Minutes 04-19-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

� - HPC reviewed SHPO comments & prepared memo requesting Public Hearing with BOCC – December 8, 2010 - Public Hearing with BOCC – March 3, 2011 - Formal Recommendation from HPC – March 23, 2011 - BOCC Consideration of Designation Ordinance –April 19, 2011 The Orange County HPC uses seven criteria to evaluate the historic and architectural significance of potential local landmarks and local historic districts: resource type, age, historic significance, architectural significance, environmental significance, contributing factors, integrity. While each property is unique, the systematic evaluation formula combined with a multi-step review process ensures that all sites are assessed using a consistent approach. The HPC scored the Murphey School highly on its historic site evaluation form-69-74 out of a maximum of 100 during Dec 8th meeting. Criteria A for its association with statewide efforts to improve education, and Criteria C for its distinctive architecture. Murphey School was designed by Henri Colvin Linthicum, a specialist in school design and partner with his father in the architectural firm of Linthicum and Linthicum. It was named for North Carolina's "Father of Public Education," Archibald D. Murphey. The Murphey School building complex survives as a remarkably intact example of the classical brick consolidated schools that were constructed throughout rural North Carolina during the 1920s and 1930s. The main building was constructed in two parts. The original classroom wing was constructed in 1923 and a large (almost stand-alone) auditorium was constructed in 1936 along the west side of the original building so that the hallway of the classroom wing leads directly into a side door near the auditorium's stage. The building is particularly remarkable in that the original classroom wing displays elements from the less common Spanish Revival Style, including stylized metal roof shingles designed and painted to imitate terra cotta. The auditorium building is fronted with a classical (temple-front) portico supported by colossal square columns. The original teacherage, a circa 1923 one-and-one-half story frame bungalow, also survives on the site along with the well house and water tower. In NC, individual landmarks are eligible for a 50% property tax reduction Local designation programs are a form of overlay zoning. Should the Murphey School become designated properties are subject to design review—COA and demolition delay of up to 365 days. HPC reviews COA in quasi-judicial format. The Local Landmark Program and the National Register of Historic Places are two entirely distinct and separate programs. Both offer honorary status to historic properties through a formal designation process. The specific benefits of each program, however, are quite different. • Administered by Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) • Properties designated individually or as part of historic districts • Individual Landmarks eligible for 50% reduction in property taxes