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Donald Belk - July 12, 1999 Page Two In light of the fact that Orange County has entered into a contract to have a National Register nomination prepared for the property, I telephoned you last week to apprise you of our re- assessment of the former White Oak Grove School. As we, discussed then, it is highly unlikely that the Keeper of the National Register would approve a nomination for the building unless the majority of the changes are reversed. Because there is more latitude regarding standards of Physical integrity for designation of a property as a local landmark and because there is strong recognition in the community of the building's cultural importance, you might consider having Your consultant prepare a local designation report rather than a National Register nomination for the former school;. This letter is likely to disappoint the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission, but I hope that you and the commission will agree that it is better that we apprise you of the building's lack of potential eligibility for the Register now instead of after further effort is expended preparing a nomination. We try to be as confident as possible of our recommendations to the National Register Advisory Committee regarding Study List applications, but this is one of the rage occasions in which an ineligible property is placed on the list. I understand that Rick Mattson has already shared his doubts about the former school's National Register eligibility with members of the community, who indicated that they would continue striving to restore the building regardless of National Register status. I will be happy to answer any questions you, the commission, and members of the community may have about our re- evaluation of the school and potential local designation of the property. " Sincerely, Claudia R. Brown, Supervisor . Survey and Planning Branch State Historic Preservation Office Copy to R. Mattson: CRB/cp