (completed under direction of Department of
History and Political Science and Department of Sociology at
Meredith College)
Department of Cultural Resources identified Andrews‐London
House as potential Blount Street Visitor’s Center; commission
approved through resolution
Historic Preservation Society of North Carolina passed resolution
to save Seaboard Office Building; sent resolution to Governor and
State Planning Commission
Sites Research Committee observed status of Sion Rogers House
on East Lenior Street
2.9
1975 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1975
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Hired research historian to document the Andrew Johnson
Birthplace prior to restoration
Started intern program with Meredith College
February 1975
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Collaborated with Planning Department and Archives and
History to designate the Oakwood Historic District
March 1975
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Wake County Bar Association received $5,000 from the
Bicentennial Commission for the Badger‐Iredell Law Office
Commission received a $3500 legacy from William Henley
Deitrick
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April 1975
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City condemned and acquired a lot on New Bern Avenue for
White‐Holman House relocation
Established committee to plan development of State Mall area
May 1975
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Voted to speak at State Capital Planning Commission
for preservation of Seaboard Building
June 1975
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Started restoration of 1847 Post Office
City Council designated Oakwood Historic District
Blount Street Committee worked with State consulting architect to
devise a preservation proposal for Blount Street
July 1975
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Andrew Johnson Birthplace moved to Mordecai Square; Bar
Association raised $16,000 for restoration of Law Office;
commission requested study in order to designate Blount Street
Historic District
August 1975
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Badger‐Iredell Law Office relocated to Mordecai Square
State agreed to stay all demolition in proposed Blount Street
Historic District until study completed; approved proposed
Blount Street and Capitol Area Historic Districts for presentation
to City Council
September 1975
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State agreed to obtain cost‐estimate for Seaboard Building
relocation
October 1975
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State Capital Planning Commission approved Seaboard Building
preservation
2.10
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Blount Street and Capitol Area Historic Districts plans presented
to State Planning Commission
November 1975
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Mordecai House restoration received award from the N.C.
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
December, 1975
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State began restoration of Merrimon House and purchased the
Jordan House
2.11
1976 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1976
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Hearing on Blount Street and Capitol Area Historic Districts held
by City Council
March 1976
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Received legacy of $5,439.14 from the estate of William Henley
Deitrick
Commission sponsored a display at ʺSalute to Raleighʺ at North
Hills Mall
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May 1976
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City Council designated Blount Street and Capitol Area Historic
Districts
Estey Hall received $10,000 from N.C. Division of Archives &
History; commission voted support to the restoration of Estey
Hall
June 1976
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Bicentennial activities planned for Mordecai Square presented
Commission accepted façade easement for 404 Elm Street property
July 1976
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Mordecai Historic Park received approximately 3,000 visitors
during Bicentennial Celebration (July 1‐5)
Post Office dedicated July 1; sold approximately 3,593 cachets
during Bicentennial Celebration
Started An Architectural and Historical Inventory of Raleigh,
N.C.
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September 1976
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State acquired sufficient funds to relocate the Seaboard Building
and began project
October 1976
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Began restoration of Andrew Johnson Birthplace
November 1976
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Smokehouse dependency painted, the restoration of office
dependency and Andrew Johnson Birthplace underway
2.12
1977 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1977
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Voted to finance the publication of An Architectural and
Historical Inventory of Raleigh, N.C.
The City Council appropriated $19,000 for Estey Hall
March 1977
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Mordecai House hosted the Needlework Seminar ʹ77
April‐May 1977
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WRAL filmed program about Lincoln at Mordecai House
June 1977
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The Office Dependency on Mordecai Square converted into a
small sales shop
July 1977
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Commission offered Siler City’s St. Markʹs Chapel
August 1977
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Montfort Hall in Boylan Heights offered for sale with restrictive
covenants
Began development of the Blount Street Policy
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September, 1977 ▫
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October 1977
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November 1977
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Montfort Hall sold as a single family dwelling with restrictive
covenants
Capitol Area Historic District was nominated to the National
Register of Historic Places
The State Government Complex named Halifax Street Mall upon
commission recommendation
State made plans to move the Capehart‐Crocker House to the
Blount Street Historic District
Andrew Johnson Birthplace was opened
The North Carolina Historical Commission, the Raleigh Historic
Properties Commission and the Districts Commission
cosponsored public hearing on Blount Street Plan
Estey Hall boarded up; interior cleaning commenced
2.13
1978 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1978
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North Carolina Capital Planning Commission approved Blount
Street Historic Preservation Plan
State Capital Planning Commission gave final approval for
Capehart‐Crocker House relocation
February 1978
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City of Raleigh and Raleigh Historic Properties Commission
received Preservation Award from the North Carolina Chapter of
the American Institute of Architects for the restoration of the
Andrew Johnson Birthplace
March 1978
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Endorsed proposal for $13,500 Grant‐in‐Aid for Moore Square
Area Planning Study as submitted by the Planning Department
April 1978
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Agreed to publicize its concern for the Dodd‐Hinsdale House to
Department of Cultural Resources
May 1978
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Commission approved landscape plan for Mordecai Square as
prepared by a NCSU School of Design graduate student, in
conjunction with Mordecai Square Historical Society and
Professor Abbateʹs class in landscape design
Delivered first 400 copies of An Architectural and Historical
Inventory of Raleigh, NC
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July 1978
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Commission urged Council to delay demolition of Dodd‐Hinsdale
House; Dr. Larry Tise, Director of the Division of Archives and
History, along with other representatives from preservation
groups, also appeared before the Council in support of delay
August 1978
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Paint research completed on interior of house
Donated $2,000 from Deitrick Fund for Badger‐Iredell Law Office
restoration
Received Mr. Arthur Jacksonʹs report on Moore Square Project
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September 1978
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October 1978
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Toured Estey Hall
Studied fire district boundaries in the light of preservation
through adaptive use
Adopted rules for use of Mordecai Historic Park Buildings and
Grounds
Adopted revised bylaws
2.14
November 1978
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December 1978
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Voted to accept offer of St. Markʹs Chapel and seek ways to
relocate and restore it
Contributed toward publication of Mordecai Historic Park
brochures
Received request from Survey and Planning Branch of Archives
and History for information compiled by Prof. Seegers, Chairman
of Sites Research Committee
2.15
1979 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1979
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Dodd‐Hinsdale House purchased by Mrs. Barbara Campbell of
Louisiana
Commission chairman discussed inclusion of preservation goals
in comprehensive plan
February 1979
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Approved $13,800 expenditure to move St. Markʹs Chapel to
Mordecai Square
March 1979
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State authorized Capehart‐Crocker House relocation to Blount
Street
April 1979
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Contract awarded to move St. Markʹs Chapel to Mordecai Square
May 1979
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Title to St. Markʹs Chapel conveyed by the Episcopal Diocese to
the Properties Commission
June 1979
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State enabling legislation for preservation revisions passed by
General Assembly
Endorsed Planning Department’s proposed Urban Character
Conservation Study
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July 1979
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St. Markʹs Chapel moved to Mordecai Square
August 1979
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Chapel History Committee and Chapel Rehabilitation Committee
formed
September 1979
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18 historic properties designated
Wake County Bar began fundraising drive for interior restoration
of Badger‐Iredell Law Office
October 1979
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City attorneyʹs office successfully defended the constitutionality of
the historic district ordinance in the State Supreme Court
November 1979
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Commission member Mrs. Sarah Williamson received the Cannon
Cup Award, the highest award in the State for individuals or
groups working in preservation
Capital Landmarks, Inc. won $25,000 grant for the Tucker
Carriage House adaptation
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December 1979
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Certificate of Appropriateness issued for modifications to
2.16
Masonic Temple Building exterior
2.17
1980 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1980
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Democratic Party purchased Andrew W. Goodwin House on
Hillsborough Street for headquarters
Executive Committee worked with attorneys to include 1979
legislation in Raleigh’s ordinances
February 1980
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Began photographic file of all historic properties
March 1980
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2 historic properties designated
Funds appropriated to print ʺHistoric Raleigh Walking Tourʺ map
April 1980
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Exterior renovation work commenced on St. Markʹs Chapel
Mordecai Square Historical Society won Museum Associates
Award
Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood established
revolving fund
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May 1980
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Commission renamed ʺHeritage Preservation Commissionʺ as
interim solution to legislative problem
State renovated Russ House at corner of Blount and Peace Streets
June 1980
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Met at White‐Holman House for annual inspection
Commenced work with Dr. Charlotte Brown on Urban Character
Conservation Study
July 1980
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Funded Urban Character Conservation Study
August 1980
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Completed ʺHistoric Raleigh ʺ map; distributed copies to
members
September 1980
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City Council considered renaming commission Raleigh Historic
Properties Commission according to updated local legislation
allowing committee‐approval of Certificates of Appropriateness;
approved at later session
October 1980
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Opposed Boylan Avenue Bridge designation as Raleigh Historic
Property at public hearing
November 1980
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Mordecai House professionally washed; additional outside light
fixture given to Park; post ordered
2.18
December 1980
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St. Markʹs Chapel opened; Mrs. James B. Hunt, Jr. cut the ribbon;
mayor spoke; George London gave history of chapel
Mordecai Square Historical Society received 3 lots across the street
from Mordecai Historic Park
2.19
1981 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1981
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February 1981
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Commission representative appeared before public hearing
on the Atlantic Avenue‐Downtown Connector Corridor Study
Appointed commission to study effect of proposed thoroughfare
plans of Comprehensive Plan on historic presentation
Mary Brooks, Andrew Johnson Curator since 1954, retired
Dr. Charlotte Brown and Ms. Linda Harris gave slide presentation
on proposed nominations for National Register Districts and
Conservation Districts for inclusion in Urban Character
Conservation Study
U. S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation agreed with city
that Boylan Avenue should be preserved only on paper
March 1981
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Myrick Howard discussed proposed preservation legislation
before General Assembly
April 1981
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State laying brick sidewalks within the Blount Street Historic
District
Commission received update on Pullen Park Carousel from
project supervisor Rosa Ragan
First wedding held in St. Mark’s Chapel
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May 1981
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Representatives traveled to Charlotte to see Fourth Ward Historic
District to study options for saving Montgomery House
Commission accepts Publications and Publicity Committee report
giving priority to development of a logo, tag line, etc.
June 1981
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Meeting held at White‐Holman House for annual inspection
Contacted owner of Dodd‐Hinsdale House regarding its
deterioration
July 1981
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Council approves fiscal year and new appointment procedure for
Commission
37 Plaques distributed
OʹRorke‐Ferrell House relocation planned
Endorsed Downtown Residential Development as presented by
city planner
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August 1981
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Mordecai area removed from Free Truck Zone
2.20
September 1981
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October 1981
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November 1981
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New ʺHistoric Home Insurance Policyʺ available for
architecturally and historically significant homes
OʹRorke‐Ferrell House moved to three‐acre tract in Durant‐
Honeycutt Road area
Contributed $400 to Bar Association for completion of upstairs of
Badger‐Iredell law office
Plaques installed on 37 local historic properties
Federal grant for painting eight Historic Oakwood houses original
colors approved; paint research completed
Approved $1900 loan to Mordecai Square Historical Society for
Montgomery House relocation
2.21
1982 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1982
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Appointed committee to address City Council regarding the
widening of Wake Forest Road
February 1982
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Commission approved painting Mordecai House 1826 colors
researched by Architectural Conservator
Installation of plaques on smokehouse, sales‐shop, kitchen and
chapel
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March 1982
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Endorsed Urban Character Conservation Study with nominations
to the National Register of Historic Places
April 1982
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Montgomery House relocated to Mordecai Square Park April 4
Horton‐Beckam‐Bretsch House relocated to Blount Street
May 1982
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Reevaluated House Use Rules for Mordecai Square Park;
considered ways the Square could extend its scope to further
preservation goals
June 1982
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Dodd‐Hinsdale House sold to Martin‐Wachtel
Approved using approximately $4,000 for publications and
publicity for Raleigh Historic Properties Commission
July 1982
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Dr. Charlotte Brown evaluated work done on fifteen sites under
consideration for designation as local historic properties
August 1982
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Endorsed future plans for the New Bern Avenue cul‐de‐sac
presented by city planner
Recommended that the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission
study extension of boundaries of Historic Oakwood
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September 1982
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Ms. Linda Harris presented revised guidelines, which were
approved for recommendation to City Council
October 1982
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“Moore Square West Master Plan” presented and discussed;
planned letter regarding proposal to declare Moore Square Area
an historic district to Mayor and members of City Council
November 1982
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Commission approved installation of fiberglass acoustical
insulation under St. Markʹs Chapel benches to improve acoustics
Ms. Linda Harris gave presentation on Oakwood Historic District
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2.22
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Mr. John Castleberry presented proposed revised Guidelines
2.23
1983 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1983
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Mr. Ames Christopher presented new Downtown Neighborhood
Association as framework for inner‐city neighborhoods
collaborating on common issues
Mrs. Marjorie O’Rorke presented history of Spring Hill and
expressed concern for its preservation; commission planned letter
of support to Governor
February 1983
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Approved contribution of $500 for restoration of Capital City Trail
March 1983
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City completed flagstone pathways in front of Post Office and
Badger‐Iredell Law Office
Approved Henry Clay Oak as Raleigh Historic Property
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April 1983
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Approved logo (based on Capitol’s ionic column) and logotype for
Raleigh Historic Properties and Districts Commissions
May 1983
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Dedicated restored Badger‐Iredell Law Office May 3
Passed resolution requesting owner of Dodd‐Hinsdale House
obtain Certificate of Appropriateness from the commission for
exterior changes
June 1983
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Mr. James McMahan of Artspace presented plans to convert the
Sanders Ford Building into professional center for visual and
performing arts; commission supported general concept
August 1983
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Reviewed report on Tucker Carriage House by National Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation
September 1983
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Mr. John Ellington and Mr. John Little presented history and plans
for former art museum building to be utilized as N.C. Museum of
History exhibition/education center
Approved $3,000 for printing of book Early Raleigh
Neighborhoods and Buildings
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October 1983
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Capital City Trail dedicated October 12
November 1983
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Early Raleigh Neighborhoods and Buildings published; copies
presented to mayor, city manager, and members of city council
2.24
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City Council, acting on recommendation of commission, named
Ms. Linda Harris Executive Director of the Raleigh Historic
Properties and Districts Commissions
2.25
1984 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1984
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National Advisory Council on Historic Preservation established
review committee to develop reuse proposal for Tucker Carriage
House; design criteria planned
February 1984
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Supported proposal to use Tucker Carriage House as small
performing arts center
Recommended Professional Building at 127 West Hargett be
designated a Raleigh Historic property
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March 1984
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Held Practical Restoration Workshop March 31 in collaboration
with Division of Archives and History, Society of Colonial Dames
of America in N.C. and Mordecai Square Historical Society
April 1984
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Recommended Montgomery House be designated a Raleigh
Historic Property
May 1984
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Authorized $2,244 expenditure for new security system for
Mordecai Historic Park
June 1984
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Chairman Barbara Wishy reviewed commission activities and
accomplishments over past two years; Mrs. Margie Haywood
became new chairman
July 1984
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Expressed commission’s interest in Pilot Mill and its village
to its owner, PMC, Inc.; study recommended for possible listing
on the National Register
August 1984
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Designated the Henry Clay Oak, Montgomery House,
Professional Building, and Badger‐Iredell Law Office as Raleigh
Historic Properties
September 1984
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Sponsored coffee at the Historic Preservation Foundation’s annual
meeting September 21
October 1984
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Council of State approved purchase of one‐half interest in the
Heck‐Andrews House
November 1984
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Voted to support proposed project for 200 block of North Person
Street as presented by Mr. Peter Rumsey
2.26
1985 ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
January 1985
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Commission and Raleigh Historic Districts Commission hosted
luncheon on January 8 for Mrs. Melissa Doster to express
gratitude
February 1985
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Commission resolved that Mt. Hope Cemetery, City Cemetery,
Oakwood Cemetery, National Cemetery and OʹRorke Cemetery
have genealogical, historical and cultural significance to Raleigh
and Wake County
White‐Holman House reported standing open; move by city
planned in spring
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March 1985
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Passed resolution requesting deletion of Early Post Office from
Mordecai tours due to Raleigh Historic Properties Commission’s
need for entire building
April, 1985
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Recommended the Methodist Orphanage’s Borden Building as
Raleigh Historic Property
Arts Together sought funding for Tucker Carriage House
renovation
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May, 1985
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Commission approved production of brochure on adaptive use of
Tucker Carriage House by Arts Together
June, 1985
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Commended Mayor Upchurch for his support of Estey Hall’s
restoration through a city‐sponsored gift of $600,000
July, 1985
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Mrs. Linda Edmisten presented outline of evaluation of city‐ funded preservation activities in Raleigh
City Council appropriated $50,000 for restroom facilities on
Mordecai Square
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2.27
RALEIGH HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION Commission Self Evaluation 1985-86 1.
Is your Commission doing what it is charged to do?
Explain Yes, the Historic Districts Commission has performed its regulatory duties well, and has maintained the confidence and support of the property owners in the historic districts. 2.
Is the work of the Commission worthwhile? Why or why not? Yes, the work of the Commission in the past and in the future is essential to maintain the character of the historic neighbor- hoods and to preserve the irreplaceable historic resources of the city. The Commission serves as a model for other com-
munities and for students of historic district regulation. It provides a forum for historic district residents to participate in the preservation of their neighborhoods. The direct result has been the renewal and rehabilitation of downtown Raleigh. 3. Please describe the strengths of the Commission, as you see them. A. The City Council has consistently appointed thoughtful and dedicated citizens willing to serve the city and promote preservation with both personal and professional skills; B. The Commission has developed guidelines which are widely
respected as promoting preservation while assisting property
owners in developing their
historic properties in successful
ways;
ONE MIMOSA STREET EARLY OFFICE BUILDING
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27604 919/832-7238
2.28
C, It operates through enabling legislation and procedures which provide continuity of purpose and bolster the confidence of property owners; D. The Commission willingly listens to citizens and attempts to consider all sides of a question, to act decisively, and to offer support and assistance to unsuccessful applicants. 4. What are your recommendations with regard to your commission for
the 1986-1987 fiscal year?
A. Complete "unfinished business" placed on hold by last year's
staffing shortage, including Moore Square Historic District
study, Edenton Street study and Southeast Raleigh black neighborhoods study.
B. Identify and obtain appropriate and adequate office and meeting space for the Commission; restudy the meeting schedule and procedures to assist in handling a drastically increased work load; educate/coordinate with other city agencies to avoid oversights and errors involving Commission business; improve communications with City Council and City Manager. C. Improve assistance to applicants and property owners, and
monitor work in the historic districts more closely.
D. Review and update historic district guidelines. 5. Please list any problems or weaknesses of the Commission that prevent your Commission from being effective. We could be more effective if: A. New staff positions were funded and the backlog of previously
postponed tasks were completed.
B. The present meeting schedule were revised in accordance with current study. 6. Is there anything that the City government (Council, Manager or
staff) can do to make the work of the Commission easier, more
productive or worthwhile? Please be specific.
A. Encourage other city agencies to promote staff awareness, understanding and support of activities and procedures required by Commission actions, particularly the City Attorney's office. B. Provide better office and meeting space. C. Encourage closer attention to the work of the Commission by City administrators and department heads, aimed at better 2.29
understanding, support and cooperation for the Commission agenda. D. Extend the application of conservation guidelines to provide
for urban character conservation buffer areas around the
historic districts and in areas being studied for historic
district designation.
Submitted on behalf of the Raleigh Historic Districts Commisison John W. Kinney,Jr., Chairman
Raleigh Historic Districts Commission
2.30
RALEIGH HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION RALEIGH HISTORICDISTRICTS COMMISSION
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT -- 1987-88
"The historical heritage of Raleigh is among its most valued and important assets." The Raleigh City Code Section
to preserve and protect areas
special significance in terms
culture and possess integrity
and association. 10-2049 establishes historic districts and the structures within "that have of history, architecture, and/or of design, setting, materials, feeling Through the protection of the historic neighborhoods of Oakwood and Boylan Heights and the historic settings of Blount Street and Capitol Square, the City Council has preserved for Raleigh an image and identity essential to downtown development.
The original core of Raleigh still exists and is a unique foundation for its continued growth. The Historic Districts Commission is appointed by the Council to "pass upon the appropriateness of the construction, alteration,
moving or demolition of any building or structure or appurtenant
to conduct an
feature thereto within the historic districts,
educational program on historical districts," and to "recommend to
the council districts or areas to be designated by ordinances as
historic districts." By bringing exterior changes to buildings and
landscapes within these areas under public review by the Historic Districts Commission, the Council has introduced a measure of protection which has encouraged investment in the buildings and brought social stability to the neighborhoods. ...
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS The Historic Districts Commission holds monthly hearings to consider "Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness." Property owners in the four historic districts are required to make application for Certificates of Appropriateness prior to any application for a building permit.
Even if a building permit is not required for a proposed exterior change, the property owner still needs a Certificate of Appropriateness. 2.31
Exterior features covered by the ordinance include walls, fences,
light fixtures, steps, pavement, paths, trees, paint colors, signs,
windows, doors and architectural features. In 1982, the Council
adopted Guidelines and Standards for the Rehabilitation of Early
Raleigh Neighborhoods and Buildings and Guidelines and Standards for
New Construction in Early Raleigh Neighborhoods (or Guidelines).
These principles guide the Historic Districts Commission in
protecting the character of the historic districts it is charged by
the Council to preserve. These guidelines have served a s a model
for other cities and have withstood the test of court rulings.
The Commission has implemented a new committee to assist it and applicants work with complicated applications for new construction and major additions. The "Design Review Advisory Committee" provides preliminary advice as to whether proposed changes conform t o the Guidelines. The Commission has established a policy to refer all such applications to the Advisory Committee, and three (3) applications were referred to the Committee this year. The Committee has been extremely helpful to both the Commission and applicants in "fine-tuning" these complex projects. Members of the Commission cannot serve on this Committee because of their need t o remain impartial for the deliberations following public hearings. Thus the Commission is dependent upon knowledgable volunteers to provide this invaluable service. The Commission is grateful to those persons listed near the end of this report for their donation of time to this process. From July 1987 through June 1988, the Historic Districts Commission heard one hundred fifty-nine (159) "Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness": 7
30
12
111
160
Blount Street Boylan Heights Capitol Square Oakwood (one application was for work in two historic districts) Two (2) were subsequently withdrawn, and two (2) are currently pending. Six (6) of the applications were for Raleigh Historic Properties, heard by the Districts Commission because it has jurisdiction for changes to properties located within a historic district. There were one hundred seventy-four (174) actions taken on these applications: 58
92
17
7
Approved as submitted Approved with conditions Deferrals Denials
Two (2) of the approvals were for reissuance of previously issued but expired Certificates of Appropriateness. 2.32
The Commission also received fifty-eight (58) "Applications for Minor Works are defined in the City Code as Minor Works Approval."
specific items that the staff may approve, if they meet the Guidelines, without bringing them to the full Commission. 2
17
1
38
58
Blount Street
Boylan Heights
Capitol Square
Oakwood
Fifty-seven (57) were approved and one (1) was not approved. Historic Districts Commission meetings are open public hearings, and deliberations regarding certificates of appropriateness are required by state law to be conducted under quasi-judicial procedures with sworn testimony. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM The Historic Districts Commission meetings themselves are an educational process for property owners and neighbors. The procedures (hearing testimony, introducing facts into the record, and voting on approval citing applicable sections of the guidelines) serve to make applicants and visitors aware of the City's concern for their rights as citizens and the protection of their property values, while protecting the historic resources of the districts for the benefit of the community at large.
The Commission continually strives to explain its rulings in detail and to work with applicants in understanding the reasons for its decisions. The Commission has also attempted to improve its level of assistance for applicants receiving unfavorable rulings. Several applicants who were denied Certificates of Appropriateness have, after consultation with staff and individual Commission members, been able to revise their plans to later gain approval of the application.
More often than not, the Commission has chosen to attach conditions to an approval that bring the application into conformance with the guidelines rather than outright denial.
This has enabled the applicant to proceed with a project without undue delay, usually with staff assistance as a condition. A "Practical Preservation" workshop was held in Boylan Heights Historic District on Saturday, July 25, 1987.
