Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission

Highlites from The August Meeting

2008-08-24T14:18:00.003-04:00

New Member to the HPC, Jeanna Childress was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Dal Styers.

Terms of members was recently revised from four years to three years. This will allow staggered terms for commission members.

Location change. The Thomasville HPC will change its meeting location to the City Council chambers located on the second floor of the Police Department. The time and date will remain the same.

Deadline for COA applications for the September meeting is 5:00pm Monday August 25.

Highlights From the March Meeting

2008-04-01T21:02:00.002-04:00

At the March meeting Natalie Wall was appointed interim Commission Chair. This was due to the spot vacated by Charlotte Sears.

Committee Members Heather Lewis and Natalie Wall are in the process of creating welcome committees within each local historic district.

New Members Carol Brooks and Dalford Styers are officially part of the Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 12

2008-01-27T18:42:00.001-05:00

Q. Will the controls in a Historic District make it more difficult to sell my property?

A. Not at all. The neighborhood will be enhanced, and thereby your property as well. Experience with other Historic Districts has shown a strong improvement in the housing market within Historic District areas. There are no limitations set on the sale of property.

Highlights From the January Meeting

2008-01-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

The application for 2008 Historic Preservation Fund Pass-through Grant for the nomination of Randolph Street Historic District has been submitted and the Commission may know as early as March if they were awarded the grant.

The Historic Preservation Commission would like to thank Sue Hunter for her donation of $50.

Scenes from the past.

2007-12-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 11

2007-12-23T12:28:00.000-05:00

Q. Will I be forced to do extra maintenance on my property?

A. No, you won’t. The Historic Preservation Commission only has authority over proposed exterior changes, not over routine maintenance or matters covered in the City of Thomasville Minimum Housing Code.

Highlights From the December Meeting

2007-12-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

The Commission held two COA hearings. The COA for 318 Spring Street was approved and the COA for 125 Salem Street was turned down.

Residents in the Colonial Drive School Historic District received support from the Commission in their efforts to bring back at the door mail delivery. The Commission passed a resolution supporting the efforts of the residents.

Restoration of the Historic Pepsi sign on the corner of Salem Street and John Thomas Way is back on track with a plan to fund the remaining $2,200 for the project between several groups in town.

Design Review Guidelines

2007-11-21T11:59:00.000-05:00

Copies of the Design Review Guidelines are available in PDF format from the Planning and Inspections department on the second floor of City Hall. Also contractors may obtain a CD with information on the NC Rehab Building Code, Historic Mills Bill, and case studies from Preserve NC on large scale rehabilitation projects.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 10

2007-11-21T11:57:00.000-05:00

Q. What is the procedure if I want to demolish a building on my property?
A. You must give the Historic Preservation Commission written notice of any proposed demolition. This serves to provide time for the Commission to find a way to save the building if it is significant. (If the building is not significant, the Commission may permit immediate demolition.) If, within the authorized period of delay, the Commission cannot find an alternative solution satisfactory to you, a record of the historic building and its setting is submitted to the Commission, and you may remove the structure.

Highlights From the November Meeting

2007-11-21T11:44:00.000-05:00

Plaques for the newly designated Local Historic Landmarks have arrived and will be installed on the Former City Hall and City Memorial Hospital & Nurses Home. Also the addendum sign installation for the historic districts is mostly complete. Residents should notice the signs attached to the end of the street names in the three Historic Districts.

Continued efforts to educate the public and local real estate agents is one of the top priorities of the Commission. Ideas discussed in recent meetings have been training courses for real estate agents, Historic Preservation Welcome Committees within each district, and direct mailings to property owners in historic districts and local real estate agents.

Appointment of new commission members is rapidly approaching. Recommendations for positions will be submitted by March of 2008. The Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission will be filling four seats next year. For information on Commission appointments please contact the City Clerk or Personnel department.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 9

2007-10-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

Q. If there has been previous work done on my house that is not in compliance with Historic Design Guidelines, will I be required to change anything?

A. This is an excellent question. The answer is no. The Historic District Ordinance is triggered only when an exterior change is going to occur. The ordinance is not “retroactive,” a common misconception.

Highlights From the October Meeting

2007-10-23T10:28:00.000-04:00

The commission discussed the proposed relocation of City Archives for conservation. The City has allocated space in the public works building on Turner Street and the commission is waiting to transfer the archives from storage.

