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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION On behalf of the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for including the Cate Farm homestead as part of the County's recent parkland acquisition in Chapel Hill Township. While we recognize the Board's focus on the potential school site(s) and active playing fields we have a special interest in the building complex. The fact that the house, until just recently, has been occupied by family members and still survives so architecturally intact is not only rare, but remarkable. The Lands Legacy program objectives include both land conservation and cultural resource preservation. The Cate house and its surrounding agricultural buildings document a period of prosperity, in Orange County's history, linked to the influx of dairy farming. Many early twentieth- century houses were constructed in rural North Carolina based on the influence of the Arts and Crafts period, particularly the side -gable bungalow form characterized by its large front dormer over a front porch. Few houses from this period, however, retain as much original material as the Cate house. The German or novelty board exterior siding, the tapered porch posts on masonry piers, the interior unpainted bead board sheathing, the original four - over -one window sash, all five original mantels including two corbelled brick units and three wood units - -these are the trademark features that define bungalows in the state and nationwide. The Historic Preservation Commission discussed many potential uses for the building complex at their site visit in December and their subsequent meetings in January and February. Since the Cate property will essentially serve as the pilot project for acquisitions, which include existing structures, the HPC would like to see the County establish a good track record of historic building stewardship. Preserving the Cate farmstead will demonstrate to the community the County's intent to respect and preserve local heritage through important lands and important historic structures.