Preservation craftsmen, Commission members and staff were on hand to provide information for residents and property owners in the historic districts. A "Commission Member" retreat was held at the Stagville Preservation Center in Durham on Saturday, September 19, 1987 to strengthen the commission as an organization. A "New Member" work session was held on February 29, 1988 to assist new members in preparing for their responsibilities and to welcome 2.33
them to the group. The Chair and Executive Director attended an Oakwood Preservation Society meeting to discuss the Commission's new bylaws and expanded minor works (staff approval) list and to build rapport with the neighborhood. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DISTRICT DESIGNATION The Commission has folded its study of the Edenton Street/New Bern Avenue corridor into the African American Studies Project's architectural survey component.
The Moore Square National Register District remains a candidate for local designation, but staff commitment this year to improvements of Commission meeting procedures has postponed a recommendation to City Council until the 1988-89 fiscal year. It is recommended that these areas be evaluated to determine whether they should be locally designated as historic districts. During the study concentrated effort would be made to determine community character and to inform and advise the residents and property owners of the benefits and responsibilities of owning property within the boundaries of a historic district. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION Prepared, revised and adopted new bylaws and rules of procedure with a revised and expanded minor works (staff approval) list. There were three appeals to the Board of Adjustment from Commission decisions: two of the decisions were upheld by the Board and one was remanded back to the Commission for the gathering of additional facts. Advised the Planning Commission and City Council regarding a
rezoning request for 117 N. Bloodworth St.
Worked with the Board of Adjustment and the N. C. Medical Society to
minimize the size of a parking variance requested by the Society.
Instituted new meeting procedures to better serve the needs of the Commission and public. Requested that City Council direct city staff to develop alternative street paving material standards to permit the use of unit pavers on public streets. Reviewed and commented on the Capital Planning Commission's State Government Center Master Plan Update. 2.34
COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF New members appointed during this year were: Julia Bonham [Boylan Heights], Margaret Rose Murray, Beth Pastore [Boylan Heights], Glenn Plott [Boylan Heights], Beth Thomas [Blount Street] and Michael Weeks (Vice-Chair) [Oakwood]. Others serving included: Barbara H. Boney (Chair) [Oakwood], Carl DeVane, Margie Haywood [Capitol Square], John Kinney, jr. [Oakwood], Fayma Nye (Vice-Chair) and Calvin Parks, jr. Commission staff support was provided by the following Planning Department personnel: Dan Becker, Executive Director, Terri Myers, Preservation Administrator and Margaret Long Stephenson, Preservation Technician. Design Review Advisory Committee members volunteering their time were Davyd Foard Hood (Survey Specialist, State Historic Preservation Office, and architectural historian), John Kinney, jr. (former Districts Commission member and registered architect), David Maurer (Oakwood resident and registered architect) and Dan Becker, Executive Director. GENERAL COMMENTS The members of the Historic Districts Commission wish to thank the City Council for the support that the Council has given us during this year. This support has taken several forms: financial support of the budget of the Historic Properties Commission, financial support for adequate staffing in a time of dramatically increasing activities in the historic districts, policy support of the benefits of historic preservation for our City, and most importantly, a continuing dedication to making sure that qualified individuals are appointed to each commission seat. The Commission is deeply appreciative of your support for its work. Submitted on behalf of the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission. Barbara H. Boney, Chair Raleigh Historic Districts Commissi August 15, 1988 2.35
RALEIGH HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
--
1987-88
The powers and duties of the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission as defined in Chapter 160A, Article 399 of the State Statutes, are as follows: A historic properties commission 1) Undertakes an inventory of significant historical, architectural and/or archaeological resources and properties; 2) Makes recommendations to the City Council for designation of historic properties and other matters within its duties; 3) Prepares architectural guidelines for historic properties; 4) Acts on certificates of appropriateness; 5) Conducts surveys and examinations of historic properties; 6) Acquires, restores, operates and preserves historic properties; 7) Conducts educational programs on historic properties and historic preservation; 8) Cooperates with state and federal agencies in historic preservation. INTRODUCTION The work of this thirty-two (32) member Commission is carried out through six (6) standing committees that meet regularly and make reports and recommendations to the full Commission. Special committees are appointed by the Chair as they are needed. This report has been divided into sections by committees and reports on their activities. The members of the Commission are appointed by City Council and have consented to serve because they are dedicated to historic preserva-
tion in the City of Raleigh, and t o the benefits such preservation provides the citizens of the City. They give freely of their time to insure that the work is continued, that educational efforts are furthered and that the character of the early Raleigh neighborhoods and buildings are preserved for the interest and enjoyment of its residents, now and in the future.
It is with this in mind that the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission, and the individual members who serve on it, accept the charge to preserve and protect Raleigh's architectural heritage, now and in the years to come. 2.36
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS COMMITTEE This Committee reviews each "Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness" filed for exterior changes to a designated Raleigh Historic Property that is not located within a locally designated historic district.
The Committee also monitors the preservation covenant protecting the interior of the White-Holman House.
During the past year, the Committee reviewed seven (7) applications.
Two (2) were approved as submitted, and five (5) were approved with conditions.
Perhaps the highlight among these applications was the Certificate issued to the State of North Carolina for the exterior restoration of the Seaboard Building.
The Commission has labored for years to ensure its preservation. Other Certificates were issued for work at St. Mary's campus, the interior of the White-
Holman House, Mordecai Historic Park, St. Paul A.M.E. Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church. The Committee also began work with the N.C. American Society of Landscape Architects' Historic Preservation Committee to develop model "landscape guidelines" for proposed changes in landscape features around historic buildings and within historic districts. GOVERNMENTAL LIAISON COMMITTEE Continued to encourage the Wake County Commissioners to undertake an inventory of historic resources that lie outside the boundaries of municipalities that already have historic properties surveys. Advised the Planning Commission and City Council regarding: the rezoning request filed for the parcels at 1004 and 1006 Old Wake Forest Road; the rezoning request for the parcel containing the Ivey House on U.S. 401 North; proposed name change of Wake Forest Road associated with the opening of the new Atlantic Avenue bridge. Worked with City Council in bringing a resolution to the issues of staffing raised during the Commission's process of bylaws revision. Worked for the preservation of Murphey School with the state Capital Planning Commission.
Worked with City Council in the preparation of City Council's resolution of support for the preservation of Murphey School. Participated in preliminary discussions investigating Neighborhood Conservation Districts. Investigated the possibility of seeking expansion of special state legislation, to include Raleigh, for Municipal Service District taxing authority permitting such districts to be applicable for improvements to historic districts, not just downtowns. JOINT BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE: MORDECAI HISTORIC PARK Reviewed identification signs for the Park. 2.37
Advised the Parks and Recreation Department regarding maintenance for the buildings a t the Park, including the continuing drainage problems around the Badger-Iredell Law Office. Provided representatives for the Master Planning Committee t o work with the consultants and make recommendations t o the various commissions, boards and City departments involved. In concert with the Commission's search for new office space and in accordance with a n agreement with the Mordecai Square Historical Society that all the buildings in the Park should be returned t o interpretive use, the Committee sought and received assistance from the State Division o f Archives and History in researching the history of the Early Office Building, currently the Commission's office and soon t o be vacated.
The research will be used t o determine the most appropriate way t o interpret the building t o visitors t o the site. Sought the assistance o f a structural engineer to determine the cause o f plaster cracks in the side walls o f St. Mark's Chapel. PLAQUES AND SIGNAGE COMMITTEE With the assistance o f the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department, placed plaques recognizing the White-Holman House, the Professional Building and the Borden Building a s Raleigh Historic Properties. Sponsored a plaque-raising ceremony for the Borden Building with Mayor Upchurch presiding o n November 1 0 , 1987. Obtained a n identification sign for the Commission's new office space a t the City Market. Attempted to devise uniform signage t o post a t the boundaries of each of the historic districts, recognizing them a s "Raleigh Conflicting graphic requirements for each Historic Districts."
neighborhood stymied the effort. In response to a n out-of-town visitor's inquiry about signs giving directions t o historic sites, surveyed major entranceways into the city and concluded that signage giving directions t o the Capital Area Visitors Center served the need adequately. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Began work o n the preparation o f a pamphlet describing each o f the designated Raleigh Historic Properties. Participated in the Heritage Festival o n Moore Square, Saturday, July 2 5 , 1988. Assisted in preparations for the Historic Districts Commission's "Practical Preservation" workshop held in Boylan Heights o n Saturday, July 25, 1988. 2.38
Assisted in preparations for the plaque-raising ceremony a t the
Borden Building.
Presented the 1986-87 Annual Performance Report to City Council. Participated in Community Appearance Week, sponsored by the Appearance Commission, by holding an event on March 18, 1988. Second graders from Washington Elementary School learned about the Henry Clay Oak and its significance to our national history, took a walking tour of the Blount Street Historic District and enjoyed cookies and punch in the home of Commission Chair Margie Haywood. Contributed a member to serve on the jury for the annual "Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Community Appearance." Aided the Mordecai Square Historical Society in a joint educational effort with the presentation of the Society's annual Winter Lecture Series: four commission members, two former members and one staff member were among the seven persons that lectured. Continued to sell Early Raleigh Neighborhoods. Provided hospitality a t the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina's annual workshop for historic properties and districts commissions. Newspaper coverage concerning the properties and districts. Ongoing source of information for tourists and Raleigh citizens interested in learning more about visiting or restoring old buildings, learning more about Raleigh's past and about preservation efforts in our community. SITES RESEARCH AND DESIGNATION COMMITTEE Negotiated with members of the Raleigh Primitive Baptist Church for the assignment of title for this building and parcel to the Properties Commission to ensure its preservation. Terms could not be reached, however. Compiled a list of potential historic properties in the City's extra-territorial jurisdiction and commenced research on them. Prepared a report and recommended designation of Murphey School
subsequently designated by City Council on June 21, 1988 as
Raleigh's seventy-third (73rd) Historic Property.
--
Continued to work with the owner of the Capital Apartments in the preparation of a designation report. AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES SPECIAL COMMITTEE This special committee appointed by the Chairman has guided the Commission's activities this fiscal year in the long-anticipated 2.39
project "In Search o f Raleigh's African-American Communities."
The project is composed of two components: a n architectural survey and a n oral history.
Activities this year include: --
Planning"
Retention of Lynn Hudson a s consultant for the "Phase I
report for the oral history component, funded by the Commission with
the assistance of a matching grant from the National Trust for
Historic Preservation.
Retention of Richard Mattson a s consultant for the "Phase I - Research" report for the architectural survey component, funded by
the Commission with the assistance of the City of Raleigh and a
matching grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National
Park Service, administered by the State Department of Cultural
Resources' State Historic Preservation Office.
Participated in a radio program o n WLLE publicizing the project; stimulated newspaper coverage for the project. Established numerous contacts throughout the community t o aid in the dissemination of the project and to build support. Sent representatives t o a n oral history conference in Washington, D.C. Retention of a director for the oral history component, Terri Myers,
a s recommended in the planning report, t o guide "Phase I I -- Oral
Histories.
Retention of two oral historians, Lynn Hudson and Tim Tyson, t o undertake the gathering of the phase II oral histories.
Noted the receipt of a n $18,500.00 matching grant t o the City of
Raleigh i n Certified Local Government Funds from the U.S. Department
of the Interior, National Park Service, administered by the State
Department o f Cultural Resources State Historic Preservation Office
t o undertake "Phase II -- Survey" of the architectural survey
component.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS ADMINISTRATION The Historic Districts Commission is a separate Commission appointed by the City Council whose members must also be members of the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission.
A separate report o n the activities of the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission i s appended t o this report. RESOLUTIONS O F T H E PROPERTIES COMMISSION The Properties Commission adopted the following resolutions during the 1987-88 fiscal year and submitted them t o the City Council for consideration: T o wholeheartedly endorse the Planning Department work program for 2.40
the Commission staff, urging that special attention be given to the two top priorities: the continuation of the African American Studies Project and obtaining office and meeting space for the staff and members of the Commission. To support the recommendation of of its ad hoc committee to pursue obtaining office and meeting space in the City Market. To recommend that Old Wake Forest Road from North Person Street to
the new Atlantic Avenue bridge be renamed "Person Street" to convey
its character as a historic street. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION Advised City Council regarding the Downtown Plan Update. Worked to obtain Certified Local Government status for the City of Raleigh, an objective that was achieved in January, 1988. This designation permits the City to participate in the federal preservation planning program and recognizes that the City's programs meet state and federal standards. This status was instrumental in the City's receipt of grant funds to continue the African American Studies Project's architectural survey. Advised City Council regarding the significance and importance of preservation of the Seligson House in the development of the City Market project. Heard a slide program on the Master Plan for Capitol Square, presented by Dennis Glazener, Bell/Glazener Design Group. Signed a lease for new office space at the City Market, developed floor plans, solicited bids for undertaking the tenant fit-up of the space, began purchasing of furnishings for the new space. Sent representatives to conferences: National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Association for State and Local History. At the request of City Council, formed a special committee to investigate possibilities for the preservation of Yates' Mill and prepare a report for Council's review.
Work of this committee is continuing; a report will be forthcoming to Council in the 1988-89 fiscal year. Participated in the Tucker Carriage House groundbreaking ceremony for Arts Together. Fumigated, with the generous assistance of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, numerous volumes of old city tax records to assure their preservation. Assisted organizers of and lent financial support to the First
Annual Dowtown East Walking Tour (held April 16 & 1 7 , 1988).
2.41
Advised City Council on potential candidates for new members for the Historic Properties Commission and the Historic Districts Commission. COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
--
1987-88
New members this year were: Julia Bonham, Mary Lou Eycke, Bill Murphy, Margaret Rose Murray, Beth Pastore, Betsy Ross, Hugh Stohler, Beth Thomas and Everett Ward. Other members included: Robert Anderson, Barbara H. Boney, Parker Call, Stan Caton, Christina Coltrane, Carl DeVane, Peggy Dixon, Margaret Lightner Hayes, Margie Haywood (Chair), Pernon Howell, George Lennon, Ruth Little, Bridget MacNair, Fayma Nye, Glenn Plott, Bernetta Pullen, Dean Ruedrich, Steve Schuster (Vice-Chair), Kathleen Southern, Michael Weeks, Frances Whitley, Barbara Wishy and Mary Lib Wood. Staff support was provided to the Commission by the following Planning Department personnel: Dan Becker, Executive Director, Terri Myers, Preservation Administrator and Margaret Long Stephenson, Preservation Technician. GENERAL COMMENTS At its meetings, the Commission often has speakers from other cities and towns and from within our own community to hear and share problems, solutions, projects and successes.
The Commission regularly hears from experts in the fields of architecture and planning, (including some of our own Commission members) to keep informed on what is happening now and what might be expected in the future as the city grows and changes. We have lost several valuable members who cited job pressures and time demands as our workload increased.
The Commission's operation, especially the Districts Commission, requires a devotion of time and dedication which is rarely seen in the volunteer sector. Our members serve without compensation but deliver a professional level of service to their community. With the continued support of the Raleigh City Council and the community that we serve, the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission looks forward to the next year of historic preservation in our city. The Raleigh Historic Properties Commission wishes to thank the City Council, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Appearance Commission, the City Manager's office, the City Attorney's office, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Planning Department and the City staff for their support during this year and for their continued support in what we hope will be a year of promise for preservation in Raleigh. This report of the activities of the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission for the 1987-88 fiscal year was approved by the 2.42
C o m m i s s i o n a t i t s A u g u s t 1 9 8 8 m e e t i n g f o r p r e s e n t a t i o n t o t h e R a l e i g h C i t y C o u n c i l . t e v e n D. S c h u s t e r , C h a i r R a l e i g h H i s t o r i c P r o p e r t i e s C o m m i s s i o n A u g u s t 1 5 , 1 9 8 8 2.43
RALEIGH
HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 1988-1989 The powers and duties of the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission as defined in Chapter 160A, Article 399 of the State Statutes, are as follows: A historic properties commission 1) Undertakes an inventory of significant historical, architectural and/or archaeological resources and properties; 2) Makes recommendations to the City Council for designation of historic properties and other matters within its duties; 3) Prepares architectural guidelines for historic properties; 4) Acts on certificates of appropriateness; 5) Conducts surveys and examinations of historic properties; 6) Acquires, restores, operates and preserves historic properties; 7) Conducts educational programs on historic properties and historic preservation; 8) Cooperates with state and federal agencies in historic preservation. INTRODUCTION The Raleigh Historic Properties Commission is composed of thirty two members who are appointed by the City Council. They have consented to serve because they are dedicated to historic preservation in the city of Raleigh and to the benefits such preservation provides the citizens of the City. They give freely of their time to insure that the work is continued, that educational efforts are furthered and that the character of the early Raleigh neighborhoods and buildings is preserved for the interest and enjoyment of its residents, now and in the future. It is with this in mind that the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission, and the individual members who serve on it, accept the charge to preserve and protect Raleigh's architectural heritage, now and in the years to come.
311 SOUTH BLOUNT STREET
POST OFFICE BOX 829 CENTURYSTATION
RALEIGH,NORTH CAROLINA 27602
919/832-7238
2.44
The work of the Commission is carried out through six standing
committees: Certificate of Appropriateness, Governmental
Liaison, Joint Buildings and Grounds, Plaques and Signage, Sites
Research and Designation, and Public Relations. Three Ad Hoc
committees - Comprehensive Plan Update, Moore Square Historic
District Designation, and Commission By-Laws Update - were
appointed by the Chairman. A special committee, the African
American Studies Committee, continues its work within the African
American neighborhoods of Raleigh.
In early spring, the Commission made an assessment of its operating practices over the past few years. It determined that the goals of the Commission, the City, and Historic Preservation in general, might best be served if the Commission works cooperatively with the City Council to advise it in its difficult decisions relevant to the preservation of historic properties. With that view in mind, the following goals were adopted: 1. To develop a strong and positive working relationship with the City Council and City Administration. 2. To designate one new Historic District and to increase the number of Designated Properties from seventy-three to one hundred. 3. To concentrate the Commission's focus on education and improving the the services to those who live in the Historic Districts and Properties. 4. To be solidly involved in long-term preservation planning, especially with regard to the Comprehensive Plan. 2.45
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
For the purpose of this report, the activities of the Commission have been divided into seven categories: Public Relations, Informational Activities, Sites Designation, African American Study, Certificate of Appropriateness, Historic Districts Commission and Miscellaneous. PUBLIC RELATIONS:
-
prepared a brochure, "Raleigh Historic Properties", for
sale to the general public. The brochure won second place
in the nonprofit category on the Raleigh Public Relations
Society's Awards Competition
-
made a financial contribution to the publication of "North
Carolina Architecture''
-
participated in the tree planting at 407 Polk Street for
Appearance Week
-
contributed seed money for the Eastside Neighborhood Task
Force Tour of Homes
-
assisted in preparations for the plaque-raising ceremony at
the Murphey School
-
presented the 1987-88 Annual Performance Report to the City
Council
- continued to sell Early Raleiqh Neighborhoods
- arranged newspaper coverage concerning the properties and
districts
-
ongoing source of information for tourists and Raleigh
citizens interested in learning more about visiting or
restoring old buildings, learning more about Raleigh's past
and about preservation efforts in our community
-
sponsored the open house for the new Historic Properties
and District's Commission's office at the City Market
-
hosted a reception at our office for the Board of Realtors
INFORMATIONAL ACTIVITIES :
-
recommended to Council that Kate Smith be recognized by
erecting a plaque or by the designation of a street at an
appropriate downtown location
2.46
-
participated in Downtown Urban Design Guidelines and
Comprehensive Update meetings
-
worked on guidelines for the City regarding transportation
impact on Historic Districts
-
encouraged the Wake County delegation to the State House of
Representatives to reconsider the location of the Veterans
Memorial because of its impact on the Capital grounds
-
expressed concerns to the North Carolina Capital Planning
Commission about its five year proposed plan which would
have a major impact on the Blount Street and Capital Square
Historic Districts
-
worked with the American Society of Landscape Architects
toward drafting better landscape guidelines for Historic
Districts and Properties
- supported downtown revitalization and offered assistance in
preserving structures of special character
-
supported the Residential Institutions Zoning Text change
SITES DESIGNATION -
as part of the duties as a certified local government in
the Federal Preservation Program, recommended the following
for National Register nomination:
Pilot-Crompton Mill Leonidas R. Wyatt House Isabelle Bowen Henderson Property -
continued working toward the local Historic District
designation of Moore Square
-
continued preparation for the City Council a list of
potential properties for Historic Property Designation
-
provided support and leadership in the formation of a
non-profit organization for the preservation of Yates Mill
-
compiled a list of properties in Raleigh's E.T.J. worth of
Historic Designation
-
actively involved in the designation of the Murphey School
as a Historic Property
-
provided plaque for the Murphey School
2.47
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES -
held orientation workshops for volunteers who conducted
oral histories of African American residents of the City
-
sponsored a four part forum which was open to the public
-
produced three publications
-
coordinated surveys of more than one thousand structures in
the African American community
-
is currently preparing the information for library use
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS -
reviewed and approved 13 applications filed for exterior
changes to designated Raleigh Historic Properties that are
not located within a locally designated Historic District
-
one application was reviewed and approved through the Minor
Works procedure.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION From July 1988 through June 1989, the Historic Districts Commission heard one hundred twelve (112) "Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness": Blount Street
Boylan Heights
Capital Square
Oakwood
7 20 5 80 Four (4) were subsequently withdrawn. Three (3) of the
applications were for Raleigh Historic Properties that are
located with a HistoricDistrict.
There were one hundred twenty (120) actions taken on these applications: Approved as submitted
Approved with conditions
Deferrals
Denials
13 88 13 6 2.48
Additionally, five (5) expired certificates were reissued by the
Commission. The Commission also received fifty-one (51)
"Applications for Minor Works Approval". Minor Works are
defined in the City Code as specific items that staff may
approve, if they meet the Commission's Guidelines.
Blount Street
Boylan Heights
Capital Square
Oakwood
1 8 3 39 All were approved; one was for a Historic Property located within a Historic District. A summary of additional activities of the Commission follows: -
advised Planning Commission of Districts Commission's
endorsement of subdivision plan and encroachment agreement
for lot at southeast corner of East Lane and North
Bloodworth Streets.
-
six commissioners and two staff members attended the
Historic Preservations Foundation's Annual Preservation
Commissions Workshop
-
-
-
held two retreats for commission members
made extensive revisions to their By-laws
coordinated and supported a text change to the city
ordinance pertaining to the Historic Districts Commission
MISCELLANEOUS -
supported the Oakwood North Amendment - the extension of
the boundaries of the Oakwood National Register District
-
encouraged the retention of the Selgison properties on
their sites
-
assisted in efforts to find a long-term use for the Borden
Building in Fletcher Park
-
-
endorsed the Mordecai Master Plan
-
opened new offices for the Commission at 311 South Blount
Street. Commission members helped to paint and fit-up
the interior
supported "Livability" as the theme for the Bicentennial
celebration
2.49
-
advised City Council on potential candidates for new
members for the Historic Properties Commission and the
Historic Districts Commission
COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP 1988-1989 New members this year were: Janet Darnell, Florence Francis, Terry Harper, Peter Sandbeck, and Ginger Zucchino. Other members included: Robert Anderson, Barbara H. Boney, Julia Bonham, Parker Call, Stan Caton, Christina Coltrane, Carl DeVane, Peggy Dixon, Mary Lou Eycke, Margaret Lightner Hayes, Pernon Howell, Doug Johnston, George Lennon, Ruth Little, Bridget MacNair (vice-chair), Bill Murphy, Margaret Rose Murray, Beth Pastore, Glenn Plott, Bernetta Pullen, Betsy Ross, Steve Schuster (chair), Kathleen Southern, Hugh Stohler, Everett Ward, Michael Weeks, and Barbara Wishy. Staff support was provided to the Commission by the following Planning Department personnel: Dan Becker, Executive Director; Charlene Willard, Preservation Administrator; and Margaret Long Stephenson, Preservation Technician. The Commission's operation, especially the Districts Commission, requires a devotion of time and dedication which is rarely seen in the volunteer sector. Our members serve without compensation but deliver a professional level of service to their community. With the continued support of the Raleigh City Council and the community that we serve, the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission looks forward to the next year of historic preservation in our city. The Raleigh Historic Properties Commission wishes to thank the City Council, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Appearance Commission, the City Manager's office, the City Attorney's office, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Planning Department and the City staff for their support during this year and for their continued support in what we hope will be year of promise for preservation in Raleigh. This report of the activities of the Raleigh Historic Properties
Commission for the 1989-1989 fiscal year was approved by the
Commission at its September 1988 meeting for presentation to the
Raleigh City Council.