A report was given on the new Facade Grant program from PACE. The program will give property owners in the Downtown National Register Historic District matching funds up to $5,000 for improvements to the facade of their building.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) hearing was conducted for a West Colonial Drive property in the Colonial Drive School Historic District. After the presentation of findings of fact and discussion the application was deemed congruent with design guidelines. The application was approved.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 8

2007-09-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

Q. Who is on the Historic Preservation Commission?

A. The Commission, appointed by the City Council, is composed entirely of Thomasville residents. Of the nine (9) Commission members, a majority are specially qualified with experience, education, or interest in architecture or history. Members attend training each year in historic preservation practice and principles.

Thomasville Gains Two New Local Historic Landmarks

2007-09-20T21:34:00.001-04:00

On Monday September 17 the Thomasville City Council adopted two ordinances designating the former City Hall and former City Memorial Hospital as Local Historic Landmarks. As a Local Landmark these properties now fall under the same design guidelines as properties in a Historic District. No additional maintenance is required beyond minimum standards in current ordinance code. Private property owners of Local Historic Landmarks receive a 50% reduction in property tax liability in exchange for the upkeep of the property as a Historic Landmark. Property owners are not required to remove current additions or restore the property to a previous state.

Highlights From the September Meeting

2007-09-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

The Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission will have a display at Everybody's Day. The display will be in the gazebo and showcase photos of historic homes and articles on the accomplishments of the Commission.

Addendum signs marking the Historic District beside street signs is almost complete. The Colonial Drive School Historic District is the only district remaining in the installation process.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) hearing was conducted for a Haywood Street property in the Colonial Drive School Historic District. After the presentation of findings of fact and discussion the application was deemed congruent with design guidelines. The application was approved

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 7

2007-08-20T08:45:00.001-04:00

Q. Can I appeal a decision of the Historic Preservation Commission?

A. Yes, you can. It may be appealed to the Board of Planning and Adjustment. Further appeal can be made to the Superior Court of Davidson County.

Highlights From the August Meeting

2007-08-20T08:27:00.000-04:00

At the August meeting of the Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission Election of Officers for 2007-2008 were conducted. The results were for Chairperson Charlotte Sears, Vice Chairperson David Yemm, Secretary Natalie Wall, and Assistant Secretary Heather Lewis.

Heather Lewis joined the Historic Preservation Commission this month as a new member. She is replacing Ann Hardy and is a resident in the Salem Street Historic District.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) hearing was conducted for a Jones Street property in the Colonial Drive School Historic District. After the presentation of findings of fact and discussion the application was deemed congruent with design guidelines. The application was approved.

The additional signs marking Historic Districts are being installed. Signs have been placed in the Salem Street and Downtown Historic Districts with the Colonial Drive School Historic District still in progress.

Reports for nomination of the Former City Hall and City Memorial Hospital & Nurses Home as Local Historic Landmarks are complete. The Commission will next address the Thomasville City Council to formally approve the nominations.

Grace Lutheran Church

2007-06-20T21:00:00.001-04:00

The old Grace Lutheran Church and parsonage. The church was on the corner of Salem St and West Guilford St. at the present day location of Russell Realty.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 6

2007-06-20T20:57:00.000-04:00

Q. Do all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness require action by the Historic Preservation Commission?

A. No. Applications for minor work may be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Examples of minor work include replacement of roof coverings and guttering with like or similar materials; and minor changes not visible from the street, such as construction of side and rear yard fences and walls, installation of mechanical equipment or antenna and satellite dishes, installation or replacement of storm windows and doors, and other minor construction.

Highlights From the June Meeting

2007-06-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

Funding for additional signage within Historic Districts has been raised. With money from District residents, PACE, and the Historic Commission street signs will have additional markings further identifying the district.

The Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission will sponsor a training seminar later this year for local real estate agents. Agents from the Thomasville, High Point, and Lexington area will be invited to the half-day event designed to assist them in properly informing clients what it means to live in a Historic District.

Recognize this house?

2007-05-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

Can you recognize where this house is or was?

