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Orange County <br /> HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION <br /> Approved Meeting Summary <br /> May 22nd, 2024 <br /> Bonnie Davis Center, 1020 US 70 West, Hillsborough <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT: Art Menius, Cecelia Moore <br /> MEMBERS ABSENT: Dickinson, Loter, Whisnant <br /> STAFF PRESENT: Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator; Abby Mattingly, Administrative <br /> Support Coordinator <br /> GUESTS: Steve Peck <br /> ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER: The chair noted that we didn't have a quorum, so members agreed to <br /> meet for discussion and information sharing. No voting items will be acted upon. <br /> ITEM #2: CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: None <br /> ITEM #3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES for April 24nd, 2024: <br /> This was deferred to the next meeting due to the lack of a quorum. <br /> ITEM #4: ITEMS FOR DECISION: None <br /> ITEM #5: DISCUSSION ITEMS <br /> a. Landmark Evaluation Exercise: Huqhes House in Cedar Grove: Staff presented a <br /> brief overview and visuals showing the location of the house and reviewed the history of <br /> the Cedar Grove National Register Historic District, which is our only rural historic district. <br /> This was intended to promote the preservation of the area through the availability of tax <br /> credits but to date we haven't had any preservation success stories there. Staff provided a <br /> detailed PowerPoint presentation about the Historic District, then about the c.1820 <br /> Hughes House and its history and significance as one of the county's finest remaining <br /> early 19th century structures, noting its exceptional federal-style mantels and later 1880s <br /> additions. A proposed landmark boundary would include the house itself, with several <br /> acres surrounding, extending to the north to Carr Store Road. The new owners live in a <br /> comparable restored early 19' century house in Franklin Co. and so understand what <br /> they're getting into. Members then carried out the landmark evaluation exercise, with <br /> extensive discussion about its architectural significance and overall physical integrity. The <br /> final total score, averaged out of all members present, was 56.2, which is above the <br /> minimum score of 50 points needed to potentially qualify for landmark status. Staff will <br /> notify the owners to let them know that the property can qualify for landmark status to see <br /> if they wish to pursue that. For information, staff reminded members about the importance <br /> of the Neville Log House located on Old NC 86, between Hillsborough and Carrboro. This <br /> was evaluated at a prior meeting and does qualify for landmark status. Staff will pursue <br /> this with the owners as a way to allow the HPC assist with its preservation. <br /> b. Membership update and review of roster: Staff walked through the current applications <br /> now on file with the County Clerk. Members looked at backgrounds and which other <br /> boards they had applied for, and if the HPC was their first choice or a back-up choice. <br /> Menius suggested that Carson Holloway, a historian living up near Lake Orange, might be <br /> a candidate. Moore indicated that Whisnant will contact Anna Agbe-Davies, a very <br /> 1 <br />