Steven
D. Schuster, Chair
Raleigh Historic Properties Commission
September 13, 1989
2.50
RALEIGH HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1989 - June 30, 1990
The 1989-90 fiscal year for the Historic Propemes Commission was one characterized by broad and
substantial issues that required lengthy presentations (both oral and visual) and hours of discussion in
the interest of acquiring the understanding necessary to make reasonable recommendations when they
were required. In addition, many hours were given to planning the special projects and publications
that are also a part of the commission's activities.
The commission and its support staff is particularly proud of the recognition received from the State
Historic Preservation Office in its year end assessment, FY 1988-89, regarding the city's participation
in the Certified Local Government program (for which the commission is the city's designated preservation commission): "I am particularly impressed with the commission's activities this year relating to
preservation education and with the improved interaction between the city and the commission.... I
would also like to commend the commission on the excellent quality of its procedures and minutes,
and those of the disricts commission, which are consistently the best in the state. Finally, the professional expertise and experience in preservation which is represented on the commission is outstanding.... In general,...I consider Raleigh's program to be of the highest caliber."
During 1989-90, the commission has made substantial progress toward the goals it established the
previous year:
To develop a strong and positive working relationship with the city council and
administration: The commission has sought throughout the year to present its recommendations
in a useful and timely fashion, with written reports submitted as issues warranted. Particularly
noteworthy was the effort made in preparing and coordinating presentations for the Council's Work
Session on historic preservation that led to the Historic Preservation Roundtable.
To designate one new historic district and to increase the number of designated
properties from seventy-three to one hundred: With the designation of 16 new properties
(less three demolished during the year), there are now 86 designated historic properties in the city.
To concentrate the commission's focus on education and improving the services to
those who live in the historic districts and properties: Preservation Week activities at
City Market and Broughton High School reached a broader audience than in past years; with the
implementation this year of the expanded minor works procedures for staff approval of Certificates
of Appropriateness, a great deal of positive feedback has been received from citizens.
To be solidly involved in long-term preservation planning, especially with regard
to the Comprehensive Plan: The City Council Work Session on historic preservation and the
Historic Preservation Roundtable have laid the groundwork for the completion of the historic
preservation element of the comprehensive plan during the 1990-91 year.
311 SOUTH BLOUNT STREET POST OFFICE BOX 829 CENTURY STATION
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27602
919/832-7238
2.51
This report on the commission'sperformance during 1989-90 is offered as simply as possible, with
the understanding that the information that surrounds many of the issues that the commission considered has been well documented in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to the city
council and administration bearing our recommendations.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission acknowledges the support, interest and
cooperation that it has enjoyed from members of the city administration and city council throughout the
past year.
The activities of the Commission have been divided into categories representative of its committee
structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties, Other Activities, and concluding with Recommendations.
Sites Research. Designation. and Plaques Committee
\
Submitted a report recommending that the properties at 224/228 East Martin Street be retained on site. Completed architectural survey of approximately 1300 buildings located within traditionally African-
American communities. Submitted seven potential National Register of Historic Places historic dis- ricts to the Study List for the State Professional Review Committee. Presented information regarding historic resources at the public hearing for the proposed "Outer-
Loop." Recommended to city council the designation of sixteen additional Raleigh Historic Properties, the de-designation of four that had been demolished, and the re-designation of three that had been moved to new sites. Participated in a joint public hearing with the city council regarding the twenty- three proposed ordinances, and applauded the Council's action to enact the ordinances. Authorized ordering a plaque denoting the City Market as a historic property, and exploring new sources for having plaques made less expensively. Commenced Downtown Raleigh Architectural Survey, funded jointly by the city and a grant from the State Historic Preservation Office, the first phase in a two year effort to complete a comprehen-
sive survey of Raleigh's historic resources. Public Relations/Education Committee
Voted to fund a sponsorship for the Historic Preservation Foundation of N.C.'s upcoming book North Carolina Architecture. Members attended the Historic Preservation Foundation's annual workshop for preservation com-
missions in New Bern. Sponsored a series of four lectures at Mordecai Historic Park, in association with Capital Area Preservation, on the topic "Shaping Raleigh's Image for the '90's: Historic Preservation's Role in Downtown Development." Discontinued membership in the American Association for State and Local History, in order to devote those funds to membership in support of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. Discussed the downtown planning process and noted that a representative(s) from the Historic Properties Commission should be included as a part of the public forum group. Conducted Preservation Week activities at City Market and Needham Broughton High School. Sale of commission publication Early Raleigh Neighborhoods and Raleigh Historic P r o p e r t i e s
continues. Began work on an insert that will be added to the latter publication because of the sixteen recent property designations. 2.52
Governmental Liaison Committee
Supported efforts directed toward the Wake County delegation and the Council of State offering
recommendations to improve the scale and location of the Veterans Memorial planned for the Capitol
grounds.
Designated a commission member to serve on Wake County's advisory committee for the preservation of Oakview.
Supported revisions to state enabling legislation for historic properties and dismcts, and other legislation providing financial incentives for preservation.
Met with individual council members to acquaint them with the goals, etc., of the commission, and
sponsored a reception for council members at the properties commission office.
Certificate of Appropriateness Committee
This committee reviews exterior changes proposed for historic properties located outside of the
boundaries of historic dismcts. It took the following actions during this fiscal year:
Issued five Certificates of Appropriateness for the following properties: Montague Building; Mordecai House and Grounds; Tabernacle Baptist Church; Henry Porter House (a major rehabilitation by
a private owner, rescuing this antebellum plantation home from threatened demolition); Early Store
Building at 109 Fayetteville Street Mall (demolition).
Additionally, three Minor Work Certificates of Appropriateness were issued by staff on behalf of
the Committee for the following properties: Montague Building (2); Smedes Hall (St. Mary's College).
African-American Studies Ad Hoc Committee
Continued to oversee the Oral History component of the African-American Studies Project.
Submitted to City Council a status report on the project; subsequently received supplemental appropriation from city council to complete oral history transcripts.
Sponsored two public information meetings in southeast Raleigh regarding the proposed "East
Raleigh-South Park National Register Historic District" nomination, the first such nomination proposed in Raleigh for an African-American neighborhood.
Reported to City Council that the Z. Smith Reynolds grant request for the African-American Studies
Project publication had not been awarded. In lieu of this, it was proposed that five donors be
sought to contribute $5,000 each for a match to city funding. Requested that the council uphold the
City Manager's recommendation that the commission's funding request for $22,875 toward this
publication be budgeted.
Certified Local Government
Recommended the nomination of the East Raleigh-South Park Historic District and the Dix Hill
Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places.
Other Activities
Supported the formation of a non-profit corporation, Yates Mill Associates, Inc., for the preservation of Yates Mill. Declined free termite treatment for Yates Mill offered by Orkin (part of their
promotional program) as premature, since historic structure analysis had not yet been performed on
mill. Announced the award of a $3,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's
Preservation Services Fund for preparation of a Historic Structure Report, to be matched by Yates
Mill Associates, Inc.
Submitted a report requested by city council regarding the proposed alignments for the Western
Boulevard Extension.
2.53
Prepared a "Preservation Priority List" of endangered properties at the request of the city council to help guide it in preservation funding decisions. Discussed the Sister Cities International's interest in the threatened Ravenscroft Building on the St. Mary's College campus. Coordinated and participated in the Work Session requested by city council on historic preservation, attended also by the Historic Preservation Foundation, Capital Area Preservation, Inc., and the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood. Participated in the Historic Preservation Roundtable sponsored by the City of Raleigh, and co-spon- sored by Wake County, Capital Area Preservation, and the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood. Noted with encouragement that the preparation of a historic preservation policy was included in the city council's strategic plan formulated at the council's retreat. Following presentation regarding city redevelopment plan proposal for a parking deck between Wilmington and Blount Streets, scheduled a special meeting for further consideration of the issue. Prepared report for city council. Represented at the Tabernacle Baptist Church meeting about the Wilmington/BlountStreet parking deck. Presented report at the city council public hearing on the parking deck redevelopment plan. Drafted an "Office Use Policy" to accommodate facility needs for meetings by city, city-sponsored or preservation groups. Subsequently used by East Side Neighborhood Task Force and Yates Mill Associates, Inc. Following discussion with representatives of community group homes, supported rezoning, vari-
ance request or special use permit -- as situation dictated -- for historically significant house at southwest comer of Dawson and Davie streets for proposed use as a transitional house for persons recovering from mental illness. Supported the reorganization of Mordecai SquareHistorical Society, Inc. as Capital Area Preserva-
tion, Inc., voting to abolish the reservation of three positions on the non-profit corporation's board- for properties commission members. Advised city council on potential candidates for new members for the commission. Certified Local Government (CLG) status requires that the city's designated historic preservation
commission membership maintain minimum standards of expertise in preservation. Among the
types of backgrounds of future candidates that would benefit the city, there appears to be a need for
historians, architectural historians, architects and landscape architects. It is also noted that connections between the preservation and business communities should be encouraged. Appointments by
council during the next fiscal year must be made with care to ensure that the city maintains its CLG
status. The commission will work during the upcoming year to provide for council's consideration
the names of potential candidates that will help the city meet these membership standards.
New members this year were: Thomas L. Amann, Paul B. Blankinship, Hannah Byron, W. Ames
Christopher, William Dodge III, Lockhart Follin-Mace, Howard Highsmith, Nan Hutchins, Rebecca
Moore, Richard H. Moser, Megg Rader, Richard L. Rice, and Chris Yetter.
Others serving during this year include: Barbara H. Boney (vice-chair, partial term), Julia Bonham,
Parker Call, Christina H. Coltrane, Janet Darnell, Carl DeVane, Peggy Dixon, Mary Lou Eycke,
Florence I. Francis, Terry Harper, Margaret Hayes, Doug Johnston, Bridget MacNair (vice-chair,
partial term), Bill Murphy, Margaret Rose Murray, Glenn Plott, Bemetta H. Pullen, Betsy Ross, Peter
Sandbeck, Steven D. Schuster (chair), Hugh Stohler, Everett B. Ward, Michael Weeks, Barbara
Wishy, and Ginger Zucchino.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission
August 21,1990
2.54
RALEIGH HISTORlC
PROPERTIES COMMISSION RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT Raleigh Historic Dismcts Commission July 1,1989 - June 30,1990 Members of the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission are appointed by the City Council and must
also be members of the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission. Among the membership of the
Commission are residents of or employees within each of the four historic districts: Blount Street,
Boylan Heights, Capitol Square and Oakwood, as well as architects, industrial historians, landscape
architects, archaeologists, administrators, real estate professionals and engineering designers. The
Districts Commission hears applications for certificates of appropriateness for any exterior alterations,
new construction or demolition within the four historic dismcts.
As required by law, the Districts Commission holds public hearings on all applications on the first
Monday of each month, in Room 305 of the Raleigh Municipal Building, at 4:00 p.m. During the
hearing, the Commission receives evidence to determine that the proposed changes are not
incongruous with the character of the historic district or historic property. The evidence is reviewed
against guidelines and standards listed in the city ordinance before issuing a certificate.
New member this year was Florence I. Francis. Others serving during the year include: Barbara H.
Boney (Chair), Julia Bonham (Vice-Chair), Terry Harper, Doug Johnston, Margaret Rose Murray,
Glenn Plott, Betsy Ross, Michael Weeks.
Volunteers serving on the commission's Design Review Advisory Committee(for informal review
of major additions and new construction) were: John Kinney, David Maurer, Michael Southern, and
Beth Thomas. Dan Becker, Executive Director, also served on this committee.
ateness Activities
The commission heard seventy-nine (79) "Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness":
Blount Street
Boylan Heights
Capital Square
3 9 6 1 (Application for utility changes in R.O.W. of all four historic districts)
79 TOTAL
2.55
Two applications submitted were withdrawn by the applicant. There were eighty-six (86) actions
taken on these applications:
Approved as submitted
27
Approved with conditions 46.5
Deferrals
8
4.5
Denials
86
The commission also received one hundred eight (108) "Applications for Minor Work, Approval."
Minor works are .defined
. in the city code as specific items that staff may approve, if they meet the
Commission's Guidelines. All were approved. Two were historic properties located within a district.
Blount Street
Boylan Heights
Capital Square
Oakwood
9
28
7
64
108
The total number of applications (187) is an increase of twenty-four (24) applications from last year.
This is the first full period in which the expanded "Minor Works" list has been active, and the number
of minor works applications approved by staff has increased by more than 100%. The commission
has received overwhelmingly positive response from residents and owners within the dismcts
regarding the convenience of this procedural improvement to the Minor Works process. The reduction
in the number of applications that have to be reviewed by the commission has led to shorter
commission meetings, and enabled the commission concentrate on the more complex applications.
Summarv of Other Activities
During the 1989-90 work year, the Districts Commission, in addition to the abovementioned cases,
completed the following activities:
Investigated other historic district commission's procedures to determine the types of work
reviewed by the commission for issuance of certificates of appropriateness, and that which is
permitted to be reviewed by staff under a "Minor Works" procedure.
Amended the bylaws to expand the Minor Works list, thereby making the process to receive a
Certificate of Appropriateness more efficient for property owners (see attached).
Held a retreat for new and existing members.
Members attended several preservation conferences and workshops, both lecture and hands-on.
Actively participated in the planning and execution of the Historic Preservation Roundtable, the first
step in completing the Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
In response to a letter from the Chair, received a ruling from the N.C. Real Estate Commission:
"The fact that a residential property is located within an historic district is material and therefore it
must be disclosed by the real estate agent to the prospective purchaser. We note, as you pointed
out, that such property places certain restrictions and regulations on the property owner of which he
or she should be made aware." This ruling was subsequently reported in the Preservation Law
Update, a National publication. (See attached)
Developed a draft for a new brochure, "Do You Own Property in a Historic District?" as an aid for
residents (see attached).
e
,
2.56
.
The Districts Commission has no enforcement authority. Once a Cemficate of Appropriateness is
issued, if the work is not done according to the terms of the Cemficate, the Commission has no
power to enforce those terms. The same is t r u e when work is undertaken without a certificate. As
the commission understands it, there is currently no city standard operating procedure specifically
for the enforcement of the historic dismcts and properties ordinances. The Commission would like
to work with the City Administration in preparing a procedure that would clarify the roles of the
Commission, commission staff, Inspections Department and City Attorney's Office. This would
help assure that the citizens that do observe the ordinances are treated fairly.
Because of the specialized nature of the work done by the Districts Commission, appointments to it
will continue to need to be those persons who are not only interested in preservation, but who
possess the technical and educational skills to best serve the property owners in the four historic
districts.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission acknowledges the support, interest and
cooperation that it has enjoyed from members of the city administration and city council throughout the
past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission
September 4, 1990
2.57
RALEIGH HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1990 - June 30, 1991
Introduction
During the fiscal year 1990-91, the commission worked diligently to become a constructive and
positive partner in major issues confronting the City: Comprehensive Plan, Urban Design Guide,
RTKL Downtown Raleigh Action Plan. It was particularly pleased by the progress made toward
the inclusion of the significant "Historic Preservation Element" in the Comprehensive Plan.
A highlight of the year was the presentation of a copy of the African American Studies oral
history collection to the Mollie Huston Lee Collection at the Richard B. Harrison Library. This
followed shortly after the listing of the East Raleigh-South Park Historic District in the National
Register of Historic Places, a product of the architectural survey component of the project.
The "Raleigh Ramble" was a highly successful event of Preservation Week. The unveiling of
plaques identifying three properties designated as Raleigh Historic Properties (State Capitol,
Executive Mansion, City Market) was also a part of the commission's observance of the week.
The State Historic Preservation Office, in its year end assessment of the City's Certified Local
Government program, continued to be highly complimentary of the commission's activities and of
the professional expertise and experience that the City staff provides the commission: "Without
recapping the complete list of the commission's undertakings and accomplishments, let me just say
that all of it is impressive.. .Equally important were the strides made to encourage cooperative
interaction between the City government and the commission and your efforts to become more
directly involved in long term planning."
This report on the commission's performance during 1990-91 is offered as simply as possible,
with the understanding that the information surrounding many of the issues that the commission
considered has been well documented in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to
the city council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership 1990-91
New members this year: Barbara Akinwole, Anne Berger, Wilmoth Carter, Settle Dockery,
Thomas Fuller, Barbara Hocutt, Eric Jackson, David Maurer, Robert Rader, Mark Robinson.
Others serving during the year include: Thomas Amann, Paul Blankinship, Barbara Boney,
Julia Bonham, Parker Call, Ames Christopher, Janet Darnell, Carl DeVane, Mary Lou Eycke,
Lockhart Follin-Mace, Florence Francis, Terry Harper, Nan Hutchins, Rebecca Moore, Richard
Moser, Bill Murphy, Glenn Plott, Bemetta Pullen, Megg Rader, Richard Rice, Betsy Ross, Steve
Schuster, Kathleen Southern, Hugh Stohler, Everett Ward, Barbara Wishy, Ginger Zucchino.
2.58
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its
committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties, Other Activities, and
concluding with Recommendations.
Sites Research, Designation. and Plaques Committee
The following designations were recommended to and approved by City Council on April 2,
1991: Sion H. Rogers, Sr. House, 4262 Louisburg Rd.; Wake County Home, 401 E.
Whitaker Mill Rd.; Raleigh, Little Theatre/Amphitheatre/Rose Garden, Pogue and Gardner
Streets; Leonidas R. Wyatt House, 109 S. Bloodworth St. Designation of the Rufus J. Ivey
House, also recommended for designation, is pending further discussion with the property
owner.
Authorized ordering sixteen bronze plaques for properties recently designated.
Updated the list of endangered properties submitted to the City Council in August 1989.
Attached to report as an appendix.
Nominated East Raleigh-South Park Historic Dismct to National Register (listed 10/90).
Began investigating the development of cultural and historic landscape designation standards.
Reviewed Oak View National Register nomination; determined that it meets criteria for listing.
Regretted the demolition of the First Citizens Bank Building.
Reviewed and recommended the extension of the Oakwood Historic District to conform with
the National Register boundaries on the south.
Updated the Moore Square Historic District information.
Discussed the merits of Wilder's Grove for preservation and found that the grove no longer
retained its historic integrity.
Public Relations/Education Committee
Working on update of Raleigh Historic Properties pamphlet to include 20 properties designated
since publication. Sales are continuing.
Agreed to co-sponsor a public forum for the proposed Raleigh Museum.
Historic Preservation Week Activities: Co-sponsored the "Raleigh Ramble" with
Preservation/NC; "unveiling" ceremonies for plaques at the Capitol, the Executive Mansion and
the City Market.
Worked with Capital Area Preservation on trolley tours as part of the Bicentennial celebration.
Held a ceremony and reception on the occasion of the deposit of the African American
Communities Oral History Collection in the Richard B. Harrison Library.
Represented at Murphey School Dedication.
Arranged presentations by Mr. Gene Hafer, Bicentennial Task Force chairman, and Mr. Rod
Brooks, North Carolina World Center (Children's Museum) at commission meeting.
Purchased video, Tourism and Historic Preservation from the National Trust for Historic
Preservation.
Commission member Thomas Fuller attended the Annual Commissions' Workshop in
Hickory, NC on behalf of the Historic Properties Commission.
Governmental Liaison Committee
Discussed property at 309 S. Person Street and advised Community Development that there
was an interested buyer.
Explored ways in which Community Development and the commission could work more
cooperatively and established a liaison between the two groups.
Recommended that the commission reaffirm its resolution of 1987 in support of the City's new
sign ordinance. It also encourages seeking a workable solution to the issue of historic signs.
2.59
Met with City Council Law and Finance Committee to urge notification to commission at the onset of demolition procedure when historic resources (National Register listed and locally designated) are involved. Policy adopted. Encouraged the City to board-up Pilot Mills in lieu of demolishing it. Policy adopted. Joined with Preservation/North Carolina in its lobbying efforts related to demolition delays and ten percent state income tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic properties. Certificate of Appropriateness Committee
This committee reviews exterior changes proposed for historic properties located outside of the
boundaries of historic districts. It took the following actions during this fiscal year:
Issued 10 Certificates of Appropriateness
Additionally, 16 Minor Work Certificates of Appropriateness were issued by staff on behalf of
the committee.
African-American Studies Ad Hoc Committee
Completed oral history.
Under the leadership of Dr. Carl DeVane, the Oral History Collection was deposited at Richard
B. Harrison Library on February 24, 1991. A reception was held to honor the occasion. Considered the possibility of a display at Crabtree Valley mall. Worked to assure designation of the East Raleigh-South Park area as a National Register Historic District. Listed October, 1990. Submitted grant proposals to the following four foundations: Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the Fletcher Foundation, Josephus Daniels Foundation, Greater Triangle Community Foundation. Not funded. Gave a status report to the City Council on the publication project and fundraising challenges; Council agreed to rollover $22,325.00 challenge match funding into fiscal year 1991-92. Continuing to seek funds to match the City's funding for publication of African American Communities research project (architectural survey and oral histories). Held informal meetings on fundraising; viewed Preservation/NC's set of videos on fundraising and devised a strategy for the goal of soliciting the community and other foundations and corporations. Certified Local Government Duties
The commission reviewed the nomination of Oak View and concluded that it met the criteria for
nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Other Activities
City staff/commission Task Force prepared draft Historic Preservation Element for the
Comprehensive Plan (adopted by City Council on July 16,1991).
Participated in the RTKL :"Action Plan for Downtown Raleigh" planning process to ensure
preservation interests incorporated in plan.
Continued to participate in the reviews of the draft "Guide to Downtown Urban Design."
Offered recommendations for the Wilmington Street Parking Deck (within Moore Square NR
District) and met with representatives of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Heiling-Levine store and
other Hargett Street property owners; held special meeting of the commission for thorough
discussion.
Two commission members served on New Bern/EdentonStreet Task Force.
Participated in discussion about the proposed Wake County Historic Preservation
Commission.
Endorsed the Children's Museum About the World.
Deferred budget items so that $1,600.00 (6.53% of Commission's budget could be returned to
the City in response to the budget crisis.
Voted to send Dan Becker and Robert Rader to the Preservation Leadership Workshop
sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
2.60
On July 2, 1991 the state legislature amended the general statute for historic preservation
commissions to increase the demolition delay period from 180 days to 365 days. City Council
should initiate a text change to revise city preservation ordinances to conform to the new
enabling legislation.
The current proposal for the creation of a Wake County Historic Preservation Commission has
been endorsed in concept by the Raleigh City Council. City Council should continue its
thorough study of the proposal and implementation of the new commission to ensure prudent
guardianship of the city's historic resources.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Properties Comrnission acknowledges the support, interest
and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the
past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission August 20,1991 2.61
RALEIGH HISTORIC PROPERTIES COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1991 - June 30,1992
During fiscal year 1991-92, the commission worked diligently to strengthen its organizational
planning efforts. It held a goal-setting retreat, adopted a mission statement, established objectives
and set priorities with which to direct the Commission's activities in the future. It has also continued to review and evaluate the progress toward establishing a Wake County Historic Preservation
Commission and the city's role within that effort. The commission was particularly pleased by the
adoption of the "Historic Preservation Element" in the Comprehensive Plan.
The "Raleigh Trolley" sponsored by Capital Area Preservation, Inc. has been a highly successful venture this the Bicentennial year. During Historic Preservation Week, the commission marked
all 96 historic properties with brightly colored medallions, which were a great success in drawing
attention to these historic resources.
This report on the commission's performance during 1991-92 is offered as simply as possible,
with the understanding that the information surrounding many of the issues that the commission
considered has been well documented in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to
the city council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership 1991-92
New members this year: Marlys de Alba, June Barbour, Frank Branan, Frank Cross, Mabel
Dorsey, Kurt Eic henberger, Doreatha Handy, Becky Hedspeth, Lauren Malinoff, Juanita ShearerS wink.
