Agenda 02-03-2026; 8-i - National Register Recommendation for Moorefields

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 3, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 8-i SUBJECT: National Register of Historic Places Recommendation for Moorefields DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1) Moorefields National Register Report Peter Sandbeck, 245-2517 2) Elected Official Comment Letter 3) Historic Preservation Commission Comment Letter Endorsing the Moorefields Register Designation PURPOSE: To receive and endorse the Historic Preservation Commission's (HPC's) finding that the historic property known as Moorefields meets the criteria for an updated listing on the National Register of Historic Places (Additional Documentation and Technical Correction). BACKGROUND: The existing National Register designation and recognition for Moorefields is proposed for updating to reflect additional research and archaeological findings. Moorefields was initially listed on the National Register in 1972 for its statewide historical significance as the only surviving building associated with Alfred Moore (1755-1810), an influential attorney, politician, and advocate for the creation of the University of North Carolina. Moorefields was also nominated for its architectural significance as an important example of a Piedmont Federal style house, built c. 1785 as a distinctive example of the tripartite form. Although not an element in the past, the current federal process for listing a property on the National Register of Historic Places now includes a provision giving the Board of Commissioners the opportunity to offer a recommendation for or against the listing of historic properties within its jurisdiction. The HPC fully supports the updated nomination of Moorefields to the National Register. As required, the HPC held a public hearing and received public comment regarding this proposed National Register listing at its regular meeting on January 28, 2026. The HPC subsequently recommended the proposed designation for approval (Attachment 3). The National Register is an honorary designation that carries no local regulatory burden, but does provide a federal and state process for protection in the case of projects receiving federal or state funding, or projects that require some form of federal or state permit or license. The attached National Register Nomination provides detailed information about the site (Attachment 1). FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to the County with consideration of this item.