2026-09-02 - Historic Resources Commission
Summary
C.J. Idol chaired with ten members present (Spencer McCall and Monica Thompson absent). The August 5 minutes were approved unanimously. COA2026-077, Milton Rhodes's demolition of a noncontributing 1955 house at 712 Chatham Road in the West End district, was approved unanimously with a condition to clear and plant the lot. The main contested item was COA2026-078 520 South Main Street Meadow Conversion, Eric Jackson's plan to convert about 2,373 square feet of lawn behind the Gottlieb Schroeter House (Old Salem) to an herbaceous meadow; neighbor Linda Hobbs spoke against it. The commission approved it with an added condition that plantings be no taller than 3 feet before flower, but the recorded vote is internally inconsistent (Marilyn Little is listed both for and against; see the Issue). Other business covered the revised historic marker policy and evaluation sheets (Historic Marker Program), a draft Rural Hall walking tour brochure, the archaeology workshop planned for the Preservation North Carolina conference, and upcoming changes to Historic Sign Standards and the Old Salem Design Review Standards Update.
Summary written from the official minutes; no transcript yet.
Issues discussed: COA2026-078 520 South Main Street Meadow Conversion, Historic Marker Program, Historic Sign Standards, Old Salem Design Review Standards Update
Official Minutes
Minutes of the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission, posted on the City AgendaCenter. Page headers removed.
Minutes
Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission
September 2, 2026
4:00 p.m.
Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building
Arnold G. King Public Meeting Room, 5th Floor
100 East First Street, Winston-Salem
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, C.J. Idol; Vice-Chair, W. Noah Reynolds; Scott Binkley;
Edwin Bouldin; David Crass; Jon Hanna; Chenita Johnson; Jordan Lloyd;
Marilyn Little; Jason Thiel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Spencer McCall; Monica Thompson
STAFF PRESENT: Kelly Bennett, Principal Planner; Isabel Coletti, Historic Resources Officer;
Michelle McCullough, Historic Resources Officer; Jerry Kontos, Deputy City
Attorney
Chair Idol called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Approval of August 5, 2026 Minutes
MOTION by Dr. Crass to approve the August 5, 2026 Meeting Minutes.
SECOND: Ms. Little
VOTE: Unanimous
II. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS APPLICATIONS
A. Tracy S. Doub
712 Chatham Road, Winston-Salem
West End Historic Overlay District 2
Noncontributing (1955)
Request: Demolition of residential structure
COA2026-077
STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. Coletti presented the staff report, a map showing the property's location, and photographs of the property.
STAFF FINDINGS
Commission staff finds that the project is not incongruous with the character of the West End Historic Overlay
District because:
1) The applicant proposes the demolition of a noncontributing residential property constructed in 1955,
after the period of significance for the District. The building is clad in vinyl siding and does not appear
to retain significant historic or architectural features. Character-defining elements, including the
original windows and doors, appear to have been removed or altered over time. Demolition should
not be delayed as it will not adversely affect the special character of the District and the building does
not have any historically or architecturally significant features. (Demolition, West End Standards 2)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Based on the preceding findings, staff recommends that the Commission approve COA2026-077 located at
712 Chatham Road, Winston-Salem (PIN 6835-08-1307), West End Historic Overlay District Number 2, with
the following conditions:
1) The lot shall be cleared of construction debris and planted with vegetation or otherwise maintained
following demolition;
2) The applicant shall receive, prior to commencement of the work, all other required permits or
permissions from governmental agencies;
3) Commission staff shall review and approve any revisions or deviations to any portion of the as-
submitted work, that qualifies as a minor work, prior to commencement of that portion of the project;
4) The applicant shall submit the Certificate of Appropriateness Request for Certification of Completed
Work form and photo documentation of the completed project to HRC staff within ten (10) days of its
completion.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Speaking in Favor of the Application: Milton Rhodes, 408 N. Marshall Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101,
applicant.
Speaking in Opposition to the Application: None.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Chair Idol closed the public hearing. The Commission discussed the application.
Mr. Reynolds moved that the following Order be entered in COA2026-077:
On September 2, 2026, the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission conducted, in the above referenced
matter, a public hearing in accordance with the statutes and case law pertaining to quasi-judicial proceedings for
the issuance of certificates of appropriateness. During the hearing, Isabel Coletti, Historic Resources Officer,
presented the staff report, findings, and recommendation. Milt Rhodes appeared to present testimony and
evidence in support of the application. No one appeared to present testimony and evidence in opposition to the
application.
After presentation of all testimony and evidence, the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission, based
upon the evidence presented in the application and during the hearing, finds that the proposed work is not
incongruous with the character of the West End Historic Overlay District because:
1) The applicant proposes the demolition of a noncontributing residential property constructed in 1955,
after the period of significance for the District. The building is clad in vinyl siding and does not appear to
retain significant historic or architectural features. Character-defining elements, including the original
windows and doors, appear to have been removed or altered over time. The building is built after 1930,
and the demolition should not be delayed since it will not adversely affect the special character of the
District and the building does not have any historic or architectural significant features. (Demolition, West
End Standards 2)
Based on the preceding findings, the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission hereby approves
COA2026-077 located at 712 Chatham Road, Winston-Salem (PIN 6835-08-1307), West End Historic Overlay
District Number 2, with the following conditions:
1) The lot shall be cleared of construction debris and planted with vegetation or otherwise maintained
following demolition;
2) The applicant shall receive, prior to commencement of the work, all other required permits or
permissions from governmental agencies;
3) Commission staff shall review and approve any revisions or deviations to any portion of the as- submitted
work, that qualifies as a minor work, prior to commencement of that portion of the project;
4) The applicant shall submit the Certificate of Appropriateness Request for Certification of Completed
Work form and photo documentation of the completed project to HRC staff within ten (10) days of its
completion.
