Agenda - 05-04-2004-5m - Laserfiche WebLink

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C~~ structure and examine relevant building code requirements to determine what uses are really feasible. '7) Renovate the exterior of the house, only. This option acknowledges the value of the house as a historic backdrop far the park entrance along with the fact that the Advisory Committee failed to determine a specific use for the building. The exterior of the building would be cleaned up--the reof and siding painted. The windows could be repaired, ar covered from the inside or outside to look presentable and prevent unauthorized entry.. It is not uncommon for parks to have buildings on site, which are not accessible to the public--the mere presence of these buildings contributes to overall atmosphere of the park setting, Perhaps the most important consideration, before determining the course of action, is to evaluate the value of the Laws House. The Laws House is a typical turn-of-the century middle class dwelling with awell-executed stone chimney.. Orange County has always been amiddle- class county containing modest houses; it is not a region filled with large plantation houses with two-story columns. What makes the Laws House significant is its Zink to amiddle-class tobacco farmer. "Laws" is an old Orange County name and worthy of its own display just like Blackwood or Strayhorn The Little River site has the potential to fill in a missing part of the Orange County agricultural heritage puzzle since the Cate Farm and Blackwood Farm are more closely linked to dairy farming. The Laws House also reveals some interesting information about Orange County architectural history, It documents the common practice of combining buildings, using an existing structure as a wing (usually rear ell) for a new building. It shows the traditional use of stone in chimneys and foundations. The mantel in the front block shows a common vernacular use of diamond motifs. The rear room, in particular, illustrates the use of wide-board interior sheathing well into the late nineteenth century-a treatment found in other Orange County houses but not in other areas such as Eastern North Carolina where the use of wide board sheathing ended with the Civil War.. The upstairs loft contains a fireplace, documenting its intended use as a livable space. The enclosed corner stairwell, which is virtually a ship ladder, is another example of what some architectural historians call "retarditaire" meaning it was old fashion when it was built. Evidence in the kitchen shows the former cooking stove (in the corner) along with the current heating stove venting the fireplace. The house also retains the traditional pantry closet off the kitchen and the large sink on the back porch-trademark features of rural Orange County houses. As Orange County's Preservation Planner, I would recommend pursing Option #5 -stabilize the building this year and spend the next year evaluating ways to re-use the house and developing cost estimates. The front rooms could easily be used for information and display space and perhaps a staff office, The back room could be roped off as a museum room, where visitors look in the doorway but not actually enter the room,. This area could be viewed from the connecting room and the back porch, which could be made wheelchair accessible. The front section of the building appears to be stable. The floor is reasonably level, the joists appear to be 2x8s, and there is ample clearance under the floor to prevent moisture related problems. The back portion would need more attention, but by prohibiting public access the amount of stn~ctural upgrades would be minimized. The back porch could be rebuilt and the sink re- installed.. The northern section of the back porch could offer a handicapped passageway to the front rooms,. The eastern section of the back porch could be updated to house a small staff bathroom and kitchenette.. The house is currently somewhat of an eyesore. It weuld be reasonable to "mothball" the house, make it more attractive far the park opening, and label it as a future display area. The C:~Ilocrn~n~;nls and Se4line)stAdministr2twLOCaI Setlings\Teinp~ClP budget 2bi)4-Laws-Ca(ra doc~