Historic Districts

 

The historic districts in Concord are an important asset to the community due to the historic qualities of these fine properties.  There are three historic districts in Concord - the North Union Historic District, the South Union Historic District, and the Edgewood Historic District.  All are located in close proximity to downtown Concord.

 

 

North Union Historic District	South Union Historic District	Edgewood Historic District

 

 

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission was established by the City Council to apply and interpret the zoning ordinance for areas within the historic districts. The Historic Preservation Commission's work helps to identify, protect, and preserve Concord's historic resources, as well as foster a widespread appreciation and respect for Concord's cultural heritage.  The Commission is composed of seven members and two alternate members, all appointed by the City Council.  It is not necessary for commission members to reside in the historic district.  Members may only serve for two consecutive 3-year terms.

 

Meeting Time and Location

The Historic Preservation Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at:

City Hall
35 Cabarrus Ave W
Concord, NC 28025

The City parking deck is open to the public, and is located across the street from the City Hall.

 

Historic Preservation Commission Members

Listed below are the current members of the Historic Preservation Commission.  It is not necessary for members to be residents of the historic districts.  Persons interested in becoming a member of the Historic Preservation Commission may submit an application to the City Clerk.  

	Meredith Barbee, chair Second Term Expires 6/30/2027		James Firth, vice-chair Second Term Expires 6/30/2027
	Mary Margaret Underwood Second Term Expires 6/30/2027		Randy Hopkins First Term Expires 6/30/2026
	Sydney Yih First Term Expires 6/30/2027		John Eury First Term Expires 6/30/2026
	Steve Bradley First Term Expires 6/30/2026
	Eric Williamson (Alternate Member) First Term Expires 6/30/2027		Jason Goldstein (Alternate Member) First Term Expires 6/30/2027

 

Meeting Agendas and Case Documents

Historic Preservation Commission Meetings

Historic Preservation Commission Cases

 

Applications

Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (pdf document)

Appendix E - Checklist for Certificate of Appropriateness (pdf document)

Tree Removal Application (pdf document)

 

Historic Preservation Handbook

Entire Handbook

Download the entire handbook with all sections combined into one pdf

 

	Sections of the Historic Handbook	Description
	Approval Requirement Needs	Approval Needs List
	Chapter 1	Preface
	Chapter 2	History
	Chapter 3	Working with the Commission
	Chapter 4	Local Standards
	Chapter 5	Design Standards for Site & Setting
	Chapter 5.1	Landscaping & Trees
	Chapter 5.2	Fencing & Walls
	Chapter 5.3	Driveways, Walkways, & Parking
	Chapter 5.4	Lighting & Transformers
	Chapter 5.5	Mechanical & Electrical Service Equipment
	Chapter 6	Design Standards for Exterior Changes to Building
	Chapter 6.1	Siding & Exterior Material
	Chapter 6.2	Fenestrations (Windows and Doors)
	Chapter 6.3	Porches
	Chapter 6.4	Roofs
	Chapter 6.5	Accessibility, Health, & Safety Considerations
	Chapter 6.6	Housing Code
	Chapter 7	Design Standards for New Residential Construction
	Chapter 8	Design Standards for Demolition & Relocation
	Chapter 9	Maintenance
	Appendix A	Glossary of Terms
	Appendix B	Resources
	Appendix C	List of Addresses in the Historic Districts
	Appendix D	Quasi-Judicial Proceedings
	Appendix E	Application for Certificate of Appropriateness Checklist

 

 

Historic Preservation Plan

The City of Concord is currently engaged in a planning effort to examine the future of Historic Preservation in Concord. This effort seeks to align community interests with objective analysis of historic resources.

The stated purposes of the project are:

• to define a vision and goals for the future of historic preservation in the City,

• to define a system of prioritization and strategies to protect our historic resources,

• to define means and methods to encourage historic preservation in Concord,

• to determine the need for a new survey of historic resources, both within and outside the current districts,

• and to develop a plan for the possible expansion of the City’s historic preservation districts

In addition, the plan has objectives of increasing awareness of and education about the City’s historic resources for constituents and community members, developing new and active local and regional partnerships in the historic preservation field, increasing engagement with local citizens on the topic of historic preservation, and increasing investment in local historic properties.

Please check back periodically for project updates.

 

Video Presentation of Historic Preservation Plan

See Video

 

Project Summary Update 10/18/19

Architectural Historian Laura Purvis of CRA, Inc., came to Concord in the spring of 2019 for site visits and documentation of historic resources. After staff received the draft report, the Preservation Plan Steering Committee met on October 4, 2019, authorized publishing the draft on concordnc.gov for public review and comment, and requested adding a preface describing the use of the document to the draft.

The architectural survey provides ideas for future preservation projects to include National Register nominations, local recognition, and outreach/education and provides guidance for future historic landmarks. It provides surveyed neighborhoods with a brief synopsis of their histories.

The Preservation Steering Committee established criteria for evaluating projects. Any local recognition projects will be driven by coordination with and interest from neighborhoods to determine what form is most appropriate and acceptable to the neighborhood. Planned implementation steps include seeking resources to implement the plan pursuant to neighborhood interest. However, for projects appearing lower on the prioritization list, neighborhoods could undertake the projects on their own.

 

Meetings Pertaining to the Historic Preservation Plan

1. Public presentation of Architectural Survey was held on November 6, 2019 at 4:00 PM in the City Council chambers.  

2. A facilitated prioritization meeting of the Preservation Plan Steering Committee was held on November 6, 2019 based on selected criteria.

 

Recommendations from the Architectural Survey

Eight of the 28 examined neighborhoods were identified as potential National Register Districts, including Beverly Hills, Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill Village, Highland Park, Logan, Sidestown-Shankletown, Underwood Park, West Concord, and Wil-Mar Park. Brown-Norcott Mill Village, Gibson Mill Village, Odell-Locke-Randolph Mill Village, Union St. and South Union Boundary Expansion, were also potential National Register projects, but are already study-listed.

Local Historic Recognition was recommended for Beverly Hills, Cabarrus East & Mount Vernon Heights, Coleman-Franklin-Cannon Mill Village, Highland Park, Logan, Sidestown-Shankletown, Silver Hill, Underwood Park, West Concord & Young-Hartsell Mill Village, and Wil-Mar Park, as well as a number of individual resources.

The top three projects from the architectural survey were:

• Revising the City’s website to provide more and better information about historic preservation tools and local resources
• National Register Nomination for Logan
• A mill village mapping project

 

Documents Pertaining to the Historic Preservation Plan

	Press Release	This press release provides full background on the project and upcoming work. Additional releases will follow with information about the architectural and public engagement surveys.
	Background Presentation	This presentation clarifies some historic preservation tools and strategies and vocabulary. Recommended reading prior to completing citizen engagement survey.
	Background Handout	Background and links on historic preservation tools and strategies.
	Architectural Survey	Historic Architectural Survey and Preservation Plan (public comments welcomed here)

 

Examples

Below are some examples of potential historic properties outside of the Historic Districts in the City of Concord.

Historic resources can be found throughout our community, and the Preservation Plan will be an important step in documenting historic properties outside our existing districts and developing strategies for future preservation efforts.