Title
Resolution Supporting the Nomination of the James H. and Anne B. Willis House at 707 Blair Street to the National Register of Historic Places
Body
Department: Planning
Council District: 3
Public Hearing: January 28, 2015, conducted by the Historic Preservation Commission
Advertising Date/By: Planning Department
Contact 1 and Phone: Mike Cowhig, 373-2755
Contact 2 and Phone: Hanna Cockburn, 574-3576
PURPOSE:
Consider resolution recommending the nomination of the James H. and Anne B. Willis House at 707 Blair Street to the National Register of Historic Places.
BACKGROUND:
The State Historic Preservation Office requests the City to review the nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places within the City limits. A property listed on the National Register makes the property owner a candidate for federal and state tax credits for rehabilitation, but does not restrict the private property owner's use of private funds to maintain or alter their property. The North Carolina National Register Advisory Committee will consider the nomination of the Willis House on February 12, 2015.
According to the nomination report, the James H. and Anne B. Willis House meets the National Register Criterion for architectural significance. It retains character-defining features specified by Greensboro architects Loewenstein-Atkinson, noted for their promotion of Modernist architecture in North Carolina during the mid-twentieth century. Constructed in 1965, the house has been painstakingly restored by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sears. The residence manifests Modernist design principals in its long, low form and use of both contemporary and natural materials. If added, this property will join the Wilbur and Martha Cater House (1951) as the second Loewenstein-designed residence on the National Register, and stands as one of fifteen Modernists homes in Greensboro designed by Loewenstein.
The Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission conducted a public hearing on the Willis House nomination at their meeting on January 28, 2015. Tom Sears, the property owner presented the nomination. No public comments were offered. The Commission unanimously approved a resolution supporting the nomination.
BUDGET IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff requests Council adoption of a resolution recommending this nomination. Based on staff review, the nomination meets the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Resolution Text
026-15 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE NOMINATION OF THE JAMES H. AND ANNE B. WILLIS HOUSE TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
WHEREAS, the James H. and Anne B. Willis House, 707 Blair Street, Greensboro, NC is under consideration for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, the National Register is the nation's official list of historic buildings, districts, archaeological sites, and other resources worthy of preservation; and
WHEREAS, the James H. and Anne B. Willis House meets National Register Criterion C in the area of Architecture because it retains character-defining features of the 1965 Lowenstein-Atkinson Modernist design; and
WHEREAS, listing in the National Register will make the owner of the building a candidate for state and federal historic rehabilitation income tax credits;
WHEREAS, the Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission supports the nomination of the James H. and Anne B. Willis House to the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, opportunity for public comment has been adequately provided.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO:
That the Greensboro City Council, in recognizing the need to preserve properties and areas that embody important elements of the community's architectural and cultural heritage, hereby supports the nomination of the James H. and Anne B. Willis House to the National Register of Historic Places.
(Signed) Sharon Hightower