Others serving during the year include: Barbara Akinwole, Thomas' Amann, Anne Berger, Paul
Blankinship, Parker Call (Chair), Wilmoth Carter, Ames Christopher, Janet Darnell, Settle
Dockery, Mary Lou Eycke, Florence Francis, Thomas Fuller, Terry Harper (Vice-Chair), Barbara
Hocutt, Nan Hutchins, Eric Jackson, David Maurer, Rebecca Moore, Richard Moser, Glenn Plott,
Bernetta Pullen, Robert Rader, Richard Rice, Betsy Ross, Steve Schuster, Hugh Stohler.
Summarv of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties, Other Activities, and concluding
with Recommendations.
2.62
Hired a consultant to prepare a study list of potential historic properties derived from the
African American communities architectural survey. Selected five and hired consultant to pre-
pare designation reports for: Boys Dorm for the School for the Negro Deaf, Dumb and Blind, 600 S. Bloodworth St.; Delaney Building, 133 E. Hargett St.; Lewis Hotel and Annex, 220 E. Cabarrus (since demolished following arson); George Lane House, 728 E. Davie St.; Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, Oberlin Rd. Completed Moore Square Historic District Designation Report and submitted it to the Historic Districts Commission. Investigated the development of cultural and historic landscape designation standards. Public Relations/Education Committee
Devised new price structure and marketing for Early Raleigh Neighborhoods and Raleigh
Historic Properties pamphlet. Sales are continuing.
Produced a public event commemorating the life and times of the Henry Clay Oak prior to its
removal due to disease.
Procured set of slides of all Raleigh Historic Properties, copied from previously commissioned
professional photographs.
Commission chair and executive director gave slide presentation, based on the Preservation
Element of the Comprehensive Plan, to the Local Government Committee of the Raleigh
Chamber of Commerce.
Created Mayoral proclamation for National Preservation Week; created medallions announcing
National Preservation Week and placed these at all Raleigh Historic Properties. Recollected
these to pass on to Capital Area Preservation for future use.
. Sponsored reception to honor retiring Commission Chair and members.
Governmental Liaison Committee
Monitored the activities of the City Council Committees, City Planning Commission, and
County Planning Commission to stay abreast of preservation issues in an attempt to plan
activities instead of last minute reaction.
Conducted survey of commission members for membership and activities in local community
groups and preservation organizations to assist in the preparation of a preservation network.
Committee members selected Council member(s)for the development of personal interaction
with City Council with regard to preservation of the city's resources.
Interacted with the City's Community Development Department to develop a conduit of communication for the exchange of concepts and philosophy.
Assisted the Historic Districts Commission with the designation of the Moore Square Historic
District.
Participated in the development of plans for the renovation of Oak View, a Wake Countyowned historic resource.
Participated as a member of the Downtown Visibility Group (an Appearance Commission subcommittee).
Participated as a juror for the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards Program for Community Appearance.
Certificate of Appropriateness Committee
This committee reviews exterior changes proposed for historic properties located outside of the
boundaries of historic districts. It took the following actions during this fiscal year:
Issued 8 Certificates of Appropriateness. Additionally, 11 Minor Work Certificates of Appropriateness were issued by staff on behalf of the committee. 2.63
African-American Studies A Hoc Committee
Secured final funding from the City Council to produce the publication Culture Town: Life in
Raleigh
Developed production schedule and established editorial guidelines for publication. Entered into initial contracts for preparation of manuscript. Certified Local Government Duties
There were no nominations to the National Register of Historic Places from the Raleigh area
submitted for the commission's review.
Other Activities
Adopted the following mission statement: "The commission serves as City Council's official
historic preservation advisory body to identify, preserve, protect, and educate the public about
Raleigh's historic resources."
The Historic Preservation Element for the Comprehensive Plan was adopted by City Council
on July 16, 1991.
C o n t i n u e d t o e v aluate the proposed Wake County Historic Preservation Commission.
Sent Dan Becker and Robert Rader to the Preservation Leadership Workshop in Raleigh sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Sent Barbara Akinwole, Parker Call, Mary Lou Eycke, and Thomas Fuller to the Preservation/NC Annual Meeting in Durham, NC. Staff members Dan Becker and Margaret Long
Stephenson also attended.
Sent Thomas Fuller to the Preservation Commission Workshop in Greenville sponsored by the
State Historic Preservation Office.
Sent Thomas Fuller and Lauren Malinoff to the
Certified Local Government Commission
Workshop in Hillsborough sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office.
Drafted a text change to revise city preservation ordinances to conform to the new enabling
legislation to increase the demolition delay period from 180 days to 365 days. Ordinance
adopted by Council December 3, 1991.
The following recommendations for action are drawn from the Historic Preservation Element
of the Comprehensive Plan and from the goals and objectives determined at the commission's goal
setting retreat.
Adopt the draft ordinance reorganizing the city's historic preservation program and incorporating the 1989 state enabling legislation changes.
Increase the commission's budget line item for professional services for the preparation of
historic property designation reports.
Continue the Capital Improvement Program funding line item for Capital Area Preservation's
Revolving Fund.
Study the designation of the Warehouse District (southwest of Nash Square) as a historic
overlay district.
Support legislation at the state level that benefits historic preservation (i.e. tax credits for
rehabilitation and property tax freeze for rehabilitated properties).
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission acknowledges the support, interest
and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the
ti
past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission August 18,1992 2.64
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1992 - June 30, 1993
During fiscal year 1992-93, the commission worked diligently to implement the action items
listed in the "Historic Preservation Element" of the Comprehensive Plan. The primary goal
achieved was the reorganization of the City's historic preservation program. The Raleigh Historic
Properties Commission was renamed the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission; the 32-member
commission was reduced in size to twelve members; Bylaws were revised; Articles of
Incorporation were amended with Secretary of State; and 501(c)(3) tax exempt status was retained.
The ordinance was adopted by City Council October 6, 1992, effective January 3, 1993.
The Districts Commission also heard the most complex and challenging Application for a
Certificate of Appropriateness in its history: the construction of the Western Boulevard Extension
along the southern edge of Boylan Heights.
This report on the commission's performance during 1992-93 is offered as simply as possible,
with the understanding that the information surrounding many of the issues that the commission
considered has been well documented in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to
the city council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission
members hi^
1992-93
New members serving during this year: Maxine Alexander, Stuart Bass, Mike Fasola, Tom
Gongaware, Carol Guidi, Bruce Markey, Don Peny, Frank Ridley, Virginia Russell.
Others serving during the year include: Barbara Akinwole, Marlys de Alba, Thomas Amann
(Secretary-treasurer-Properties Commission, 7192-12/92), June Barbour, Anne Berger, Paul
Blankinship, Frank Branan, Ames Christopher, Frank Cross, Janet Darnell, Kurt Eichenberger,
Thomas C. Fuller 11, Doreatha Handy, Terry Harper (Vice-Chair-Properties Commission, 719212/92; Secretary-treasurer-Districts Commission, 1/93-6193), Becky Hedspeth, Barbara Hocutt,
Eric Jackson, Lauren Malinoff, Glenn Plott, Robert Rader (Chair-Properties Commission, 719212/92; Vice-Chair-Districts Commission, 7/92-6193), Richard Rice, Betsy Ross (Chair-Districts
Commission, 7/92-6193), Juanita Shearer-Swink, Hugh Stohler.
Summary of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties and Other Activities.
Sites. Research. Designation. and Plaques Committee
The following designations were recommended to and approved by City Council on November
4, 1992: Delaney Building, 133 E. Hargett St.; George Lane House, 728 E. Davie St.; Wilson
Temple United Methodist Church, 1023 Oberlin Rd.; Oak View, Poole Rd. at 1-440 Beltline;
and Grosvenor Garden Apartments, 1101 St. Mary's St. Additionally, the Boy's Doim of the
School for the Negro Deaf, Dumb & Blind, 600 S. Bloodworth St. was recommended for designation, but it burned immediately prior to designation, and the Council deferred action pending
determination of the building's condition. The Commission urged Shaw University to explore
222 W. Hargett Street. Room 307
PO Box 829. Century Station
Raleigh. No rth Carolina 27602
9 191832-7238
2.65
ways of restoring Boy's Dorm for Negro Deaf, Dumb & Blind in lieu of demolition; regrettably,
the University determined that it could not be restored, and it was demolished.
Contracts were approved for the preparation of the following designation reports: M. L. Latta
House, 1001 Parker St.; Willis Graves House, 802 Oberlin Rd.; Chavis Park Carousel, Chavis
Park; Commerce Building (I.O.O.F. Building), 19 W. Hargett St.; Plummer T. Hall House,
8 14 Oberlin Rd.; John T. and Mary Turner House, 1002 Oberlin Rd.; James S. Morgan House,
1015 Oberlin Rd.
Reviewed and recommended the extension of the Oakwood Historic District to conform with the
National Register boundaries on the south; to be forwarded to City Council during 1993-94.
Researched and recommended that William B. Umstead State Park be placed on the State study
list for nomination to the National Register. Awarded CLG grant for National Register
Nomination preparation.
Requested that the 1993-94 budget include funding for research on Oberlin Road community for
possible designation.
Researched and heard presentation on the Rickman House designed by noted architect George
Matsumoto. Recommendations for designation deferred pending further study.
Public Relations/Education Committee
Coordinated preparation of Mayoral proclamation for National Preservation Week.
Authorized the lllinois Historic Preservation Agency to reprint a 1982 Commission article entitled Aluminum and Synthetic Siding in Historic Districts and Properties.
Held a Christmas Reception at Mordecai House for past Commission Chairs, City Council
Members, Commission Members, and various city officials to commemorate adoption of new
ordinance and bylaws transforming Historic Properties Commission to Historic Districts
Commission.
Donated $250.00 to PreservationINC to assist in the production and marketing of North
Carolina Architecture Video to be aired on PBS and distributed to public schools.
Held special meeting of Commission on April 26, 1993 to hear and critique presentations by
students of UNC Graduate Planning Class on the Nash Square~WarehouseDistrict.
Received and began reviewing requests for proposals for Graphic Standards Consultant
Contract.
Governmental Liaison Committee
Continued contact with the City's Community Development Department to improve communication and attempt to work more closely while exchanging ideas and philosophy. Established a
liaison between the two groups and arranged for presentations on two occasions by representatives of community development regarding block grant programs.
Recommended that the Commission reaffirm its resolution of 1987 in support of the City's new
sign ordinance and assisted the Districts Commission in evaluating criteria for exclusion of
Classic Signs from the sign ordinance.
Appointed a representative from the commission to serve as Capitol Area Preservation Network
Liaison to address preservation issues, emergencies and crisis.
Addressed concerns to City Inspections Department over enforcement of ordinance and explored
upgrading computer system to facilitate and improve communication to Inspections Department
that would assist in tracking violations.
Monitored work of the Classic Sign Task Force and reviewed resulting criteria developed for
Classic Sign exception to sign ordinance.
Appeared at public hearing of Law and Finance Committee of City Council to voice
Commission's support for adoption of Classic Sign exception (adopted by Council 1993).
Participated in the development of plans for the renovation of Oak View, a Wake County owned
historic resource.
Participated as a juror for the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards Program for Community Appearance.
Sent representative to public meeting on proposed State Historic Preservation Comprehensive
Plan.
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Sent representative to public hearing on proposed South Park Neighborhood Plan.
Polled potential members and provided recommendations for nominees to serve on newly created Wake County Historic Preservation Commission.
Certificates of Appropriateness
Issued Certificate of Appropriateness for Western Boulevard extension along southern edge of
Boylan Heights Historic District. The public hearing was continued over five separate sessions,
including presentations by more than twenty-one individuals, resulting in more than 45 hours of
testimony and deliberations. Decision appealed and upheld by Board of Adjustment.
Delayed demolition/removal of historic signs at the Mecca Restaurant and the Coca-Cola sign at
Side Street Restaurant which resulted in their being saved by passage of Classic Sign exception
to sign ordinance.
Changed time of public hearings for Certificates of Appropriateness to make them more convenient and accessible to public.
The commission received seventy-seven (77) Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.
These included four (4) for Raleigh Historic Properties located within the historic districts:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Histoiic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Historic Properties outside districts
3
21
3
2
38
10
Ninety-one (91) actions were taken by the commission altogether:
Approved as submitted
Approved with conditions
Deferrals
Denials
Denials without prejudice
15
53
18.5
1.5
1
Three (3) applications submitted were withdrawn by the applicant. One (1) modification to a
previously issued certificate was approved and there was one (1) denial to reconsider a previously
denied application.
One hundred twenty-one (121) Minor Works Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness
were approved by staff on behalf of the commission. These included five (5) Raleigh Historic
Properties located within the historic districts:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Historic Properties outside districts
4
22
10
2
70
13
Additionally, three (3) Minor Work applications were withdrawn by the applicant and another
three (3) were not approved and were heard by the commission.
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African American Studies Ad Hoc Committee
Developed production schedule and established editorial guidelines for the publication Culture
Town: Life in Raleigh's African American Communities. Entered into contracts for preparation
of manuscript, graphic services, architectural history, copy editing, and production of cassette
tapes.
Completed manuscript and approved book design. Book to be released in November, 1993.
Certified Local Government Duties
Reviewed National Register nominations for Grosvenor Garden Apartments, the Fadum House,
and the Raleigh Building and determined that all meet eligibility criteria for listing.
Other Activities
Held retreats for commission members and orientation sessions for new members.
Sent two commission members to the Preservation North Carolina Annual Meeting in Asheville
in 1992; two commission members and one staff member to the Certified Local Government
Commission Workshops in Wilson sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office; one
commission member participated in the Design Guideline Symposium in Charleston, SC.
Prepared and recommended adoption of a draft city ordinance and amendment to the existing
bylaws reorganizing the city's historic preservation program. Raleigh Historic Properties
Commission renamed Raleigh Historic Districts Commission; 32 member commission reduced
in size to twelve members; Articles of Incorporation amended with Secretary of State and
501(C)(3) tax exempt status retained. Ordinance adopted by Council October 6, 1992, effective
January 3, 1993.
Ceremonial meeting of Properties Commission held at St. Mark's Chapel in Mordecai Historic
Park on December 15, 1992 to commemorate the Commission's reorganization, another milestone in the evolution of the city's historic preservation program. Remarks were given by Past
Chairs who were in attendance.
Reviewed proposed Interlocal Agreement transferring jurisdiction for certain designated Raleigh
Historic Properties to Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, and recommended that
City Council adopt the agreement. Adopted by Council on May 18, 1993, effective July 1,
1993.
Recommended passage of a bill to amend the State Enabling Legislation to allow a subcommittee
of the Historic Districts Commission (formerly it was the Historic Propei.ties Commission) to be
established and hear applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. Recommendation
approved by City Council and legislation ratified.
Reviewed and commented on citizen request to City Council to establish Oldest Tree Honor
Roll.
Obtained landscape guidelines from other commissions and agencies throughout the United
States for review in revising and improving landscape provisions of existing guidelines.
Prepared and reviewed summary of Minor Works tree removal approvals from 1987-1992.
Voiced Commission's concerns in writing and at public hearing on the impact of City's Visual
Obstruction Policy on tree removal in historic neighborhoods.
Began formation of an Ad Hoc Guidelines Revision Committee to choose and work with consultant on rewriting existing guidelines.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 31,1993
2.68
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION,
ANNULAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
ANAN
July 1, 1996 - June 30, 1997
Introduction
During fiscal year 19119%-97, the commission marked the 35th anniversary of its incorporation.
We continued to focus on improving its public service and outreach, and also sought to work more
closely with agencies of localL government in areas of mutual concern.
A large measure of the commission's efforts were devoted to assisting owners of historic
properties recover quickly from the effects of Humcane Fran. The commission's initial response
was a streamlining of the Certificate of Appropriateness review process, working in concert with
the city Inspections Department. An informational brochure, outlining emergency permitting
procedures, was produced for and distributed to historic district property owners and residents (see
copy attached). The commission also secured a Preservation Services Fund grant from the
National Trust for Historic Preservation for a formal study of hurricane-related damage to three
historic Raleigh cemeteries. The Cemetery Damage Assessment Report provided the basis for
debris removal, gravestone conservation, and stormwater erosion control in City, Mt. Hope, and
Oakwood cemeteries.
The commission newsletter, In The Districts, continues to receive wide acclaim. The first such
newsletter in the state, the publication has increasingly inspired other preservation commissions to
issue their own newsletters. During the Spring 1997 state-wide commission training workshop,
the State Historic Preservation Office called on RHDC staff to present an overview of the
newsletter production process. Closer to home, Raleigh historic district residents continue to voice
their interest in and appreciation for the publication.
The commission's other activities have been diverse. This report presents an overview of its
performance during 1996-97. More detailed information surrounding the issues the commission
has considered is contained in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to the city
council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership 1996-97
New members serving during this year were Betsey Coble and Bernard Harrell. Others serving
during the year include: Jesse Brunson, Frank Branan, Ella Clarke, Kurt Eichenberger, Daniel
Figgins, Holmes Harden, Carol Guidi (Vice-Chair), Bruce Markey, David Maurer (Chair), Jimmy
Thiem, Janet Wellman (Secretary/Treasurer).
Summarv of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its
committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties and Other Activities.
Public Relations/EducationCommittee
Assisted in planning the second annual Landmarks Tour presented by Capital Area
Preservation, Inc. The commission sponsored and staffed one of the tour sites.
Developed a portable informational display commemorating commission's 35th anniversary,
outlining local preservation milestones and accomplishments. Initially presented at the
commission's Landmark Tour site, it was viewed by more than 600 persons.
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Recommended that designation reports be prepared for the following properties: John T. and Mary
Turner House, 1002 Oberlin Rd., James S. Morgan House, 1015 Oberlin Rd., E.B. Bain Water
Works, Raleigh Water Works, Norfolk & Southern Cotton Platform.
Public RelationsLFduan Committee
Reviewed and approved graphic standards manual.
Reviewed and approved commission logo design.
Reviewed and approved draft of informational brochure "A Primer for Property Owners and Residents
of Raleigh Historic Districts."
Developed and implemented media (advertising) plan for Culture Town.
Displayed Culture Town during Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities at North Carolina State
University, "Reunion at the Grove," Bragg Street Festival, and Chavis Park reunion.
Co-hosted joint Christmas reception with the Appearance Commission.
..
Continued contact with the City's Community Development Department to work together and improve
communication.
Participated in reviewing Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement concerning proposed Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Heard presentation on.CDBG program; provided comment to City Council.
Reviewed CDBG plans for New Bern~EdentonStreet corridor.
Reviewed city's notification policy on unsafe buildings; developed in cooperation with the City
Inspections Department procedures under which copies of all inspections notices concerning housing
violations and/or unsafe buildings are sent to the commission, to establish whether the buildings in
question are historic.
Monitored city nominations for Classic Signs.
Testified before the Board of Adjustment concerning proposed changes to the Budleigh Service Station.
Certificate of A~~rouriateness
(COA) Committee
Committee officially created 9/93 as an outgrowth of the passage of special state enabling legislation for
the city.
During the fiscal year, a total of 199 COA's were processed. The COA committee reviewed forty-four
(44) Major Work Applications for Certifkates of Appropriateness. One hundred fifty-five (155) Minor
Work Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness were approved by staff on behalf of the
commission. The latter included five (5) Raleigh Historic Properties located within the historic districts.
The totals by district for both application categories are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
or Work
3
15
1
1
24
44
Minor Wo&
6
40
6.5
4.5
9
8
155
2Xx.kL
9
55
7.5
5.5
122
199
Forty-six (46) actions were taken by the COA committee:
Approved as submitted
Approved with conditions
12
28
Deferrals
Denials
4
2
Two (2) Major Work Applications were withdrawn by the applicant before final action by the
committee. The committee voted not to consider a Request to Reconsider a Previously Denied
Application.
In addition, one (1) Minor Work application was withdrawn by the applicant.
2.70
Other activities of the committee included:
Worked with Capital Area Preservation and the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood in
efforts to preserve the Mansion Inn (216 N. Person Street).
Took initial steps to prevent the demolition by neglect of 31 1 Cutler Street in the Boylan Heights
Historic District, the first such action taken under the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance adopted in F'Y
1992-93.
Ad Hoc African American Studies Committee
Finalized production of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh's African-American Communities and
accompanying cassette recording.
Hosted reception premiering Culture Town at St. Augustine's College, Dec. 5, 1993.
Organized book signings on February 19 and March 13,1994.
~
-
Ad Hoc Guidelines Revision Committee
Hosted meetings with representatives of Oakwood and Boylan Heights historic districts to gain resident
input.
Held public forum to obtain additional citizen comments.
Submitted draft of revised guidelines to commission.
Certified Local.Government Duties
Recommended to the state's National Register Advisory Board that the Ritcher House, Small House,
Paschal House, Matsumoto House, and G. Milton Small and Associates Building met the criteria for
National Register listing.
Other Activiti~
Received Anthemion Award from Capitol Area Preservation for publication of Culture Town.
Held a retreat to set commission goals for the year, held orientation sessions for new members.
Sent two commission members to attend the Annual Conference of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation in St. Louis in Sept. 1993; sent two commission members to the Preservation North
Carolina Annual Meeting in Wilmington in Oct. 1993.
Appointed commission representative to serve on the City task force studying the establishment of a
performing arts center.
Appointed commission representative to serve on the Blount/Halifax Task Force.
Appointed commission representative to serve on Morgan Street/Hillsborough Street Bridge
Replacement Task Force.
Created Ad Hoc Work Program Committee to study ways for improving commission procedures and
operations.
Resolved to create a newsletter as a means of better informing the public of commission endeavors and
services.
Monitored state Building Code revisions.
Monitored and reviewed the city's Hungry Neck Redevelopment plans.
Expressed support for the College ParMdlewild Neighborhood Plan.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support, interest and
cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Dismcts Commission, Inc.
August 31,1994
2.71
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS CONMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July I, 1994 - June 30, 1995
Introduction
During fiscal year 1994-95, the commission focused on continuing to improve its public service
and outreach.
The major new initiative that was undertaken during the past fiscal year was the development
and publication of a commission newsletter. The newsletter, In The Districts, debuted in
February, 1995; the second issue appeared in June, and the third is slated for October. Future
issues will follow this tri-annual publication schedule. Newsletter articles highlight commission
activities, renovation "case studies," technical information, and local preservation planning. The
format was designed by a consultant under the guidance of the commission's Public
Relations/Education Committee. Writing, photography, and pre-press production are provided by
the RHDC staff, with graphic support from other City of Raleigh Planning Department staff
members.
The newsletter is distributed free to all residents and property owners in the city's five locallydesignated historic districts. Copies are also mailed to local real estate agencies, architectural
firms, government officials, in-state preservation commissions, and other interested parties. Ondemand distribution is maintained at the Raleigh Planning Department, the Municipal Building
Information Desk, the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the Capitol Area Visitor's Center,
Preservation North Carolina, Capitol Area Preservation, Inc., and related organizations. Public
response has been extremely favorable. Residents of the historic districts have expressed
appreciation for the factual information, and have noted special interest in the "case study" articles.
Anecdotal evidence suggests the newsletter is yielding increased awareness of and appreciation for
the historic preservation program. We have noticed increased citizen requests for: staff assistance
prior to the filing of applications; site consultations; historic information. Copies are attached.
Additional commission activities have been far-ranging. This report presents an overview of the
commission's performance during 199495. More detailed information surrounding the issues the
commission has considered is contained in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted
to the city council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership
1994-95
New members serving during this year: George Barner, Robert Runyans, Jimmy Thiem, Janet
Wellman. Others serving during the year include: Barbara Akinwole, (Chair), Maxine Alexander,
Stuart Bass, Frank Branan, Ella Clarke, Kurt Eichenberger, Holmes Harden, Terry Harper, Carol
Guidi (Secretary~Treasurer),Bruce Markey, David Maurer (Vice-Chair), Robert Rader.
Summary of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its
committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties and Other Activities.
Public Relations/Education Committee
Planned and implemented the In The Districts newsletter project (copies of the first two issues
attached).
Continued sales of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh's African American Communities.
2.72
Implemented media (advertising) plan for Culture Town.
Hosted two Culture Town book signings for the authors.
