Agenda - 06-16-2015-13 (7) - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Physical Assessment, page 4 Energy Efficiency The 1938 building is of V-5" brick construction. Major energy upgrades were done during the 1989 renovations which included high efficiency insulated windows and insulation, particularly in the attic. Even though the attic was insulated in 1989, the cost of adding even more insulation in the attic may be a more cost effective solution than furring out and adding additional insulation on the interior walls. Additionally, any insulation provided against the interior of the brick walls must be carefully evaluated for moisture and vapor barrier issues. Site, Parkinq Considerations Under the current use guidelines, no additional parking is required. Currently there are 12 to 14 parking spaces on site. Initial review indicates that the existing drive and parking area can be reconfigured to allow for 7 to 10 additional angled parking spaces. To confirm this, a dimensioned survey is necessary. Historic Preservation Topics In 1990 the "Chapel Hill Town Hall" was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are only 14 structures or districts in Chapel Hill and the Chapel Hill Vicinity listed on the National Register. The Chapel Hill Town Council is considering granting a preservation easement to provide more protection for the building. Although the exterior of the building retains its historic significance and should be preserved, the 1963 Alterations and 1989 Renovations stripped away the original detailing, except the entry stair to the second level. During any potential de-construction process, additional detailing may be found and this historic detailing may be considered for incorporation into the new interior design. Essentially the interior is a "clean slate" for the designers to meet any future need. "..........North Carolina law (G.S. 121-12a) provides for consideration of National Register properties in undertakings funded or licensed by the state. Where a state undertaking is in conflict with the preservation of a National Register property, the North Carolina Historical Commission is given the opportunity to review the case and make recommendations to the state agency responsible for the undertaking. The commission's recommendations to the state agency are advisory." (http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/whatis.htm) This requirement applies specifically to the State of North Carolina and not to county and local governments. Without a resolution in place protecting the Old Town Hall, it is recommended that a similar review process utilizing the Orange County and Chapel officials and boards so they are "given the opportunity to review the case and make recommendations to the [appropriate] agency responsible for the undertaking." The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation should be followed in all exterior work on the Old Town Hall. Specific reference to their preservation bulletins is made under the maintenance section and on the web site.