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 5

2007-05-21T13:24:00.000-04:00

Q. How do I go about getting a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A. You can get an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Zoning Enforcement Officer in the City Planning Department. If your application is filed in complete form at least fifteen (15) days before the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission, the Commission will review your application at that meeting; applications submitted later will be reviewed at the following monthly meeting. In accordance with local Design Guidelines, at its meeting the Commission may grant approval to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for an application, decide to study the matter further, perhaps ask for further information, or deny issuance of a COA. A Certificate of Appropriateness does not replace the need
for any other required City permits.

Highlights From the May Meeting

2007-05-21T13:15:00.000-04:00

Research is progressing on nominations for Local Historic Landmarks. The Old City Hall/Police Building and City Memorial Hospital & Nurses Home are being researched to be included on the list of Local Historic Landmarks.

Promotion of adopting the NC Rehab Code by the City of Thomasville has begun. Adoption of the Rehab Code will ease the burden on building owners renovating historic properties. Information on the NC Rehab Code can be found at www.ncrehabcode.com

May is National Preservation month

2007-04-20T21:41:00.000-04:00

Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the theme this year is "Making Preservation Work!" Historic Preservation needs to be a community effort in order to be successful.

There are several things every person can do to help preserve their community. Getting out of your car for a walk allows you to appreciate the buildings and parks where you live. Tour the historic districts in your town instead of driving past. Attend a local historic preservation commission meeting or even become a volunteer for the commission. Visit the library and read about the local history or even research the history of your own neighborhood.

Without local support Historic Preservation efforts would be lost along with the character of the community. It is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve all aspects of the heritage that has shaped our towns.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 4

2007-04-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

Q. I may want to redesign the interior of my house. Will that require a Certificate of
Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission?

A.No, it won’t. The Commission deals only with exterior changes. You may make any interior changes you want as long as they are in accordance with standard zoning regulations and building codes of the City of Thomasville.

Highlights From the April Meeting

2007-04-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

Dedications for two new markers were announced. The city's third Civil War Trails marker was dedicated on March 24th and the Culbreth -Harris American Legion Hut marker was dedicated on April 11.

The Commission learned that it had not received the 2007 Historic Preservation Fund Grant. Money from the grant would have been used to fund National Register Nomination of Randolph Street Historic District.

The Thomasville Beautification Commission has offered to assist historic property owners in clean up and minor repairs. Owners will need to supply needed materials and equipment and volunteers from the Beautification Commission will provide the labor.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 3

2007-03-20T13:09:00.000-04:00

Q. I've heard there are controls on what can be done to the properties in a Historic District. Am I going to have to ask someone before I repaint my house?

A. No. There are controls to help maintain the special character and qualities of a Historic District. The Historic Preservation Commission must issue a Certificate of Appropriateness, based upon local Design Guidelines, before buildings or their appurtenant fixtures may be constructed, altered, demolished, or reconstructed. But if you use the same or similar color of paint no permission is required to repaint your house. It is assumed that people will continue to exercise the same good taste they have shown in the past. The Commission is available to advise those desiring assistance.

Can you identify anyone in this photo?

2007-03-20T13:06:00.000-04:00

Could your relatives be in this photo? If you have any information you would like to share please post in the comments section.

Highlights From the March Meeting

2007-03-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

The dedication of Thomasville's third civil war trail marker will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 11:00 am. This marker commemorates an Army wayside hospital in the city following the battle of Bentonville in March 1865.

Plans for additional signs marking historic districts are in the works. The signs will be added to existing street names to identify individual streets located in the historic districts.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 2

2007-02-19T22:59:00.000-05:00

Q. My home is in a proposed Historic District. What will its establishment do to my property values?

A. We don’t know for every individual case. But the evidence from other Historic Districts around the country indicates that property values are generally found to stabilize or increase.

Mill Rehabilitation Bill; A brief introduction.

2007-02-19T22:47:00.000-05:00

The past few years have brought about many changes to the Thomasville community. Many of the furniture plants that were full of workers are now idle or partially used as indoor flea markets. Last year the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 474 known to some simply as the “Mill Rehabilitation Bill.” This bill helps revitalization efforts in communities with vacant or partially vacant industrial sites. Eligible sites may apply for tax credits on qualified rehabilitation expenditures in amounts of up to 40 percent on the expenditure.

In case studies by Preserve North Carolina the per-square-foot cost of rehabilitation is far less than new construction. Their studies also mention that while cost of materials is higher in new construction, while rehabilitation cost are often have higher labor cost. Money spent on labor is often reinvested in the community when workers spend money at local stores and restaurants.