Initiated the "Historic Resources Guidesheets" project to replace outdated information pamphlets
and booklets with a more flexible and easily updated publication format.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
During the year, 193 Certificates of Appropriateness were processed. The COA committee
reviewed forty-nine (49) Major Work Applications for COAs. One hundred forty-four (144)
Minor Work Applications were approved by staff on behalf of the RHDC, including one (1)
Raleigh Historic Property located within a historic district. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Programmatic Proposal (all districts)
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Maior Work
1
13
2
1
31
Minor Work
6
TOTAL
7
1
49
Fifty-three (53) actions were taken by the COA committee (one major work application was
withdrawn by the applicant before action by the committee):
Approved as submitted
12
Deferrals
4
Approved with conditions
35
Denials
2
All 144Minor Work applications were alterations. The 49 Major Work applications represent
the following work:
Additions/Alterations
33
9
New Construction
Demolition
7 (5 trees)
Other activities of the committee included:
Updating the commissions bylaws for conflict of interest.
Monitored the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance proceedings against 3 11 Cutler Street in the
Boylan Heights Historic District, the first such action taken under the ordinance since its
adoption in I T 1992-93.
Research Committee
The following designation revorts were comvleted: E.B. Bain Waterworks. 1887 Waterworks.
Southern ~ a c w Freight
a ~ ~ k ~ oJames
t , S. ~ o r ~ House,
a n John T. and ~ a Turner
b House.
Participated in the Oberlin neighborhood plan process.
Recommended that designation reports be prepared for the following properties: St. Monica's
Day Care Center, Washington Graded and High School, Engine Company Number 4lStation
Number 4 (Glenwood Fire Station), Raleigh Nehi Bottling Company, Raleigh Cotton Mill,
Fairground Keeper's House.
Assisted Community Development Department in evaluating the College ParkIIdlewild
neighborhoods for National Register eligibility by administering a consultant contract.
Reviewed the Gray-Fish-Richardson House Designation Report and recommended that it be
designated a Raleigh Historic Landmark (owner-initiated application).
Reviewed the Dr. Z.M. Caveness House Designation Report and recommended that it be
designated a Raleigh Historic Landmark (owner-initiated application).
Recommended that the city utilize funds from its Capital Area Preservation Revolving Loan
Fund toward the restoration of the Plummer T. Hall House (a designated Raleigh Historic
Landmark) in cooperation with the Community Development Department, Capital Area
Preservation, Inc., and Preservation North Carolina.
'
2.73
Initiated consideration for extension of the Oakwood Historic Overlay District toward the south.
Certified Local Government Duties
Recommended to the state's National Register Advisory Board that the William B. Umstead
State park met the criteria for National ~ e z s t elisting.
r
-
Other Activities
Sent three staff and two commission members to the Historic Preservation and Economic
Development Seminar, Raleigh, June 1994; one staff member and three commission members to
the Preservation North Carolina Annual Meeting, Winston-Salem, October 1994; one
commission member to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Meeting, Boston,
October 1994;one commission member to the Arts and Crafts Conference, Asheville, February
1995; one staff member and two commission members to the Preservation Roundtable of Wake
County, Fuquay-Varina, March 1995; one staff member and three commission members to the
Spring Commission Training Workshop, Statesville, April 1995.
A commission representative served on the Morgan Street/Hillsborough Street Bridge
Replacement Task Force, the Downtown Visibility Group, and the Housing Prototype Task
Force.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 3 1, 1995
2.74
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1995 - June 30, 19%
Introduction
During fiscal year 1995-%, the commission focused on continuing to improve its public service
and outreach.
The distribution of the commission newsletter, In The Districts three times a year to historic
district residents, public officials, preservation friends, media, and others has generated extremely
favorable public response. Residents of the historic districts have expressed appreciation for the
factual information, and have noted special interest in the "case study" articles. The newsletter is
yielding increased public awareness of and appreciation for the city's historic preservation
program. We have noticed increased citizen requests for information, and for staff assistance prior
to the filing of Certificate of Appropriateness applications.
The commission is also proud of our work on behalf of the Oberlin community. The
commission is grateful for City Council's positive response to the commission's request for a
neighborhood plan for Oberlin. Two significant historic Oberlin landmarks threatened by severe
deterioration have this year been rehabilitated, due to the commission's advocacy and the
establishment of partnerships to provide innovative financing for the work (including the first use
of the city's new Preservation Revolving Fund).
Additional commission activitieshave been far-ranging. This report presents an overview of the
commission's performance during 1995%. More detailed information surrounding the issues the
commission has considered is contained in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted
to the city council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership 1995 -96
New members serving during this year were: Jesse Brunson and Daniel Figgins. Others
serving during the year include: Barbara Akinwole, (Chair through 8/95), George Barner, Frank
Branan, Ella Clarke, Kurt Eichenberger, Holmes Harden, Carol Guidi (SecretarylTreasurer
through 8/95; Vice-Chair beginning 9/95), Bruce Markey, David Maurer (Vice-Chair through 8/95;
Chair beginning 9/95), Robert Runyans, Jimmy Thiem, Janet Wellman (SecretarylTreasurer
beginning 9/95).
Summary of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its
committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties and Other Activities.
Public Relations/EducationCommittee
Produced three issues of the In The Districts newsletter.
Continued sales of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh's African American Communities. Set up
sales display in Municipal Building during Black History Month.
Implemented media (advertising) plan for Culture Town.
Prepared commission "Fact Sheet" to use as a public information handout providing basic facts
about the commission's organizational structure, history, programs, and upcoming projects.
2.75
Co-sponsored the successful first annual Landmarks Tour presented by Capital Area
Preservation, Inc. Commission members and staff served as site coordinators/helpers and
assisted with tour book sales.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
During the year, 186 Certificates of Appropriateness were processed. The COA committee
reviewed fifty (50) Major Work Applications for COAs, including one ( I ) Raleigh Historic
Landmark located within a historic district. One hundred thirty-six (136) Minor Work
Applications were approved by staff on behalf of the RHDC, including six (6) Raleigh Historic
Landmarks located within the historic districts. The totals by district are:
Maior Work
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Programmatic Proposal (all districts)
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
--
Minor Work
4
TOTAL
4
14
2
3
30
1
50
Fifty (50) actions were taken by the COA committee (four major work applications were
withdrawn by their respective applicants before action by the committee):
Approved as submitted
15
Deferrals
8 (from 4 applications)
Approved with conditions 28
Denials
3
All 136 Minor Work applications were alterations. The 50 Major Work applications represent
the following work:
Additions/Alterations
26
New Construction
9 (incl. 2 accessory buildings)
Demolition
15 (incl. 9 trees & 2 accessory buildings)
Other activitiesof the committeeincluded:
Revised the commission's bylaws for conflict of interest, with minor changes of the Minor
'Work list (bylaws changes ratified by City Council).
Monitored the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance proceedings against 31 1 Cutler Street in the
Boylan Heights Historic District, the first such action taken under the ordinance since its
adoption in FY 1992-93.
The extension of the Oakwood Historic Overlay District toward the south was approved by City
Council.
Worked in cooperation with Capital Area Preservation to seek alternatives to the demolition of
the Mansion Square Inn (216 N. Person Street, Oakwood Historic District) by the North
Carolina Medical Society. Regrettably, the efforts were unsuccessful, and the structure was
demolished.
Research Committee
The following properties were designated as historic landmarks: Dr. Hubert Benbury Haywood
House (634 N. Blount Street); Dr. 2.M. Caveness House (1804 Hillsborough Street).
The following designation reports were completed: Washington Graded and High School,
Engine Company Number astation Number 4 (Glenwood Fire Station), Raleigh Nehi Bottling
Company, Raleigh Cotton Mill.
Compiled a list of the works of Raleigh architect, William Henley Deitrick: 187 projects
covering a period of 27 years. Hired a consultant to prepare a context statement evaluating the
work of the Deitrickfirm, which will be used to choose properties for which to prepare historic
2.76
landmark designation reports. Attempts were made to locate the original drawings of the
Deitrickprojects. The files of these drawings appear to have been destroyed or lost.
Matching grant received for preparation of a National Register of Historic Places nomination for
the Mordecai neighborhood. Hired a consultant to prepare report.
Hired a consultant to prepare a local historic overlay district designation report for the
downtown warehouse district (south and west of Nash Square) as recommended in the
Comprehensive Plan.
City funds from its Capital Area Preservation Revolving Loan Fund received by the commission
toward the restoration of the Plummer T. Hall House (814 Oberlin Road, a designated Raleigh
Historic Landmark) in cooperation with the Community Development Department, Capital Area
Preservation, Inc., and Preservation North Carolina. Funds lent to owner, secured by
promissory note and deed of trust; rehabilitation construction begun.
Certified Local Government Duties
Recommended to the state's National Register Advisory Board that the Dr. Hubert Benbury
Haywood House and the Henry Kamphoefner House meet the criteria for National Register
listing.
Received notification that the city continues to meet the requirements for Certified Local
Government status. Particularly noteworthy is the state's reporting that Raleigh leads the state
in the number of Certificate of Appropriateness applications reviewed.
Other Activities
Sent one staff and one commission member to the Preservation and Neighborhood
Revitalization Seminar, Greensboro, September 1995; one staff and one commission member to
the Preservation Roundtable of Wake County, Oak View, September 1995; one staff and one
commission member to the Preservation North Carolina Annual Meeting, Edenton, September
1995; one commission member to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Meeting,
Fort Worth, TX, October 1995; one commission member to the Arts and Crafts Conference,
Asheville, February 19%; two staff and three commission members to the Preservation
Roundtable of Wake County, Cary, March 19%; two staff and four commission members to the
Spring Commission Training Workshop, Durham, April 1996.
Installed five bronze historic landmark plaques on recently-designated properties.
Worked with the new owners of White-Holman House (214 New Bern Place) as administrators
of the preservation covenants placed on the property by the city when the property was sold by
the city in 1985; approved installation of new kitchen.
Co-sponsored an Open House with the Raleigh Appearance Commission; three council
members attended.
Held a commission retreat to evaluate the commission work program, reviewing the
comprehensive plan Historic Preservation Element and other work program documents. Noted
progress in achieving goals and objectives set out in these documents.
A commission representative served on the Morgan Street/Hillsborough Street Bridge
Replacement Task Force, and the Downtown Visibility Task Force.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 30, 1996
2.77
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION,
ANNULAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
ANAN
July 1, 1996 - June 30, 1997
Introduction
During fiscal year 191919%-97, the commission marked the 35th anniversary of its incorporation.
We continued to focus on improving its public service and outreach, and also sought to work more
closely with agencies of localL government in areas of mutual concern.
A large measure of the commission's efforts were devoted to assisting owners of historic
properties recover quickly from the effects of Humcane Fran. The commission's initial response
was a streamlining of the Certificate of Appropriateness review process, working in concert with
the city Inspections Department. An informational brochure, outlining emergency permitting
procedures, was produced for and distributed to historic district property owners and residents (see
copy attached). The commission also secured a Preservation Services Fund grant from the
National Trust for Historic Preservation for a formal study of hurricane-related damage to three
historic Raleigh cemeteries. The Cemetery Damage Assessment Report provided the basis for
debris removal, gravestone conservation, and stormwater erosion control in City, Mt. Hope, and
Oakwood cemeteries.
The commission newsletter, In The Districts, continues to receive wide acclaim. The first such
newsletter in the state, the publication has increasingly inspired other preservation commissions to
issue their own newsletters. During the Spring 1997 state-wide commission training workshop,
the State Historic Preservation Office called on RHDC staff to present an overview of the
newsletter production process. Closer to home, Raleigh historic district residents continue to voice
their interest in and appreciation for the publication.
The commission's other activities have been diverse. This report presents an overview of its
performance during 1996-97. More detailed information surrounding the issues the commission
has considered is contained in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to the city
council and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership 1996-97
New members serving during this year were Betsey Coble and Bernard Harrell. Others serving
during the year include: Jesse Brunson, Frank Branan, Ella Clarke, Kurt Eichenberger, Daniel
Figgins, Holmes Harden, Carol Guidi (Vice-Chair), Bruce Markey, David Maurer (Chair), Jimmy
Thiem, Janet Wellman (Secretary/Treasurer).
Summarv of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its
committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties and Other Activities.
Public Relations/EducationCommittee
Assisted in planning the second annual Landmarks Tour presented by Capital Area
Preservation, Inc. The commission sponsored and staffed one of the tour sites.
Developed a portable informational display commemorating commission's 35th anniversary,
outlining local preservation milestones and accomplishments. Initially presented at the
commission's Landmark Tour site, it was viewed by more than 600 persons.
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Produced three issues of the In The Districts newsletter.
Continued sales of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh's African American Communities; sought
new funding and outlets for distributiordsales of all commission publications.
Updated commission "Fact Sheet," providing basic facts about the commission's organizational
structure, history, programs, and upcoming projects.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
During the year, 21 1 Certificates of Appropriateness were processed. This is an increase of 25
applicationsfrom the total of 186 reported last year. The COA committee reviewed fifty-one
(51) Major Work Applications for COAs, including one (1) for a Raleigh Historic Landmark
located within a historic district. One hundred sixty (160) Minor Work Applications were
approved by staff on behalf of the RHDC, including fifteen (15) for Raleigh Historic
Landmarks located within the historic districts. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Maior Work
1
17
Minor Work
14
--
2
31
51
Forty-eight (48) actions were taken by the COA committee (three major work applications were
withdrawn by their respective applicants before action by the committee):
Approved as submitted
6
Deferred
3 (from 2 applications)
Denied
2
Approved with conditions 37
Of the 160 Minor Work applications, 128were alterations; of the remainder, 19 were
demolitions (all tree removals), and 13 involved new construction (2 accessory buildings, 3
decks, 7 fences, and 1 patio). The 48 Major Work applications represented the following work:
AdditionsIAlterations 41 (incl. 6 additions, 5 decks, and 18 fences)
New Construction
4 (all accessory buildings)
Demolition
3 (3 tree removals; 1 garage demolition)
Other activitiesof the committee included:
Monitored the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance proceedings for 525 E. Lane Street in the
Oakwood Historic District, the second such action taken under the ordinance since its adoption.
Reviewed and recommended the adjustment of the southeast boundary of the Oakwood Historic
Overlay District, subsequently approved by City Council.
Research Committee
The following properties were designated as historic landmarks: Raleigh Cotton Mills (614
Capital Boulevard), John T. And Mary Turner House (1002 Bberlin Road), Washington
Graded and High School (1000 Fayetteville Street), Station Number 4 (505 Jefferson Street),
Raleigh Nehi Bottling Company (3210 Hillsborough Street).
Sponsored research toward preparing a context statement evaluating the work of the firm of
Raleigh architect William Henley Deitrick (187 projects covering a period of 27 years). The
statement will be used to choose properties for which to prepare historic landmark designation
reports.
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Sponsored research for the proposed Depot Historic Overlay District. The commission hosted a
neighborhood forum on possible district designation; reviewed and recommended designation
of district to City Council.
Certified Local Government Duties
Sponsored research and a neighborhood forum for the nomination of Mordecai Place Historic
District to the National Register of Historic Places; recommended to the state's National Register
Advisory Board that the district meets the criteria for listing on the register.
Reviewed and recommended nomination of the CP&L Power House and Car Barn to the
National Register of Historic Places.
Received notification from the state that the city continues to meet the requirements for Certified
Local Government status. Raleigh still leads the state by a wide margin in the number of
Certificate of Appropriateness applications reviewed.
OtherActivities
Sent one staff member to the Preservation Roundtable of Wake County, Mordecai Historic
Park, September 1996;one staff and three commission members to the Preservation North
Carolina Annual Meeting, Edenton, September 1996; one commission member to the National
Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 1996; one staff and one
commission member (as a panelist) to the Historic Preservation Staff Workshop and Forum,
Raleigh, January 1997; two staff and three commission members to the Preservation
Roundtable of Wake County, Wendell, March 1997; one staff and four commission members to
the Spring Commission Training Workshop, Beaufort, April 1997.
Oversaw negotiations leading to amendment to Memorandum of Understanding with First
Citizens Bank regarding demolition of two Moore Square National Register Historic District
properties.
Issued position statements on proposed changes to Raleigh Little Theatre (a designated Raleigh
Historic Landmark) and Memorial Auditorium.
At the request of City Council, established and issued findings regarding proposed relocation of
three historic cemeteries in the proposed Wakefield Development.
Held a commission retreat to establish goals for the next two years.
A commission representative served on task forces for development of the Hillsborough/West
Morgan Small Area Plan and the Glenwood South Small Area Plan.
Co-sponsored a holiday gathering with the Raleigh Appearance Commission.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 29, 1997
2.80
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1997 - June 30, 1998
Introduction
During fiscal year 1997-98, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) emphasized its
public relations and educational efforts, and continued to focus on providing high levels of design
review service to its historic district customers.
A large measure of the commission’s effort this year was devoted to coordinating the
arrangements and program for North Carolina’s 1998 Annual Historic Preservation Commission
Conference, hosted (with four co-sponsors) in Raleigh for the first time in more than fifteen years.
The theme for the April 17-18 weekend was “Building Success,” and highlighted progressive,
positive, and successful preservation strategies and local commission programs. Raleigh’s 37 year
history of preservation efforts provided an effective learning laboratory for conferees. RHDC
members and staff were speakers for three of the twelve sessions, highlighting the commission’s
work on demolition by neglect, Certificate of Appropriateness administration, and internet
applications for preservation. Two nationally recognized keynote speakers, Frank Gilbert of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation and Philip Morris, editor-at-large for Southern Living
magazine, also provided their perspectives on the community-wide benefits of preservation
activities. The meeting attracted more than 150 participants, the largest number of persons to ever
attend the annual conference, and post-conference surveys indicate that the program was extremely
well-received. The commission expresses its thanks to Councillor Paul Coble for graciously
welcoming participants to Raleigh.
Due to funding received from the State Historic Preservation Office in support of the conference,
the RHDC was able to reallocate resources in support of its educational mission to undertake a
project that had failed to receive foundation and grant funding in previous fiscal years. Ninety-four
copies of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh’s African American Communities, the commission’s awardwinning publication, were purchased for distribution to thirty-four Raleigh non-profit agencies for
their educational and social programs. The commission believes the book’s message of historical
community building and educational advancement in the face of great odds can inspire hope and
determination among persons facing modern challenges today. At the same time, the message will
be delivered as to the value of preserving these neighborhoods and buildings. Combined with other
marketing efforts, the commission was able to repay $4,750 to the city on its original $47,150 loan
for production of the book, leaving a loan balance of only $11,700.
An exciting development was the acceptance of the RHDC’s proposal to become a partner with
the National Park Service (NPS) in developing an “On-line Travel Itinerary” for the NPS internet
site on the World Wide Web, featuring Raleigh buildings and districts listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. The commission believes this initiative will have a positive influence on the
city’s heritage tourism industry, with links from the site to other Raleigh tourism sites such as the
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau web site to entice viewers to Raleigh.
The RHDC also took a leadership role in efforts to find alternatives to demolition of the RogersBagley-Daniels-Pegues House, a Raleigh Historic Site of statewide and national significance.
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The commission’s other activities have been diverse. This report presents an overview of its
performance during 1997-98. More detailed information surrounding the issues the commission has
considered is contained in the letters, memos and reports that have been submitted to the city council
and administration bearing our recommendations.
Commission Membership 1997-98
Two new members began service this year, Allen Burris and Jeff Trussler. Others serving during
the year include: Frank Branan, Ella Clarke, Betsey Coble, Daniel Figgins, Holmes Harden,
Bernard Harrell, Bruce Markey, David Maurer (Chair), Jimmy Thiem (Secretary/Treasurer), Janet
Wellman (Vice-Chair).
Summary of Activities
The activities of the commission have been divided into categories representative of its committee
structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties and Other Activities.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
• During the year, 217 Certificates of Appropriateness were processed. This is an increase of 6
applications from the total of 211 reported last year. The COA committee reviewed sixty-six (66)
Major Work Applications for COAs. One hundred fifty-one (151) Minor Work Applications
were approved by staff on behalf of the RHDC, including seven (7) for Raleigh Historic
Landmarks located within the historic districts. The totals by district are:
Programmatic (All Districts)
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Major Work
--19
-2
45
66
Minor Work
1
7
40
7
10
86
151
TOTAL
1
7
59
7
12
131
217
Sixty-eight (68) actions were taken by the COA committee (one major work application was
withdrawn by its applicant before action by the committee): Approved as submitted
8
Deferred
3 (from 3 applications) Approved with conditions 54
Denied
2 Of the 151 Minor Work applications, 116 were alterations; of the remainder, 17 were demolitions
(all tree removals), and 18 involved new construction (3 accessory buildings, 5 decks, and 10
fences). The 68 Major Work applications represented the following work:
Additions/Alterations 55 (incl. 16 additions, 10 decks, and 17 fences) New Construction
5 (2 houses, 3 accessory buildings) Demolition
5 (1 house demolition, 1 accessory building demolition; 3 tree removals) Relocation
1 (house) 2.82
Other activities of the committee included:
• Monitored completion of the Demolition by Neglect Ordinance proceedings for 525 E. Lane
Street, initiated proceedings for 534 E. Jones Street, both in the Oakwood Historic District.
Public Relations/Education Committee
• Coordinated the arrangements and program for North Carolina’s 1998 Annual Historic
Preservation Commissions Conference hosted in Raleigh.
• Produced two issues of the award-winning In The Districts newsletter.
• Authorized reprints of articles from In the Districts, the commission newsletter, by “The
Preservation Observer,” the newsletter of the Sanford (NC) Historic Preservation Commission.
• Submitted proposal for a Raleigh “On-line Travel Itinerary” to the National Park Service;
proposal accepted.
• Provided photographs of Raleigh Historic Landmarks for “20th Century Architecture: A Guide
Map to Raleigh, North Carolina,” a brochure produced by the North Carolina Chapter of AIA.
• Continued sales of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh's African American Communities; sought new
funding and outlets for distribution/sales of all commission publications.
Research Committee
• Assisted the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission by preparing a report evaluating the
potential statewide historic significance of the Rogers-Bagley-Daniels-Pegues House, a Raleigh
Historic Landmark. This effort was taken in response to an application from Shaw University for
demolition of the building. The State Historic Preservation Office’s evaluation of the report
resulted in a determination that the building has statewide historic significance. This was the first
determination made under provisions of 1991 state enabling legislation that allow local
commissions to deny requests for demolition of historic resources with statewide significance.
Began partnership efforts with Capital Area Preservation, Inc. to identify potential developers for
the property whom would work with Shaw University on adaptive use strategies.
• With the cooperation of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, initiated studies into possible
alternative uses for the (former) Wake County Office Building (1949), paralleling commissionfunded preparation of National Register nomination and local landmark designation reports for
the property (all pending).
• Sponsored research toward preparing four historic landmark designation reports for properties
designed by the firm of Raleigh architect William Henley Deitrick, based on last year’s context
statement report evaluating the work of the firm (187 projects covering a period of 27 years).
• Sponsored further research for potential National Register designation of the E. B. Bain Water
Treatment Plant and the 1887 Water Works Building as a service to the City of Raleigh in aiding
efforts to market these properties for purchase and adaptive use.
• Provided assistance to the Community Development Department with additional research for
potential National Register designation in the Idlewild and College Park neighborhoods as it may
relate to redevelopment activities in these communities.
• Investigated potential National Register designation with the SHPO for the proposed Depot
Historic Overlay District. Due to the extent of additional documentation required, and the desire
to have the economic tax incentives National Register listing provides available for property
owners, requested that City Council table consideration of the historic overlay district until
further evaluation can be completed.
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Certified Local Government Duties
• Following the previous year’s research, sponsored a neighborhood forum for the nomination of
Mordecai Place Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places; recommended to the
state's National Register Advisory Board that the district meets the criteria for listing on the
register. Subsequently entered into the National Register on February 4, 1998.
• Recommended to the state's National Register Advisory Board that the C P & L Power House and
Car Barn meets the criteria for listing on the register. Subsequently entered into the National
Register on October 30, 1997.
• Reviewed and recommended nomination of the Odd Fellows Building and former Pine State
Creamery complex to the National Register of Historic Places; subsequently entered on
December 1, 1997. Reviewed and recommended nomination of the former Royal Bakery building
to the National Register; subsequently entered on December 30, 1997.