Along with the Mill Rehabilitation Bill, many of downtown Thomasville’s buildings may receive similar tax credits because of their inclusion in the National Register Historic District. Income-producing historic properties may qualify for a 20% state tax credit and 20% federal investment tax credit.

With these tax credits business owners and the City of Thomasville has greater opportunity to engage in revitalization efforts in the downtown area. The rehabilitation potential of idled industrial buildings can also preserve our identity and cultural heritage as a community with deep roots in furniture manufacturing.

Owners that wish to file applications are encouraged to contact the Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission for assistance.

Highlights From the Feburary Meeting

2007-02-19T22:31:00.000-05:00

The memorial plaque for the American Legion Hut was on display for Commission members to view. Built in the Kinneywood development the American Legion Hut was a popular gathering spot for local dances, picnics, social events and community activities for many years. Arrangements are being made for a dedication ceremony following installation of the plaque near the site of the hut.

There was a brief discussion on remarks made during the Thomasville City Council annual retreat. It had been reported in three local newspapers of an idea to tear down vacant industrial buildings and replace with newer construction. The commission has responded with letters to the Mayor and City Council on the availability of tax credits for rehabilitation projects.

Historic Districts: 15 Frequently Asked Questions, Part 1

2007-01-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

Q. Are there benefits of owning property in a designated Historic District?

A. Yes. Designation is an honor. indicating the community believes the district deserves recognition and protection. Local historic district designation has no effect on local property taxes for property owners within the designated district; however, historic zoning can help stabilize property values by maintaining the neighborhood's character, and it benefits property owners by protecting them from inappropriate changes made by other owners that might destroy the special qualities of the neighborhood.

Donations for historic Pepsi Sign restoration requested.

2007-01-17T15:43:00.000-05:00

Artist Rendering of Restored sign by Lou Ann Peters

The Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission is looking to restore the Historic Pepsi Cola sign painted on the building located at the northwest corner of Salem Street and J.W. Thomas Way. Photos dated from the late 1920’s show the sign in its humble beginnings. The painted sign that once covered most of the southern wall of the building has faded over the years, but a ghostly outline of the early advertisement is still visible. Communities across the nation view the restoration of these remaining signs from vividly memorable advertising campaigns as a positive contribution to the preservation of local heritage. In the case of Pepsi Cola, there is the added significance of preserving the history of a company that was founded in North Carolina--in New Bern in the late 1890s.

Other buildings in Thomasville still show evidence of painted advertisements. Most of them have faded to the point that they are no longer recognizable. Across the street from the Pepsi Cola sign an old hardware store sign reads “Distributors Of” and the rest has weathered away completely. A few local buildings sporting these painted advertisements have been torn down over the years—a tragic loss of both our valuable historic assets and the reminder of distinctive vintage advertising.

Since the listing last year of Thomasville’s Business District in the National Register of Historic Places a few building owners have expressed interest in taking advantage of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits available the state and federal levels. The restoration of the Pepsi Cola sign will contribute to on-going efforts to attract more people to the downtown area. If you wish to be a part of this Pepsi Cola sign restoration project, a new facet of the local historic preservation program, contributions may be made to the Thomasville Historic Preservation Commission, PO Box 368, Thomasville, North Carolina 27361.

Highlights From the January Meeting

2007-01-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Application for 2007 Historic Preservation Fund Grant. This grant would allow the Commission to start the process of nominating a section of Randolph St for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed district consist of 4 homes, a church, the former HPT&D Railroad Depot and the Standard Chair Company building. This project will provide a measure of valuable protection to these properties. The area is currently on the study list for street widening and would have a serious negative impact on the adjacent historic properties.

3rd Civil War Trails Marker Citing Thomasville's Medical Contributions will be dedicated on March 24, 2007. After the Carolina Campaigns in March of 1865, wounded soldiers were transported by train away from the battlefield and many ended up in Thomasville for medical treatment.

A bronze plaque to recognize the site of the Culbreth-Harris American Legion Hut has been ordered. Built in 1933 the American Legion Hut was a popular gathering place for local dances, picnics, parties, other social events and community activities. For a time Bob Holladay, Uwharrie Council Boy Scout executive, lived in the building's second floor apartment.