• Received notification from the state that the city continues to meet the requirements for Certified
Local Government status. Raleigh still leads the state by a wide margin in the number of
Certificate of Appropriateness applications reviewed.
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Other Activities
• Sent one commissioner and one staff member to the Preservation Roundtable of Wake County,
Fuquay-Varina, September 1997; five commissioners and one staff member to the Preservation
North Carolina Annual Meeting, Rocky Mount/Tarboro, September 1997; one commission
member to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Meeting, Sante Fe, NM, October
1997; one commissioner and two staff members to the Preservation Roundtable of Wake County,
Raleigh, March 1998; two staff and eight commission members to the Spring Commission
Training Workshop, Raleigh, April 1998.
• Facilitated approval by City Council of $100,000 loan from the City’s Preservation Revolving
Fund to Preservation North Carolina for the rehabilitation of the Briggs Hardware Building, a
Raleigh Historic Landmark, for use as PNC’s headquarters.
• Offered design assistance for manufactured housing initiative.
• Worked cooperatively with the Inspections Department to fine tune Demolition by Neglect
administrative procedures.
• Reviewed and endorsed subdivision plans for 515 N. Boundary Street, and conversion of 501/503
Oakwood Avenue, a duplex residence, into condominiums. Both properties are located in the
Oakwood Historic District.
• A commission representative served on the task force for development of the Glenwood South
Small Area Plan.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council through­
out the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. August 31, 1998 2.85
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1998 ‐ June 30, 1999 Introduction During fiscal year 1998‐99, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) further emphasized its public relations and educational efforts, and continued to focus on providing high levels of design review service to its historic district customers. The commission broadened its commitment to local heritage tourism in its support for updating Raleigh’s “Capital City Trail.” The trail provides a walking/riding tour of historic points of interest in the city, most of which are designated landmarks. Updating, which was led by the city Planning Department, involved redefining the list of trail sites and producing a new brochure. The commission covered the major portion of brochure printing costs, in cooperation with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Raleigh. Also finalized and placed into service this year was the commission’s portable educational display unit. The display describes more than thirty‐five years of preservation activity in the city under the commission’s leadership. Its debut location was the Municipal Building second floor lobby. In recognition of her longtime support for the RHDC’s programs, the commission worked with Wake County Keep America Beautiful and the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department to support the Vallie Henderson Memorial Dogwood Trail. Three dogwood trees were planted in an Arbor Day ceremony in her beloved Oakwood neighborhood at the Tucker House. The planting will be marked by a bronze plaque. The RHDC was able to reallocate resources in support of its educational mission to continue a project that has failed to receive foundation and grant funding in previous fiscal years. Seventy‐eight copies of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh’s African American Communities were purchased for distribution to libraries. Combined with other marketing efforts, the commission was able to repay $4,100 to the city on its original $47,150 loan for production of the book, leaving a loan balance of only $7,600. Finally, the commission appreciates the confidence placed in it by city council with regard to the Museums Magnet Middle School proposal. One of the conditions of sale of the land (located outside of but adjacent to Moore Square Historic District) to the 2.86
school system approved by city council was that the proposed school receive a
Certificate of Appropriateness from the RHDC as if it were located in the district. The
review was undertaken and a COA approved, and the commission believes that the
new structure will be an exciting addition to the neighborhood: contemporary in design
while being harmonious with special character of the Moore Square Historic District.
Summary of Activities
The commission’s activities have been diverse. This report presents an overview of
its performance during 1998‐99. More detailed information surrounding the issues the
commission has considered is contained in the letters, memos and reports that have
been submitted to the city council and administration bearing our recommendations.
The report has been divided into categories representative of its committee structure,
followed by Certified Local Government duties, and finally, other activities.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
• During the year, 202 COAs were processed, compared to 217 for FY 1997‐98. The
COA Committee reviewed fifty‐six (56) Major Work Applications, including three (3)
for Raleigh Historic Landmarks located within a historic district. One hundred forty‐
six (146) applications were approved by staff as minor work on behalf of the RHDC,
including seven (7) for designated landmarks. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Major Work
6
18
1
2*
29
56
Minor Work
6
47
6
10
77
146
TOTAL
12
65
7
12*
106
202
* includes review of Museums Magnet Middle School (see below)
• Sixty‐nine (69) actions were taken by the COA committee (two major work
applications, which had been previously deferred, were withdrawn by their
respective applicants before final action by the committee):
Approved as submitted
6
Deferred 13 (from 4 applications)
Approved with conditions
46
Denied
2
• Of 146 minor work applications, 111 were alterations; 18 were demolitions (all tree
removals), and 17 involved new construction (1 accessory building, 4 decks, 2 patios,
and 10 fences). The 56 major work applications represented the following work:
Additions/Alterations:
37 (incl. 8 additions, 4 decks, and 12 fences)
2.87
2
New Construction:
Demolition:
Relocation:
7
11
1
(2 houses, 3 accessory buildings)
(1 house demolition, 3 accessory building
demolitions; 7 tree removals)
(house)
It should be noted that with only 2 denials recorded for 202 applications reviewed,
the commission had a record of approving 99% of all applications.
• At city council request, reviewed plans for proposed Museums Magnet Middle
School, located outside of but adjacent to Moore Square Historic District.
• Initiated Demolition by Neglect ordinance proceedings for 534 E. Jones Street, in the
Oakwood Historic District.
• Initiated review of procedures for notification of property owners in demolition by
neglect cases and for the public in cases involving removal of diseased, dead, or
trees.
• Successfully undertook its duties in the case of the lighthouse yard light erected
without a COA in Oakwood in spite of the media circus that the case attracted.
Public Relations/Education Committee
• Arranged for a prestigious college president and university librarian to send a “dear
colleague” letter to all 120 US historically black colleges and universities promoting
sales of Culture Town: Life in Raleighʹs African American Communities.
• Successfully encouraged The News & Observer to excerpt from Culture Town in the
Sunday “Southern Extracts” column.
• Oversaw completion of portable display units outlining thirty‐five years of
preservation activity in the city under the commission’s leadership. Developed
exhibit scheduling; debut held in Municipal Building lobby.
• Served as editorial committee for the commission’s In The Districts newsletter.
• Coordinated copy writing for the National Park Service’s “On‐line Travel Itinerary”
for Raleigh.
• Coordinated mailing of invitations and led dedication of commission‐sponsored
dogwood trees planted at Tucker House (418 N. Person Street) in conjunction with
creation of Vallie Henderson Memorial Dogwood Trail.
Research Committee
• At request of Brooklyn/Glenwood neighborhood representatives, pursued state
funding to update/enlarge Glenwood National Register district. Reallocated RHDC
funds to support project when grant not funded, with additional neighborhood
funding support in cash and in‐kind services.
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3
• In cooperation with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, the RHDC
recommended five properties be designated local Raleigh Historic Landmarks:
Raleigh Electric Company Powerhouse; C.P.&L. Car Barn and Automobile Garage;
Pine State Creamery; E.L. and Ruth Fogleman House; E.B. Bain Water Treatment
Plant. All properties were subsequently listed. The commission also recommended
the designation of Carolina Pines Hotel [subsequently listed in FY 99‐00]
• Developed priority list to guide future historic landmark designation research.
Certified Local Government Duties
• Recommended to the stateʹs National Register Advisory Board that the Dr. M. T.
Pope House and E. B. Bain Water Treatment Plant meet the criteria for listing on the
register.
• Received notification from the state that the city continues to meet the requirements
for Certified Local Government status.
Other Activities
• Ad hoc committees on historic guidesheets and plaque mounting formed; guidesheet
text completed.
• Developed and submitted position statements on proposed city code text change
regarding manufactured housing, and provided comment on the design of the
proposed First Union Mixed‐Use Proposal on Fayetteville Street Mall.
• Provided leadership for efforts to promote alternative plans to county’s planned
demolition of former Social Services Building, a 1949 modernist structure associated
with prominent local architects William H. Deitrick and G. Milton Small. Working
with the support of the Wake County Commissioners, efforts focused on arranging a
land swap that would allow the building to remain and provide a site for county
expansion needs; proposal failed due to lack of availability of alternative land.
• Held training retreat for eight new commission members in June.
• Sent one commissioner and one staff member to the National Preservation
Commission Forum, in Denver, CO, in August 1998; one commissioner to the
Preservation Roundtable of Wake County, Apex, September 1998; one commissioner
to the Preservation North Carolina Annual Meeting, Flat Rock, September 1998; one
commission member and two staff members to the National Preservation
Conference, Savannah, GA, October 1998; one commissioner to the Preservation
Roundtable , Raleigh, March 1999; two commission members and one staff member
to the Spring Commission Training Workshop, Hickory, April 1999.
• Continued to work cooperatively with the Inspections Department to fine tune
Demolition by Neglect administrative procedures.
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4
Commission Membership 1998‐99
Two new members began service in July, 1998: David Black and Terry Harper.
Others serving during the year include: Frank Branan, Allen Burris, Ella Clarke, Daniel
Figgins, Holmes Harden, Bruce Markey, David Maurer (Chair), Jimmy Thiem
(Secretary/Treasurer), Jeff Trussler, and Janet Wellman (Vice‐Chair).
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the
support, interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and
City Council through‐out the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 31, 1999
2.90
5
RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 1999 ‐ June 30, 2000 During fiscal year 1999‐2000, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) further emphasized its public relations and educational efforts, and continued to focus on providing high levels of design review service to its historic district customers. The highlight of the year was the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the establishment of the Oakwood Historic District. A ceremony was held honoring the pioneers of the district, and a commemorative brochure was produced highlighting the partnerships that have made Oakwood the success story it has become. The year was also marked by transition and new beginnings. Seven new members began service this year, out of a total membership of twelve persons. The commission’s staff support provided by the Planning Department also saw its first change in five years, with a new person filling the Preservation Technician position beginning in February. Summary of Activities This report presents an overview of the commission’s performance during 1999‐2000. It has been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties, and finally, other activities. Research Committee • In cooperation with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, the RHDC recommended two properties be designated local Raleigh Historic Landmarks: Carolina Pines Hotel and the Mahler/Carolina Trust Buildings. Both were subsequently approved by the City Council. • Contracted with a consultant to update/enlarge Glenwood National Register district, in cooperation with the Historic Glenwood Neighborhood Association. • After favorable responses from property owners, contracted with a consultant to prepare local designation application reports for the NC Agricultural Experiment Station, Lassiter House, St. Monica’s School, and Chavis Carousel. 2.91
• After favorable responses from property owners, initiated preparation of local
designation application reports under a previous contract for Sherwood Bates School
and Crosby‐Garfield School.
• Approved the installation of hardware on interior doors of the White‐Holman House
under the terms of the preservation covenant administered by the commission on
behalf of the city.
• Mounted 11 historic landmark plaques on designated properties.
• Met with officers of the University Park Homeowners Association regarding possible
National Register designation of the neighborhood.
• Sponsored an informational meeting at the Rialto for the 5 Points neighborhoods
describing the upcoming National Register study of the area.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
• During the year, 163 COAs were processed, compared to 202 for FY 1998‐99. The
COA Committee reviewed forty (40) Major Work Applications, including four (4) for
Raleigh Historic Landmarks located within a historic district. One hundred twenty‐
three (123) applications were approved by staff as minor work on behalf of the
RHDC, including thirteen (13) for designated landmarks. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Multiple Districts
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Major Work
3
9
3
2
22
1
40
Minor Work
8
32
10
7
65
1
123
TOTAL
11
41
13
9
87
2
163
• Forty (40) actions were taken by the COA committee (three major work applications,
were withdrawn by their respective applicants before final action by the committee):
Approved as submitted
7
Deferred
0
Approved with conditions
32
Denied
1
• Of 123 minor work applications, 83 were alterations; 13 were demolitions (all tree
removals), and 27 involved new construction (2 accessory buildings, 2 decks, 7 patios
and walkways, and 16 fences). The 40 major work applications represented the
following work:
Additions/Alterations:
(incl. 7 additions, 4 decks, and 14 fences)
New Construction:
(0 houses, 5 accessory buildings)
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2
Demolition:
Relocation:
(0 house demolitions, 0 accessory building
demolitions; 7 tree removals)
(0)
It should be noted that with only 1 denial recorded for 163 applications reviewed, the
commission had a record of approving 99.4% of all applications.
• Continued to monitor Demolition by Neglect ordinance proceedings for 534 E. Jones
Street, in the Oakwood Historic District.
• Reviewed procedures for notification of property owners in demolition by neglect
cases and developed partnerships with the two neighborhood associations
(Oakwood and Boylan Heights) to identify, prioritize, and notify property owners of
potential demolition by neglect issues.
• Following the new procedures, prepared petitions for and initiated two new
demolition by neglect cases: 315 E. Lane Street in Oakwood and 640 W. South Street
in Boylan Heights.
• In cases involving removal of diseased, dead, or dangerous trees approved by staff as
Minor Work, established new procedures to have staff notify the public of the trees’
impending removal by stapling COA placards to the trees immediately upon
approval.
• At the request of the designer, provided a courtesy review of the IMAX Theater
proposed for a site immediately adjacent to the Moore Square Historic District.
Public Relations/Education Committee
• Coordinated event planning and mailing of invitations for the Oakwood 25th
Anniversary Celebration.
• Planned the commission’s annual Holiday Open House.
• Printed and distributed the revised Capital City Trail Brochure.
• Served as editorial committee for the commission’s In The Districts newsletter.
• Coordinated copy writing for the National Park Service’s “On‐line Travel Itinerary”
for Raleigh.
• Finalized text for the Historic Guidesheets project.
• Hosted the March meeting of the Preservation Roundtable of Wake County at the
State Capitol.
• Exhibited the commission’s portable educational display unit at the Municipal
Building second floor lobby, at the Civic Center during the Home and Garden Show,
and at the Tucker House during the 25th Oakwood Anniversary celebration. The
display describes more than thirty‐five years of preservation activity in the city under
the commission’s leadership.
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Certified Local Government Duties
• Recommended to the stateʹs National Register Advisory Committee that the
Mahler/Carolina Trust Building meets the criteria for listing on the register.
• Received notification from the state that the city continues to meet the requirements
for Certified Local Government status “with highest distinction.”
Other Activities
• Made presentation before City Council at the Unsafe Building hearing for the
Catalano House regarding stabilization and preservation; council granted extension
of time to secure the property and seek potential buyers.
• Conducted training for new commission members and staff.
• Served on the Wade Avenue Bridge Replacement Committee and became an affiliate
member of the Triangle Smart Growth Coalition.
• Sent two commissioners and one staff member to the Preservation Roundtable of
Wake County, Wake Forest, September 1999; two commissioners to the Preservation
North Carolina Annual Meeting, Charlotte, September 1999; two commissioners and
one staff member to the National Preservation Conference, Washington, DC, October
1999; four commissioners and two staff members to the Preservation Roundtable,
Raleigh, March 1999; three commissioners and two staff member to the State CLG
Commission Training Workshop, Sanford, June 2000.
Commission Membership 1999‐2000
Six new members began service in July 1999: David Bonomo, W. R. Edmondson,
Alpha Howze, Andy Lawrence, Jane Thurman, and Flora Wadelington. One new
member began service in February 2000: James E. Williams. Others serving during the
year include: David Black, Allen Burris, Daniel Figgins (Secretary/Treasurer), Terry
Harper (Vice‐Chair), Jimmy Thiem, and Janet Wellman (Chair).
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the
support, interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and
City Council through‐out the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 31, 2000
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RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT July 1, 2000 - June 30, 2001
During fiscal year 2000-2001, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) turned its
focus toward planning issues, while continuing to provide its customary high level of design
review service to its historic district customers.
The commission’s major planning initiative was a Strategic Planning Retreat conducted in
January. The commission identified numerous goals and ranked them in priority order. This
plan will provide program guidance for the next three years; a copy of the Strategic Plan report
is attached. Planning related to the designation of local and National Register properties and
districts also moved forward on numerous properties outlined in this report.
One highlight of the year was the adoption by City Council of the revised Design Guidelines
for Raleigh Historic Districts. The guidelines are an important legal component of the
commission’s quasi-judicial design review process. The previous guidelines had been in use
since 1983 without revision. A neighborhood forum was hosted by the commission prior to the
guidelines' finalization, and the document has been well received.
The RHDC was able to reallocate resources in support of its educational mission to continue
a project that has failed to receive foundation and grant funding in previous fiscal years. One
hundred two copies of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh’s African American Communities were
purchased for distribution to schools. Combined with other marketing efforts, the commission
was able to repay $3,900 to the city on its original $47,150 loan for production of the book,
leaving a loan balance of only $3,700.
The commission also worked through the spring with limited staff support due to the
Executive Director’s medical leave, which coincided with a vacancy in the Preservation
Technician position. The commission is grateful to the Planning Department for its support
during this period, including its contracting with Circa, Inc. to provide Certificate of
Appropriateness support services.
Summary of Activities
This report presents an overview of the commission’s performance during 2000-2001. It has
been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified
Local Government duties, and finally, other activities.
Research Committee
• In cooperation with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, the RHDC
recommended that the Henry L. Kamphoefner House and Tupper Memorial Baptist Church
be designated as Raleigh Historic Landmarks, and that the boundary of Oak View be
expanded. They were subsequently approved by the City Council.
• After favorable responses from property owners, contracted with a consultant to prepare
local designation application reports for the NC Agricultural Experiment Station, Lassiter
House, St. Monica’s School, and Chavis Carousel.
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• After favorable responses from property owners, initiated preparation of local designation
application reports under a previous contract for Sherwood Bates School and CrosbyGarfield School.
• Contracted with a consultant to prepare a Five Points Neighborhoods National Register
Multiple Property Documentation Form, and nomination forms for two historic districts
(Hayes Barton and Bloomsbury), in cooperation with residents of the neighborhood who are
raising $2,500 toward project costs.
• Contracted with a consultant to prepare an Oberlin Neighborhood National Register
Multiple Property Documentation Form, and nomination forms for four individual
landmarks (Willis Graves House, Plummer T. Hall House, Rev. M. L. Latta House, John T.
and Mary Turner House).
• Continued to administer a consultant contract to update/enlarge Glenwood National
Register district, in cooperation with the Historic Glenwood Neighborhood Association,
which has committed $1,000 toward the project costs.
• Worked collaboratively with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission (and in
cooperation with the Wake County Public School System) to initiate a countywide evaluation
of National Register eligibility of pre-1956 school buildings (including city properties).
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
• During the year, 190 COAs were processed, compared to 163 for FY 1999-00. The COA
Committee reviewed forty (40) Major Work Applications, including two (2) for Raleigh
Historic Landmarks located within a historic district. One hundred fifty (150) applications
were approved by staff as minor work on behalf of the RHDC, including six (6) for
designated landmarks. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Multiple Districts
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Major Work
3
12
0
2
23
0
40
Minor Work
8
37
3
9
93
0
150
TOTAL
11
49
3
11
116
0
190
• Forty-four (44) actions were taken by the COA committee (3 major work applications were
withdrawn by their respective applicants before final action by the committee, one of which
was deferred once before being withdrawn):
Approved as submitted
9.5
Deferred
5
Approved with conditions
29
Denied
.5
• The 150 minor work applications included 34 demolitions (all tree removals), and 27 items of
new construction (3 accessory buildings, 6 decks, 9 patios and walkways, and 9 fences). The
39 major work applications that received COAs included the following types of work:
Additions/Alterations:
63 (incl. 8 additions to buildings)
New Construction:
22 (3 houses, 1 accessory building, 4 decks, and 14 fences)
Demolition:
14 (7 accessory building demolitions; 7 tree removals)
Relocation:
1 (the Leonidas Polk House)
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2
It should be noted that with only .5 denial recorded for 190 applications reviewed, the
commission had a record of approving 99.75 % of all applications.
• Continued to assist Inspections Department and City Attorney’s Office with Demolition by
Neglect ordinance enforcement for 534 E. Jones Street, in the Oakwood Historic District.
• Following new procedures developed with the City Attorney’s Office, prepared petitions for
and initiated two new demolition by neglect cases: 640 W. South Street in Boylan Heights
and 315 E. Lane Street in Oakwood. 640 W. South Street was repaired. 315 E. Lane Street was
subsequently cited as an Unsafe Building. The commission recommended to City Council
that the building not be demolished under Unsafe Building procedures, but be secured and
the owner given additional time to repair. Council accepted this recommendation.
• Worked in partnership with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission in
preparing and initiating a Demolition by Neglect petition for the nationally-significant
Rogers-Bagley-Daniels-Pegues House, 125 E. South Street. The property as of the date of this
report has had site plans approved by the Planning Commission and is in permit review,
with construction anticipated to begin as soon as permits are issued.
• Provided guidance to City Council regarding a property owner’s petition to remove their
properties from the Oakwood Historic District (412 New Bern); the owner was subsequently
advised by City Council to follow zoning code procedures for amending the historic district.
No zoning change petition was received.
Public Relations/Education Committee
• Planned the commission’s annual Winter Gathering Open House at Raleigh Charter High
School in the Pilot Mill complex.
• Served as editorial committee for the commission’s In The Districts newsletter.
• Exhibited the commission’s portable educational display unit at the Raleigh City Museum.
The display describes more than thirty-five years of preservation activity in the city under
the commission’s leadership.
• Worked in a cooperative venture with the Raleigh City Museum to place the city
comprehensive architectural survey on the museum’s internet web site. Links to the
information will be provided from the commission’s web site, with credit given to the
museum.
• Continued marketing efforts for Culture Town with a letter-mailing including brochure
information to more than 1,200 Shaw University alumni in the Triangle area.
• Coordinated the planning and purchase of one hundred two copies of Culture Town: Life in
Raleigh’s African American Communities for distribution to schools; conducted the distribution.
Certified Local Government Duties
• Recommended to the state's National Register Advisory Committee that the Mordecai Place
National Register Historic District (Boundary Increase) meets the criteria for listing on the
register.
• Recommended to the state's National Register Advisory Committee that Caraleigh Mill, St.
Matthew School, and NC Agricultural Experiment Station meet the criteria for listing on the
National Register.
• Received notification from the state that the city continues to meet the requirements for
Certified Local Government status, receiving “highest marks and praise for its level of
activity and quality of performance. The City of Raleigh continues to be among the most
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3
active and outstanding CLGs in North Carolina. We thank the Commission and the City for
their participation in the CLG program and for their leadership in the local preservation
field.”
Other Activities
• Made presentation before City Council at the Unsafe Building hearing for the Catalano
House regarding stabilization and preservation, recommending that a fence be erected for
safety; council granted an extension of time to secure the property and seek potential buyers.
Regrettably, no buyers were found and the property was demolished.
• Worked with City Council to communicate to the NC legislature the City of Raleigh and the
RHDC’s support for legislation to sell properties on Blount Street for private development.
• Successfully defended before the Board of Adjustment an appeal of the commission’s
approval of new construction at 415 N. Bloodworth St.
• Worked with city staff toward an update of the Comprehensive Plan Historic Preservation
Element.
• Worked with the Planning Commission and the Arena Small Area Plan regarding the
Asbury Park Church, and offered research information on the structure’s architectural
significance to the Planning Commission during a re-zoning review.
• Continued to participate in the state DOT advisory committee for review of designs for the
replacement Hillsborough Street Bridge.
• Conducted training session for two new commission members.
• Sent one commissioner and one staff member to the National Commission Forum, Pittsburgh
PA, August 2000; three commissioners and one staff member to the Preservation North
Carolina Annual Meeting, New Bern, September 2000; two commissioners and one staff
member to the National Preservation Conference, Los Angeles, CA, November 2000; two
commissioners and one staff member to the Preservation Roundtable, Fuquay-Varina, March
2001; one staff member to the State CLG Commission Training Workshop, Asheville, June
2001.
Commission Membership 2000-2001
Two new members began service in September 2000: Bob Anderson and Treva Jones. Others
serving during the year include: Allen Burris (Chair), Terry Harper (Vice-Chair), Jane Thurman
(Secretary/Treasurer), David Black, David Bonomo, Daniel Figgins, Alpha Howze, Andy
Lawrence, Flora Wadelington, and James E. Williams.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council
throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 21, 2001
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RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT July 1, 2001 - June 30, 2002
National Register of Historic Places designation dominated the Raleigh Historic Districts
Commission (RHDC)’s activities during fiscal year 2001-2002. The commission saw several
significant National Register research projects concluded, while continuing to provide its
customary high level of design review service to its historic district customers.
Two major National Register research products were produced: Multiple Property
Documentation Forms for the “Historical and Architectural Resources of the Five Points
Neighborhoods – 1913-1952,” and the “Historical and Architectural Resources of Oberlin – 1865
1952.” These forms are used to nominate groups of related significant properties. The themes of
history shared by the properties are organized into historic contexts, and the property types that
represent those historic contexts are defined. The form is a cover document and not a
nomination in its own right, but serves as a basis for evaluating the National Register eligibility
of related properties. As a result of this work, Hayes Barton and Bloomsbury in Five Points
were listed as Raleigh’s newest National Register Historic Districts, and four individual
buildings in Oberlin were listed. Research was begun this year on two additional
neighborhoods covered under the Five Points MPDF, Roanoke Park and Vanguard Park.
Additionally, a major update and expansion was completed for the Glenwood Historic
District, now listed as the Glenwood-Brooklyn Historic District. The NC Agricultural
Experiment Station on Vanderbilt Avenue was individually-listed following completion of the
commission-sponsored nomination. Research was also completed for the Depot National
Register Historic District southwest of Nash Square; it was approved for listing by the state and
forwarded to the National Park Service for final action. All totaled with these new and revised
listings, Raleigh will soon have 16 districts and 77 individual properties listed in National
Register. 1,020 resources are added to the register, making them eligible for federal and/or state
rehabilitation tax credits, and enhancing the city’s economic development potential.
This was also the first year of use for the revised Design Guidelines for Raleigh Historic Districts.
The guidelines are an important legal component of the commission’s quasi-judicial design
review process. The previous guidelines had been in use since 1983 without revision. The
illustrated format of the guidelines has been well-received.
The RHDC was able to reallocate resources in support of its educational mission to continue
a project that has failed to receive foundation and grant funding in previous fiscal years.
Ninety-three copies of Culture Town: Life in Raleigh’s African American Communities were
purchased for distribution to schools. Combined with other marketing efforts, the commission
was able to repay the final $3,700 due to the city on its original $47,150 loan for production of
the book.
Summary of Activities
This report presents an overview of the commission’s performance during 2001-2002. It has
been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified
Local Government duties, and finally, other activities.
2.99
Research Committee
• In cooperation with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, the RHDC
reviewed the Dr. E. N. Lawrence House for designation as a Raleigh Historic Landmark;
subsequently approved by City Council.
• Received completed local designation application reports from the consultant for Sherwood
Bates School and Crosby-Garfield School.
• Concluded a consultant contract to update/enlarge Glenwood National Register district, in
cooperation with the Historic Glenwood Neighborhood Association, which committed
$1,000 toward the project costs; successfully listed in the register
• Concluded a consultant contract to prepare a Five Points Neighborhoods National Register
MPDF, and nomination forms for two historic districts (Hayes Barton and Bloomsbury), in
cooperation with residents of the neighborhood who are raising $2,500 toward project costs;
successfully listed in the register.
• Concluded a consultant contract to prepare an Oberlin MPDF, and nomination forms for
four individual landmarks (Willis Graves House, Plummer T. Hall House, Rev. M. L. Latta
House, John T. and Mary Turner House); successfully listed in the National Register.
• Concluded a consultant contract to prepare a Depot National Register District nomination, in
cooperation with several district property owners who contributed $1,500 toward project
costs; approved by state, final listing in the register pending with the National Park Service.
• Concluded a collaborative project with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission
(and in cooperation with the Wake County Public School System) to evaluate National
Register eligibility of pre-1956 school buildings countywide (including city properties).
• Contracted with a consultant to prepare historic district nomination forms for two Five
Points neighborhoods under the National Register MPDF (Roanoke Park and Vanguard
Park), in cooperation with neighborhood residents raising $2,500 toward project costs.
• Contracted with a consultant to prepare local designation application reports for two
properties in the Idlewild community, the David Weaver House and the Lemuel T. Delany
House, a continuation of the commission’s African American thematic research project.
• Contracted with a consultant to prepare a Historic Overlay District report for the S.
Person/S. Blount Streets Redevelopment Plan area, as recommended in the plan.
• Evaluated downtown historic resources in anticipation of the downtown small area plan
update, “Livable Streets.”
• Updated the commission’s Designation Priority List, which guides the commission’s
research program for local historic landmarks.
• Recommended to Council that the Martin St. portion of the Carolina Trust/Mahler Buildings
local historic landmark not be de-designated; subsequently de-designated by council.
Public Relations/Education Committee
• Developed plans for a “Sign Topper” program for street signs in the city’s local historic
districts to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the commission’s establishment. The goal of
the program is to raise public awareness of local historic districts within the city.
• Coordinated a Trolley Tour for City Council members to orient them to the commission’s
work during the last 40 years, current initiatives, and proposed work program items.
• Served as editorial committee for two issues of the commission’s In The Districts newsletter.
• Worked with Mayor’s office to have May 12-18 proclaimed as Historic Preservation Week.
• Coordinated the planning and purchase of ninety-three copies of Culture Town: Life in
Raleigh’s African American Communities for distribution to schools.
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Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
• During the year, RHDC processed 191 COAs, compared to 190 for FY 2000-01. The COA
Committee took final action on fifty (50) Major Work applications, including one (1) for a
Raleigh Historic Landmark located within a historic district (6 major work applications were
withdrawn by their respective applicants before final action by the committee). One
hundred thirty-five (135) applications were approved by staff as minor work on behalf of the
RHDC, including three (3) for designated landmarks. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Multiple Districts
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Major Work
2
16
0
1
31
0
50
Minor Work
6
34
11
2
81
1
135
TOTAL
8
50
11
3
112
1
185
• Fifty-nine (59) actions were taken by the COA committee:
Approved as submitted/amended
17
Deferred
9
Approved with conditions
29.5
Denied
3.5
• The 150 minor work applications included 34 demolitions (all tree removals), and 27 items of
new construction (3 accessory buildings, 6 decks, 9 patios and walkways, and 9 fences). The
46.5 major work applications that received COAs included the following types of work:
Additions/Alterations:
32 (including 15 additions to buildings)
New Construction:
31 (1 houses, 3 accessory building, 6 decks, 3 porches
and 18 fences)
Demolition:
6 (2 houses and 3 accessory buildings; 1 tree removal)
It should be noted that with only 3.5 denials recorded for 185 final actions, the commission
had a 98 percent approval record.
• Implemented procedures for “Summary Proceedings” in review of COAs before the
committee, a procedure similar to a consent agenda to help make meetings more efficient.
• Concluded Demolition by Neglect ordinance enforcement of 534 E. Jones Street in Oakwood,
the exterior of which has been rehabilitated; continued to assist Inspections Department with
Demolition by Neglect enforcement for 315 E. Lane Street in Oakwood.
• Monitored Demolition by Neglect enforcement for the nationally-significant Rogers-BagleyDaniels-Pegues House, 125 E. South Street. The property as of the date of this report is under
construction for adaptive use as office space.
• Met with the Boylan Heights Association to describe the Demolition by Neglect ordinance
procedures; evaluated potential enforcement sites submitted by the association.
• Reviewed a property owner’s request to remove their properties from the Oakwood Historic
District (subdivided property from rear of 106 N. East Street); recommended the property
not be removed. City Council subsequently denied the rezoning request.
• Hosted 40 preservation commission staff members from across the state for a COA hearing
as part of a “Commission in Action” educational session for a State Historic Preservation
Office-sponsored staff-training workshop.
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Certified Local Government Duties
• Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the GlenwoodBrooklyn National Register Historic District (boundary increase, boundary decrease,
additional information), Bloomsbury, and Hayes Barton districts meet the criteria for listing
on the register; subsequently listed.
• Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the Willis Graves,
Plummer T. Hall, Rev. M. L. Latta, and John T. and Mary Turner houses in Oberlin all meet
the criteria for listing on the National Register; subsequently listed.
• Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the Depot National
Register Historic District meets the criteria for listing on the register; listing pending.
Other Activities
• Recommended that the City Council appropriate $75,000 from the City Preservation
Revolving Loan Fund for support of the rehabilitation of the nationally-significant RogersBagley-Daniels-Pegues House; request approved by council.
• Made presentation to the City Council on the commission’s 2000-01 Annual Report and 200102 Work Program.
• Worked with city administration in evaluating the Wake County Service Analysis for its
historic preservation program, which recommends transferring administration of Raleigh
Historic Landmarks back to the city.
• Reviewed and commented on the Pullen Park Master Plan Update.
• Participated in the Fayetteville Street Visioning Forum and the 2nd Downtown Raleigh
Development Forum.
• Reviewed and provided comment to City Council on the proposed Redevelopment Plan
amendments related to Progress Energy’s downtown development initiatives.
• Reviewed the proposed Manufactured Housing text change and offered assistance in
developing design review standards; text change subsequently denied by City Council.
• Worked with city staff in completing the update of the Comprehensive Plan Historic
Preservation Element.
• Provided a commission member to serve on the Sir Walter Raleigh Award jury.
• Conducted training session for new commission member.
Commission Membership 2001-2002
One new member began service in March, 2002: Dan Coleman. Others serving during the
year include: Terry Harper (Chair), Alpha Howze (Vice-Chair), Jane Thurman (Secretary/
Treasurer), Bob Anderson, David Black, David Bonomo, Allen Burris, Daniel Figgins, Treva
Jones, Andy Lawrence, Flora Wadelington, and James E. Williams.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council
throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
August 20, 2002
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RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003
National Register of Historic Places designation continued to dominate the Raleigh Historic
Districts Commission (RHDC)’s activities during fiscal year 2002-2003. The commission saw
several significant National Register research projects concluded and initiated new National
Register research projects, while continuing to provide design review service to its historic
district customers. Progress on other projects was slowed by staff vacancies for nine months of
the year. The commission also relocated its office space from the Avery C. Upchurch Municipal
Complex to the Urban Design Center on Fayetteville Street Mall.
As a result of last year’s work to produce a Multiple Property Documentation Form for the
“Historical and Architectural Resources of the Five Points Neighborhoods – 1913-1952,”
Roanoke Park and Vanguard Park neighborhoods in Five Points were listed as Raleigh’s newest
National Register Historic Districts. The commission initiated a National Register district
nomination for the University Park neighborhood area, the West Raleigh Historic District,
which when listed will become the city’s largest district in terms of the number of resources.
The RHDC also contracted for the preparation of an individual nomination for (former)
Washington Graded and High School, in cooperation with the Washington High School Alumni
Association. The commission also initiated projects to list the Fayetteville Street area on the
register, and to prepare historic overlay district reports for Fayetteville Street and the Depot
District.
All totaled with this year’s listings, Raleigh now has 18 districts and 80 individual properties
listed in National Register. 618 resources are added to the register, making them eligible for
federal and/or state rehabilitation tax credits, and enhancing the city’s economic development
potential.
Summary of Activities
This report presents an overview of the commission’s performance during 2002-2003. It has
been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified
Local Government duties, and finally, other activities.
Research Committee
• In cooperation with the Wake County Historic Preservation Commission, the RHDC
reviewed the Carey J. Hunter House and Caraleigh Mills for designation as Raleigh Historic
Landmarks; subsequently approved by City Council.
• Concluded a consultant contract to prepare nomination forms for two Five Points
Neighborhoods National Register historic districts (Roanoke Park and Vanguard Park), in
cooperation with residents of the neighborhood who are raising $2,500 toward project costs;
successfully listed in the register.
• Concluded the listing of the Depot National Register District with the National Park Service;
nomination prepared through a consultant contract with the commission in the previous
fiscal year.
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• Received an $8,500 grant from the State Historic Preservation Office and contracted with a
consultant to prepare a National Register historic district nomination form for the West
Raleigh Historic District, in cooperation with the University Park Neighborhood Association
raising $5,600 toward the total $24,000 project cost.
• Contracted with a consultant to prepare a National Register nomination form for
Washington Graded and High School (now Washington G. T. Magnet), a continuation of the
commission’s African American thematic research project, in cooperation with the
Washington High School Alumni Association providing $500 toward project costs.
• In accordance with recommendations of the Livable Streets plan, contracted with a
consultant to prepare a National Register nomination form and a local historic overlay
district designation report for the Fayetteville Street area, and a local historic overlay district
designation report for the Depot District.
• Reviewed consultant drafts on a Historic Overlay District report for the S. Person/S. Blount
Streets Redevelopment Plan area, as recommended in the plan.
Public Relations/Education Committee
• Continued developing plans for a “Sign Topper” program for street signs in the city’s local
historic districts to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the commission’s establishment.
The goal of the program is to raise public awareness of local historic districts within the city.
• Continued developing information for submittal to the National Park Service for inclusion in
its “On-line Travel Itinerary” website program. The listing will showcase approximately 40
of the city’s National Register-listed properties.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
• During the year, RHDC processed 137 COAs, compared to 191 for FY 2001-02. The COA
Committee took final action on forty-four (44) Major Work applications, including two (2) for
Raleigh Historic Landmarks located within a historic district (2 major work applications
were withdrawn by their respective applicants before final action by the committee). Eightyeight (88) applications were approved by staff as minor work on behalf of the RHDC,
including two (2) for designated landmarks (3 minor work applications were withdrawn
before action). The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Multiple Districts
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
Major Work
5
13
3
2
21
0
44
Minor Work
3
20
3
6
56
0
88
• Forty-six (46) actions were taken by the COA committee:
Approved as submitted/amended
16
Deferred
Approved with conditions
26
Denied
TOTAL
8
33
6
8
77
0
132
3
2
• The 88 minor work applications approved included 12 demolitions (all tree removals), and 22
items of new construction (4 accessory buildings, 5 decks, 6 patios and walkways, and 7
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fences). The 44 major work applications that received COAs included the following types of
work:
Additions/Alterations:
31 (including 21 additions to buildings)
New Construction:
25 (2 houses, 4 accessory building, 3 decks, 1 porch and
14 fences)
Demolition:
3 (0 houses and 0 accessory buildings; 3 tree removal)
It should be noted that with only 2 denials recorded for 132 final actions, the commission had
a 98.5 percent approval rate.
• Continued to assist Inspections Department with Demolition by Neglect enforcement for 315
E. Lane Street in Oakwood.
• Reviewed and commented on the Triangle Transit Authority Section 106 Draft
Memorandum of Agreement; recommended that the commission be consulted by the TTA in
the treatment of all noise and retaining walls constructed in conjunction with the project.
Certified Local Government Duties
• Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the Roanoke Park
and Vanguard Park Historic Districts meet the criteria for listing on the register;
subsequently listed.
• Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the Occidental Life
Insurance Building meets the criteria for listing on the register; listing pending.
Other Activities
• Participated in the auction of architectural artifacts from the demolished Commercial
National Bank Building in partnership with Capital Area Preservation and the Raleigh City
Museum. Proceeds from the auction will be used in part to pay the cost of researching new
downtown historic overlay districts in conjunction with the Livable Streets initiative.
• Executed the $75,000 loan from the City’s Preservation Revolving Loan Fund authorized by
City Council for use toward rehabilitation of the Rogers-Bagley-Daniels-Pegues House.
• Recommended to the City Council that an alley in the Bloomsbury National Register Historic
District not be closed, and that a policy be considered to discourage such closures when they
are an important part of the historic characteristics of a neighborhood.
• Provided comment to the City Council regarding the closure of portions of Franklin and
Harp streets for Peace College expansion.
• Provided comment to the City Council regarding the designs for redevelopment of the Belk
Building as a mixed use commercial/residential project, The Hudson.
• Provided comment to the City Council regarding the designs for the residential portion of
the Progress Energy mixed-use development, The Yarborough.
• Worked with city administration in implementing the interim provisions for transferring
administration of Raleigh Historic Landmarks from Wake County back to the city.
• Participated in the Livable Streets downtown planning initiative.
• Monitored the state legislature’s deliberations on selling state-owned property in the Blount
Street Historic District back to the private sector.
• Reviewed and provided comment to City Council on the Block A-39 Redevelopment Plan
amendments related to Progress Energy’s downtown development initiatives.
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• At the request of City Council, provided a report on the historic significance and value of the
Dr. M. T. Pope House to the city. Authorized by council to facilitate dialog between the
ownership foundation and the museum foundation; dialog ongoing.
• Reviewed and provided comment to City Council on the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters
Memorial proposal for Nash Square.
• Worked on developing procedures for commission members to mount plaques on recently
designated landmarks, including the casting of concrete bases for plaques that cannot be
mounted on buildings.
• Provided a commission member to serve on the Sir Walter Raleigh Award jury.
• Conducted a training session for a new commission member.
• Sent 6 commission members and two staff members for training at the biennial National
Commission Forum in San Antonio; this is the only national training program expressly
designed for preservation commissions.
• Relocated the commission offices from the Planning Department to the Urban Design Center
on Fayetteville Street Mall.
Commission Membership 2002-2003
Two new members began service in 2002-03: Jerry Traub and Gregory Tyler. Others serving
during the year include: Terry Harper (Chair), Alpha Howze (Vice-Chair), Jane Thurman
(Secretary/ Treasurer), Bob Anderson, David Bonomo, Allen Burris, Dan Coleman, Heather
Fearnbach, Treva Jones, Andy Lawrence, Jim Lofton, Flora Wadelington.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council
throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
October 21, 2003
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RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 2003 ‐ June 30, 2004 The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) met a number of challenges on several fronts during fiscal year 2003‐2004. The transfer of responsibility for administration of Raleigh Historic Landmarks from Wake County to the City of Raleigh was effected at the beginning of the fiscal year, and the commission worked at several tasks to incorporate these new responsibilities into its work program. Design review through the Certificate of Appropriateness process absorbed a great deal of the commission’s resources during evaluation of several complex cases, including a proposal to demolish All Saints Chapel, a Raleigh Historic Landmark located in the Capitol Square Historic District. Also, applications for new residential construction in Oakwood and Boylan Heights illuminated a new trend of proposals by developers new to the historic districts and unfamiliar with the design review guidelines and procedures, requiring extensive service in working with the developers on crafting proposals to meet the guidelines. The RHDC also adapted to its new office space in the Urban Design Center on Fayetteville Street Mall, including service from two new staff members shared with the Urban Design Center. The commission’s efforts under the Livable Streets planning initiative to list the Fayetteville Street area on the National Register, and to prepare historic overlay district reports for Fayetteville Street and the Depot District, ran into delays when the National Register Advisory Committee voted not to add the Fayetteville district to the Study List, questioning the inclusion of properties less than 50 years old and noting the fact that the proposed district’s spine, Fayetteville Street, had been significantly altered by the construction of the pedestrian mall. The commission worked toward revising the proposal with additional information, recognizing the city’s Livable Streets Downtown Plan initiative to reconstruct Fayetteville Street. The commission oversaw the conclusion of the West Raleigh National Register Historic District research project, resulting in the listing of the largest historic district in the city to date (in terms of number of resources). All totaled with this year’s listings, Raleigh now has 19 districts and 81 individual properties listed in National Register. 1,172 resources are added to the register, making them eligible for federal and/or state rehabilitation tax credits, and enhancing the city’s economic development potential. Summary of Activities This report presents an overview of the commission’s performance during 2003‐2004. It has been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified Local Government duties, and finally, other activities. 2.107
Research Committee
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In conjunction with the return of landmarks administration, compiled and categorized
properties to be placed on the Landmark Designation Priority List.
Those properties with existing designation reports (held when discussions began to transfer
landmark administration back to Raleigh) were distributed to the four members of the
Research Committee to review. Property owners were contacted to see if they were still
interested in landmark designation. Twelve properties were reviewed by the Research
Committee.
Also, the Research Committee reviewed the application form for designating landmarks in
Raleigh and finalized the form to be used, including a electronic version that can be filled
out on the applicant’s computer.
In support of the Certificate of Appropriateness Committee’s review of the demolition
request for All Saints Chapel, the committee worked to retain Edwards‐Pitman
Environmental, Incorporated to prepare an Application for a Determination for Statewide
Significance. Principal investigator Jennifer F. Martin and architectural historians Cynthia
de Miranda and Sarah Woodard, presented their report on the for the Free Church of the
Good Shepherd to the Research Committee.
The Research Committee recommended to the Certificate of Appropriateness Committee
that the Application for Statewide Significance be forwarded to the State Preservation
Office.
Worked with consultants to revise the National Register Study List Application Form for the
Fayetteville Street area in response to concerns from the state.
Public Relations/Education Committee
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Installed 6 new plaques, reinstalled plaque at Montfort Hall. The new plaques include
Cotton Mill; Vallie Henderson Trail; Fadum House; Small House; Small Office Building;
Yates Mill.
On Line Travel Itinerary: Submitted material to the National Park Service for inclusion in its
“On‐line Travel Itinerary” website program. The listing will showcase approximately 40 of
the city’s National Register‐listed properties.
Sign toppers: Continued working with City transportation staff, sign shop staff and graphic
artist to establish standards and equipment to install sign toppers in cityʹs five historic
districts.
Met with Paul Kapp, AIA, Historic Properties Architect, UNC Chapel Hill to discuss
methods of preserving historic buildings on college campuses
National Historic Preservation Week, May 3‐8, 2004. Organized and implemented the first
celebration in Raleigh in several years of the National Trust for Historic Preservationʹs
Historic Preservation Week. The theme was ʺNew Frontiers of Preservationʺ touching on
preservation’s role in downtown redevelopment, and the program was held at the State
Capitol. Participants included speakers ranging from Ken Zogry, Pope House Museum;
Rebecca Cope, Yates Mill County Park; Gary Roth, Capital Area Preservation; and Ken
Peters from the Raleigh City Museum. Other speakers included Raymond Beck, David
Ward Jones, Tom Smith, Andrea Bogart, Sara Drumheller, Murray Gould, and Rep. Deborah
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Ross. RDHC Executive Director, Dan Becker, served as guide for three trolley tours that
focused on the history of historic preservation in the city (trolleys provided by CAT). Mayor
Meeker and Councilors Janet Cowell and James West also participated in the event.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
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During the year, RHDC processed 134 COAs, compared to 137 for FY 2002‐03. The COA
Committee took final action on fifty‐three (53) Major Work applications, including one (1)
for a Raleigh Historic Landmark located within a historic district. Eighty‐one (81)
applications were approved by staff as minor work on behalf of the RHDC, including ten
(10) for designated landmarks. The totals by district are:
Blount Street Historic District
Boylan Heights Historic District
Capitol Square Historic District
Moore Square Historic District
Oakwood Historic District
Multiple Districts
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
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Major Work
0
13
1
2
31
1
44
Minor Work
4
23
3
1
50
0
88
Sixty‐seven (67) actions were taken by the COA committee:
Approved as submitted/amended
12
Deferred
Approved with conditions
35
Denied
TOTAL
4
36
4
3
81
1
132
15
5
The 81 minor work applications approved included 7 demolitions (all tree removals), and 8
items of new construction (0 accessory buildings, 1 deck, 1 patios and walkways, and 6
fences). The 48 major work applications that received COAs included the following types of
work:
Additions/Alterations:
11 (including 10 additions to buildings)
New Construction:
17 (6 houses, 1 accessory building, 3 decks, 2 porches and
8 fences)
Demolition:
8 (1 major structure and 1 accessory building; 6 tree
removal)
It should be noted that with only 5 denials recorded for 134 final actions, the commission
had a 97 percent approval rate.
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The demolition request for the Raleigh Historic Landmark‐designated All Saints Chapel was
a major case for the committee to process. The committee carefully followed its procedures
for review in managing this highly controversial request. The committee explored all
options in carrying out its duties, including major research to evaluate the statewide
significance for the property which would have prevented its demolition. Ultimately the
State Historic Preservation Officer ruled that the property did not have statewide
significance, and the application was approved as required by state statute; however, the
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committee did put in place a 365‐day demolition delay period to allow for the possibility of
relocating the building.
Reviewed proposals for three new houses in Oakwood and Boylan Heights proposed by
developers with no previous experience in the historic districts. These applications required
a great deal of work on the part of the commission and its Design Review Advisory
Committee to assist the developers in interpreting the design guidelines for historic
districts. Ultimately, plans for each of the properties were approved after multiple deferrals.
Continued to assist Inspections Department with Demolition by Neglect enforcement for
315 E. Lane Street in Oakwood. Also evaluated two other properties; began developing
petition for one, which was repaired prior to actual submittal of petition to Inspections.
Worked with the Inspections Department regarding the Unsafe Building enforcement at 516
N. Blount Street.
Certified Local Government Duties
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Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the West Raleigh
Historic District meet the criteria for listing on the register; subsequently listed.
Other Activities
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Worked with city administration in implementing the interim provisions for transferring
administration of Raleigh Historic Landmarks from Wake County back to the city.
Monitored the state’s project for selling state‐owned property in the Blount Street Historic
District back to the private sector.
Continued to work with the Dr. M. T. Pope House efforts.
Remained involved with city planning initiatives with commission members working on
task forces for the Gateway West Small Area Plan and South Saunders Redevelopment Plan;
Transit Oriented Development Task Force; Hillsborough Street Reconstruction Project;
Hillsborough/Blue Ridge Rd. Intersection Improvements.
Provided a commission member to serve on the Sir Walter Raleigh Award jury.
Commission Membership 2003‐2004
One new member began service this year: John Hinshaw. Others serving during the year
include: Terry Harper (Chair), Alpha Howze (Vice‐Chair), Jane Thurman (Secretary/ Treasurer),
Bob Anderson, Dan Coleman, Treva Jones, Andy Lawrence, Jim Lofton, Jerry Traub, Gregory
Tyler, Flora Wadelington.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council
throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
October 19, 2004
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RALEIGH HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
July 1, 2004 ‐ June 30, 2005 The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) focused on public information and communication during fiscal year 2004‐2005, and accomplished several major initiatives: ⇒ Historic District Sign‐Toppers: Identifies the city’s five historic overlay district areas through the installation of distinctive oval signage atop street signs wherever they are located within a historic overlay district. The commission worked in partnership with the city’s Transportation Division of the Public Works Department, and wishes to express its appreciation for the cooperation and assistance the division provided. ⇒ Depot District Block Party: This National Historic Preservation Month event drew more than 350 persons to the block party held at The Depot. Among numerous displays, information sheets on the commission’s programs and the buildings of the district were distributed along with buttons and T‐shirts while attendees enjoyed refreshments to the big band sound of Leon Jordan’s Continentals. The RHDC commissioned an identity logo for the district, produced flags displaying the logo, and worked with district businesses to hang the flags and distribute information flyers the commission developed. Scheduled in conjunction with the Urban Design Center’s Downtown Housing Tour and Artsplosure to increase the synergy of these events in promoting downtown. ⇒ Raleigh On‐line Travel Itinerary: Serves to raise awareness of the breadth of Raleigh’s historic resources and strengthen the city’s heritage tourism economy through the publication of “Raleigh: A Capital City” on the National Park Service’s National Register web site, <http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/raleigh/>. The commission worked extensively with NPS staff to select sites, provide written descriptions, map locations, and identify and provide historic and contemporary photographs. 2.111
Summary of Activities
This report presents an overview of the commission’s performance during 2004‐2005. It has
been divided into categories representative of its committee structure, followed by Certified
Local Government duties, and finally, other activities.
Research Committee
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In conjunction with the return of landmarks administration from Wake County to the City
of Raleigh:
⇒ developed a new Historic Landmark Application form and instruction sheet;
⇒ recompiled and categorized properties on the Landmark Designation Priority List;
⇒ processed the first designations of historic landmarks through the city’s preservation
program in more than 10 years. Four properties were designated: NC Agricultural
Experiment Station Cottage, Occidental Life Insurance Building, Philip Rothstein House,
and John W. Thompson House.
⇒ Initiated a project to inspect, document, and assess the appearance and condition of
landmarks transferred back to the commission’s administrative responsibility.
Contracted with consultant to prepare National Register nomination for Maiden Lane
Historic District, which was unable to be included in the West Raleigh National Register
District listed during the prior fiscal year for technical reasons.
Received grant for Comprehensive Architectural Survey Update: 1945‐1965; project will be
initiated in FY 05‐06.
Assisted the Raleigh Parks Department with having the Chavis Carousel placed on the State
Study List, a necessary first step toward National Register listing.
In support of the Certificate of Appropriateness Committee’s review of the development
proposal for the Josephus Daniels House, the commission retained Edwards‐Pitman
Environmental, Inc. to prepare an Application for a Determination for Statewide
Significance.
Public Relations/Education Committee
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Ordered and received 9 new plaques for designated historic landmarks.
Completed Raleigh On‐line Travel Itinerary.
Completed Historic District Sign Toppers.
National Historic Preservation Month Event, May 21, 2005. Organized and implemented the
Raleigh celebration of the national observance coordinated by National Trust for Historic
Preservation, this year focusing on raising awareness of the Depot National Register
Historic District. The theme was ʺRestore America: Communities at a Crossroadsʺ and the
event was designed to touch on preservation’s role in downtown redevelopment.
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Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Committee
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During the year, RHDC processed 198 COAs, compared to 132 for FY 2003‐04. The COA
Committee took final action on seventy (70) Major Work applications. Three (3) of these
Major Work applications involved designated landmarks outside of the historic districts.
One hundred twenty‐seven (127) applications were approved by staff as minor work on
behalf of the RHDC, including five (5) for designated landmarks outside of the historic
districts and one (1) for a designated landmark within the Capitol Square Historic District.
The totals by district are:
Major Work
Minor Work
TOTAL
Blount Street Historic District
0
0
0
Boylan Heights Historic District
14
27
41
Capitol Square Historic District
2
2
4
Moore Square Historic District
2
8
10
Oakwood Historic District
48
85
133
Multiple Districts
1
0
1
3
6
9
Landmarks Outside of Districts
TOTAL APPLICATIONS
70
128
198
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Seventy‐two (72) actions were taken by the COA committee:
Approved as submitted/amended
32
Deferred
2
Approved with conditions
37
Denied
1
One (1) major work application was withdrawn by the applicant.
The 127 minor work applications approved include 10 demolitions (1 accessory structure
and 9 tree removals), and 7 items of new construction (4 accessory buildings, 1 walkway,
and 2 fences). The 69 major work applications that received COAs include the following
types of work:
Additions/Alterations:
14 (including 13 additions to buildings)
New Construction:
19 (3 houses, 2 accessory building, 4 decks, 5 porches. 4
garages and 5 fences)
Demolition:
19 (1 house, 1 deck, 2 porches, 1 accessory building, 1
garage, and 16 tree removals)
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It should be noted that with only 1 denial recorded for 198 final actions, the commission had
a 99.5 percent approval rate.
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Other activities of the committee included:
Commission’s decision on a slate roof replacement was upheld upon appeal to the Board of
Adjustment.
Developed checklist form for assessment of transferred historic landmarks in support of
Research Committee’s initiative.
Continued to assist Inspections Department with Demolition by Neglect enforcement for
315 E. Lane Street in Oakwood; the property was repaired and the case closed out.
Initiated Certificate of Appropriateness review of a development proposal for the Josephus
Daniels House property, a National Historic Landmark also designated by City Council as a
Raleigh Historic Property.
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Certified Local Government Duties
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Recommended to the state’s National Register Advisory Committee that the following
properties meet the criteria for listing on the register:
⇒ (former) Washington Graded and High School (now Washington GT Magnet
Elementary School); subsequently listed.
⇒ Dr. Elmo N. Lawrence House; subsequently listed.
⇒ Philip and Mae Rothstein House; subsequently listed.
Other Activities
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Provided comment to the City Council regarding the Chavis and Pullen Park carousels;
assisted the Raleigh Parks Department with having the Chavis Carousel placed on the State
Study List, a necessary first step toward National Register listing.
Monitored the state’s project for selling state‐owned property in the Blount Street Historic
District back to the private sector.
Offered review comments to the Planning Commission and City Council for Palladium
Plaza recommending enhancement of the ground floor design to enrich the pedestrian
experience. The Raleigh Comprehensive Plan provides that the RHDC review proposed
developments near Moore Square for compatibility with the historic district.
Remained involved with city planning initiatives with commission members working on
task forces for the Gateway West Small Area Plan and South Saunders Redevelopment Plan
(commission’s recommendations incorporated into the plan); Transit Oriented Development
Task Force; Hillsborough Street Reconstruction Project (provided substantive public
comment on the historic resource assessment report); Hillsborough/Blue Ridge Rd.
Intersection Improvements.
Monitored the Dorothea Dix Campus Planning efforts.
Participated in TTA design reviews for environmental mitigation.
Provided a commission member to serve on the Sir Walter Raleigh Award jury.
Commission Membership 2004‐2005
Two new members began service this year: Stephen Cruse and Keir Morton. Others serving
during the year include: Jane Thurman (Chair), Alpha Howze (Vice‐Chair), Bob Anderson
(Secretary/ Treasurer), Dan Coleman, John Hinshaw, Treva Jones, Andy Lawrence, Jim Lofton,
Jerry Traub, Gregory Tyler, Flora Wadelington.
With gratitude, the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc. acknowledges the support,
interest, and cooperation that it has enjoyed from the City administration and City Council
throughout the past year.
Respectfully submitted by the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, Inc.
October 12, 2005
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2006 (July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006), continued
Training or education event:
Master Plan Design Charrette for Golden Belt National
Register & Local Historic Landmark Property
Durham, NC
11/4-5/05
Location:
Date:
Name of staff who attended:
Name of commission member(s) who attended:
Steve Cruse
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North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAM
CLG ANNUAL REPORT FOR FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007)
The CLG completes this report and submits the original and one copy (paper) with
required signatures and attachments by October 15, 2007, to: CLG Coordinator, State
Historic Preservation Office, Mail Service Center 4617, Raleigh, NC 27699-4617.
Reports cannot be accepted via e-mail.
I. CLG DESIGNATED STAFF
CLGs must designate a paid member of the CLG staff, or a person working under contract, as the
individual responsible for the operations of the preservation commission.
Name of CLG (city or county that is certified): Raleigh
Name of preservation commission: Raleigh Historic Districts Commission
Name of officially designated CLG staff: Dan Becker
Title:
Executive Director, RHDC
Address: P.O. Box 829 Century Station
Raleigh, NC 27602
Telephone: 919/516-2632
Fax: 919/516-2682
E-mail:
[email protected]
II. CONFIRMATION THAT THE CLG MAINTAINS AN ADEQUATE AND QUALIFIED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
1. Appointment of Members
CLGs have four requirements for appointing members to the preservation commission:
1) all members must reside within the territorial jurisdiction of the unit of government that
is the CLG or, in the case of joint county-municipal commissions, must meet the
residency requirements defined in the CLG’s preservation ordinance.
2) all members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic
preservation.
3) the CLG must document in writing its good faith effort to appoint professionals from the
disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archaeology, or other
related disciplines, to the extent such professionals are available in the community and
willing to serve. The CLG program recognizes that a mix of professional and lay
members makes the strongest commission.
4) the CLG must fill commission vacancies within sixty (60) days after vacancies occur.
Affirmation that all commission members meet the residency requirements for preservation
commissions in North Carolina, in accordance with 1), above. (Check one box and sign):
Page 1
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
I, the CLG designated staff, affirm that each preservation commission member
resides within the territorial jurisdiction of the CLG.
or
The CLG has established a joint preservation commission and I, the CLG designated
staff, affirm that each member meets the residency requirements defined in the
CLG’s preservation ordinance.
_____________________________
Signature of CLG designated staff
_________________
Date
Attach a list of current preservation commission members, showing dates of terms and
identifying officers.
Attach resumes of members newly appointed in FY 2007. A resume is not necessary for a
person being reappointed. Please use the enclosed “Resume Form for New Member of
Historic Preservation Commission, Appointed in FY 2007.” Resumes should show that new
members have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation, in
accordance with 2), above; and should provide enough information to show whether the new
members are professionals as described in 3), above.
Two new members began service this year: Mary Ruffin Hanbury and Robert
Runyans.
CLGs make various efforts to identify and appoint professional members to meet the
requirement in 3), above. Indicate below the methods your CLG used during FY 2007, by
checking all that apply and providing brief descriptions and attachments.
Staff or commission members contacted professionals known to reside in the CLG
jurisdiction to ask if they would be willing to serve: YES
Attach copies of correspondence or describe briefly.
Staff or commission members contacted area educational institutions, professional
organizations, and local historical or preservation associations or societies for
suggestions of potential members: ____
Attach copies of correspondence or describe briefly.
Announcements specifically recruiting professional members were made in the media:__
Attach copies of news releases, articles, or advertisements.
Page 2
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
The commission made other efforts: X
Describe briefly.
The Nominations Committee of the commission reviewed names of persons
known to meet CLG requirements suggested by existing commission members,
outgoing members, and previous members. In addition, the Committee
reviewed lists of persons residing in locally designated historic districts so as to
assure adequate proper neighborhood representation. Potential nominees were
reviewed by the Commission and approved for presentation to the Raleigh City
Council. Resumes were solicited from the potential nominees, and a letter of
recommendation sent to council (attached). The Council added additional
names which had come to individual members of the Council, and made final
appointments.
Number of preservation commission vacancies in FY 2007:
2
Vacancies were filled within sixty (60) days, in accordance with 4), above: YES
If NO, briefly explain:
2. Commission Education and Training
A requirement for CLGs is that at least two commission members and the designated CLG
staff must attend at least one regional or statewide information or education meeting each
year pertaining to the work of the commission or historic preservation.
Attendance for FY 2007:
Training or education event: National Commission Forum
Location:
Baltimore, MD
Date:
7/06
Name of staff who attended: Dan Becker, Megan McDonald
Name of commission member(s) who attended: Dan Coleman, Nick Fountain, Esther Hall,
Mary Ruffin Hanbury
Training or education event: Preservation North Carolina Annual Conference
Location:
Wilmington, NC
Date:
10/06
Name of staff who attended: Dan Becker, Megan McDonald
Name of commission member(s) who attended: Edna Rich Ballantine; Nick Fountain
Training or education event: National Preservation Conference
Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
Date:
11/06
Name of staff who attended: Dan Becker, Megan McDonald
Name of commission member(s) who attended: Steve Cruse
Training or education event:
Annual Meeting NCSHPO, NAPC, and PA and Lobby Day
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
Location:
Washington, DC
Date:
3/07
Name of staff who attended: Dan Becker
Name of commission member(s) who attended: Mary Ruffin Hanbury
Training or education event: Preservation Leadership Training
Location:
Owatonna, MN
Date:
6/07
Name of staff who attended: Megan McDonald
Name of commission member(s) who attended:
To help the State Historic Preservation Office plan for commission training next year, please
suggest training topics most needed by commission members:
National and local designation process, economics of preservation, CouncilCommission communication and liaison.
Please suggest training topics you would like for staff:
Local zoning alternatives to full blown historic overlay districts; Sustainability and
preservation; Comprehensive planning/preservation planning current best practices.
Would a workshop geared to a special audience be helpful? Please rank your preferences -1, 2, 3, 4, with 1 as highest:
Staff only 2
Chairmen only 4
Staff and Chairmen 3
Staff and any members (the
usual audience) 1 .
III. CONFIRMATION THAT THE CLG IS ACTIVELY ADMINISTERING THE LOCAL
ORDINANCE FOR PROTECTION OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES
1. Local Designation
a. List the landmarks (individual properties) and historic districts actually designated by the
local governing board during FY 2007, with the date of designation. Attach a map of the
district. (Note: It is not necessary to make new designations every year to retain CLG
certification, though it is desirable.)
(former) Mary Elizabeth Hospital, and (former) Medical Arts Building;
Boylan Apartments
(former) Branch Banking and Trust Building
b. Briefly describe any changes to the boundaries of existing locally designated districts or
landmarks made by the local governing board during FY 2007. Attach a map of the
revised boundaries.
None
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
2. Certificates of Appropriateness
Total number of applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) acted on by the
commission or staff during FY 2007:
213
145
Minor works applications approved by staff:
Minor works applications acted on by the commission:
0
Major works acted on by the commission:
68
Of the totals above, the number that were
Approved (with or without conditions):
200
Denied:
7
0
Deferred to FY 2008:
Other (explain):
6
ƒ 6 applications were approved in part and denied in part.
3. Were any commission decisions appealed to the Board of Adjustment or Superior Court in FY
2007? YES or NO YES
If so, briefly describe (no more than one-fourth page) the appeal and outcome.
[NOTE: this appeal was described in the FY2006 report, but actually happened in
FY 2007] The committee approved an application in the Blount Street Historic
District for the construction of an exterior second floor egress stair, and expansion
of an existing gravel parking lot with associated improvements in screening
plantings and new screen fencing. Neighbors objected on the grounds that they did
not want the house changed from residential use to office use; that office use was at
variance with comprehensive plan and small area plan policies; that the parking lot
was an intrusion into the residential character of the neighborhood; and that the
exterior stair was incongruous with the original design of the house. The property
was zoned for Office and Institutional uses at the time of the application. The
decision was appealed to the Board of Adjustment by the neighbors. The RHDC’s
decision was upheld on the basis of the commission’s argument that the decision
was proper: that the state statutes expressly prohibit the commission from taking
zoning uses into consideration in its decisions; that decisions can only be based
upon the historic development standards listed in the city code, and the
comprehensive plan was an impermissible standard for judging a COA application;
the parking lot already existed and the proposed changes would actually make it
less intrusive; and that the guidelines permitted the construction of an egress stair
for safety purposes on a secondary façade (the rear).
4. Do you charge a fee for applications for COAs? YES
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
How much?
Minor Work
Major Work (except big additions & new buildings)
Additions > 25% of the building sq. footage
New Buildings
Demolition of Contributing Historic Resource
Post-approval Re-review of Conditions of Approval
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$25.00
$125.00
$250.00
$250.00
$500.00
$75.00
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
IV. CONFIRMATION THAT THE CLG IS PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN
THE LOCAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM, INCLUDING THE PROCESS OF
RECOMMENDING PROPERTIES TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER
1. Briefly describe the ways the commission provided for public participation in the
preservation program during FY 2007, including meetings, hearings, and other opportunities
for public participation.
All meetings are listed on the official City of Raleigh calendar, and are open to the
public. Agendas for meetings are mailed to two reporters at the News & Observer,
as well as agendas and packets to the two primary neighborhood associations for
the residential historic districts, and the countywide nonprofit preservation
organization, Capital Area Preservation. Certificate of Appropriateness hearings
are listed on the city calendar, mailed notice is sent to property owners within 100
feet of a pending application site, and a sign is posted at the application site at least
one week prior to the hearing giving notice of a COA hearing and inviting the
public to telephone for more information.
2. List the properties and districts in the CLG's jurisdiction that were nominated to the
National Register of Historic Places during FY 2007. Briefly describe how the commission
provided for public participation in the process of commenting on the nomination(s).
Boylan Apartments
Public participation: Letters were mailed to all property owners listed in Wake
County tax records advising them of the CLG review meeting, and a press release
was sent to more than 100 media contacts in the Raleigh area.
V. COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS AND ISSUES
1. Briefly summarize highlights of the commission's accomplishments, successes, and major
activities during FY 2007. Include grant projects, public relations, educational activities, and
innovative collaborations. (Optional: Attach examples of newsletters, brochures, other
public information and education items developed by the commission, and newspaper
articles about the commission.)
The RHDC works through a series of committees that meet monthly and include the
Executive, Research, Nominations, Public Relations/Education, and COA Committees.
The full commission also meets monthly to conduct its regular business.
Highlights for 2006-2007 include the following:
ƒ A Commission member and staff retreat was carried out. The Commission set a
series of priorities in all areas under the jurisdiction of the Commission and placed
each task under the purview of a particular committee.
Public Relations/Education Committee
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
The primary goal of this committee was to introduce the community to the HDC as
something other than the group that issues Certificates of Appropriateness. The other
goal was to provide resources to citizens interested in historic preservation with a
source for current information for their own use and for visitors to our community to
learn about our historic resources.
ƒ Goal 1 was achieved through a public workshop during Preservation Month in
May which featured renowned cultural landscape expert Charles Birnbaum in a
series of free lectures. The series later aired on our local city cable channel. The
topic was tied to a local issue surrounding plans for our 306 acre mental health
facility. The event was successful and the first in an annual offering during
Preservation Month.
ƒ Goal 2 was the complete overhaul of our website, a slow process due to bid
requirements but with an implementation date of late 2007. The vendor was
identified and the laborious design process began with committee input. We are
now collecting information from other committees to post which will be the final
phase of this major effort.
ƒ The secondary activity was the resumption of the stalled historic guidesheets
project, which will support our desire to provide information about designated
historic resources to local residents and visitors alike.
Research Committee
ƒ Identified a contractor to install historic designation plaques. The owners are being
contacted to finalize the location of the installation, the time for the installation and
the style of the installation, wall mount or ground mount.
ƒ Three properties were designated Raleigh Historic Landmarks. The former BB&T
Bank Building (now Capital Bank) on Fayetteville Street was designated for
architectural significance; the Boylan Apartments on Hillsborough Street for
development significance and Mary Elizabeth Hospital and the adjacent Medical
Arts Building on Wake Forest Road also for development significance.
ƒ Completed the Comprehensive Architecture Survey for the period from1945 to
1965. The significant results identified several neighborhoods and numerous
individual properties that could be considered for historic designation. The Survey
was reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office and placed 12
neighborhoods and several individual buildings on the state study list.
ƒ After the loss of the Latta House to fire, the Research Committee is beginning to
investigate, with the aid of the Latta House Foundation, the possibility of
designating the site for archeological significance. (The Latta House lost its
designation when it burned.)
ƒ Contracted to prepare a National Register nomination for 1415 Poole Road. This
property is also known as the Villa Florenza. It will also be proposed for Raleigh
Historic Landmark designation.
ƒ Recommended that the Pope House be preserved at its present location if all
possible.
ƒ Completed assessment of historic properties transferred from Wake County.
Certificate of Appropriateness Committee
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
ƒ
ƒ
The year was highlighted by the large number of applications associated with the
Blount Street Historic District and the transition of the area between Peace College
and the Governor’s Mansion to private ownership. Preservation of all the
contributing structures in the area is being achieved through a professional
working relationship between COA staff and the persons contracted to purchase
property through the State of North Carolina. All persons involved bemoan the loss
of large numbers of stately oak trees in the process (which will be replaced by 1.5
times the number of trees: though young now they will eventually grow to replace
the canopy), while being relieved by the preservation of the numerous irreplaceable
structures.
A few difficult situations have arisen where property owners substantially altered
properties without making application or gaining the benefit of comment from
staff, assistance from the Design Review Advisory Committee or approval of the
Certificate of Appropriateness Committee. Those situations are an unfortunate
small fraction of the work of the COA Committee.
2. Briefly describe the major problems or difficult issues faced by the commission during FY
2007.
The success of the Boylan Heights and Oakwood preservation efforts combined with
the Blount Street Redevelopment and administration of the various register
designation contracts continues to stretch staff. City-wide efforts to reorganize the
development approval process have proceeded slowly and not yet resulted in increased
staff resources as had been hoped. The Commission has attempted to meet these
challenges with higher level of contract efforts. Much unfinished work remains though
progress has been made by creating priorities and focusing upon those priorities.
3. Has your local government adopted a demolition-by-neglect ordinance?
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YES (1992)
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CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007), continued
VI. AFFIRMATIVE STATEMENT ON MEETING CLG REQUIREMENTS IN FY 2007
This statement certifies that to the best of my knowledge the local
government specified below continues to maintain the standards for
Certified Local Government (CLG) status and operates according to
the requirements for certification as set forth in the Guidelines for
North Carolina’s Certified Local Government Program.
___________________________________
Signature of chief local elected official
_________________
Date
Charles Meeker
Name of chief local elected official (printed or typed)
City of Raleigh
Name of Certified Local Government
*****************************************************************************
The CLG Annual Report for FY 2007 is submitted by:
__________________________________________
Signature of chairman of preservation commission
_________________
Date
__________________________________________
Signature of CLG designated staff
_________________
Date
Attach Inventory Update Forms, if any.
Remember to attach resume forms for new members.
Submit original and one copy of the completed report by mail (e-mailed reports cannot be
accepted) by October 15, 2007 to:
CLG Coordinator
State Historic Preservation Office
4617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4617
919-733-4763
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