SECOND: Ms. Little
VOTE: Unanimous
B. Eric Jackson
520 South Main Street (rear lot facing Salt Street)
Gottlieb Schroeter House & Wash-Bake House Original Rear Lot
Old Salem Historic District
Local Historic Landmark 11
Request: Conversion of a maintained lawn to an herbaceous meadow
COA2026-078
STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. McCullough presented the staff report, a map showing the property's location, and photographs of the
property. The Landmark application for the Gottlieb Schroeter House and Wash-Bake House designation
focuses on the buildings and structures on the lots. No specific type of garden or vegetation was noted as
significant. The guidance for the rear lot and plantings could be taken from Old Salem's records and the National
Landmark Nomination updated in 2016. Currently, the site is not in original format. The original house was
demolished in 1916 and rebuilt in 1968 to its 1832 appearance. The Wash-Bake House was reconstructed in
1971 and interpreted as its 1809 service building. The rear lot was purchased by Old Salem Inc. in 1964.
STAFF FINDINGS
Commission staff finds that the project is not incongruous with the character of the Old Salem Historic District
and the Landmark because:
1) The applicant proposes to convert approximately 2,373 square feet of maintained lawn of what was the
original rear lot of the Gottlieb Schroeter House & Wash-Bake House to a managed herbaceous meadow.
The proposed plan introduces new plantings, while retaining the existing site features, such as the fences,
mowed pathway, and Black Walnut tree. The location and configuration are compatible and maintain the
Landmark's historic context and setting. The proposed plantings do not compromise the overall historic
character of the Landmark building and site. (Site Features and Plantings, Landmark Standard 8)
2) The proposed project will introduce the meadow on what was the rear lot for the Gottlieb Schroeter House
& Wash-Bake House and will not alter the building locations, lot boundaries, fence locations, circulation
relationships or the relationship between the Schroeter Houser, Wash-Bake House, adjacent gardens
and Orchard Lot, therefore retaining the visual, spatial, and associative character of the Landmark's
setting that contribute to the overall historic character of the landmark building and site. No site features
will be added or removed so as not to substantially alter or diminish the visual, spatial, or associative
characteristics of the Landmark. (Setting, Landmark Standards 2-4)
3) The proposed project introduces new plant material and includes an existing grass circulation path. The
existing wood fences will remain. The project will retain and preserve the relationship between structures
and significant landscape features of the District setting, site topography, retaining walls, fences,
foundation plantings, streets walkways and driveways. The scale and the placement of new vegetation
is compatible with the property and the District. The plant selections are a representation of indigenous
or historically appropriate species that would have been found in the District and the North Carolina
Piedmont. The lot went through several decades of changes by past ownership. Today it exists as a
maintained lawn, which would not have been typical in the District. The 2016 National Historic Landmark
Update Nomination states:
“Salem was never intended to be a farming community but rather a town of crafts, trades and professions;
however, food production on residential lots was especially important in the early period and residential lots
accommodated large kitchen gardens. The “yard” around the house, usually with outbuildings, was separated
by a fence from the garden space. Garden layout was in the European style of garden squares divided by grass
or bark walks, with seasonal vegetables in the squares, medicinal flowers and herbs in border beds at fence
perimeters, and fruit trees typically at the rear. Family gardens of Main Street houses have been recreated by
Old Salem to reflect a broad period of garden interpretation based on house period…By the late eighteenth
century, more food was being brought into town from farms beyond Salem. As this pattern broadened, less food
was grown in town gardens, and increased space became available for ornamentals.”
At this time, Old Salem Museums and Gardens would like to interpret this lot, not in the square formation
seen in the early years of development of the Town of Salem, but in a more ornamental garden seen in the late
eighteenth century. Rear yards changed and were used for a variety of activities, and this interpretation will give
visitors a fuller experience of what may have been seen in Salem. The Landmark designation focuses on the
buildings and structures on the lots, with no specific type of garden as significant. (Significant Landscape
Features, Old Salem Standards 2 and 3)
4) The existing Black Walnut tree will be protected from damage since the project will avoid ground
disturbance from not tilling, trenching, excavation, grading, filling, new foundations, irrigation installation,
and hardscape construction. (Significant Landscape Features, Old Salem Standard 5)
5) The site has a documented archaeological component associated with the excavation of the Gottlieb
Schroeter House foundation. The proposed project minimizes the potential for disturbance by avoiding
tilling, trenching, excavation, grading, filling, new foundations, irrigation installation, and hardscape
construction. Existing archaeological resources will remain protected in place. (Archaeological Features
Landmark Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Based on the preceding findings, staff recommends that the Commission approve COA2026-078 at the original
rear lot for the Gottlieb Schroeter House & Wash-Bake House located at 520 South Main Street (PIN 6835-23-
8209), Local Historic Landmark 11, located within the Old Salem Historic District, with the following conditions:
1) The applicant shall receive, prior to commencement of the work, all other required permits or permissions
from governmental agencies;
2) Commission staff shall review and approve any revisions or deviations to any portion of the as-submitted
work, that qualifies as a minor work, prior to commencement of that portion of the project; and,
3) The applicant shall submit the Certificate of Appropriateness Request for Certification of Completed Work
form and photo documentation of the completed project to HRC staff within ten (10) days of its completion.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Speaking in Favor of the Application: Eric Jackson, 600 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, applicant.
Speaking in Opposition to the Application: Linda Hobbs, 516 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101,
neighbor.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Chair Idol closed the public hearing. The Commission discussed the application.
COMMISSION MOTION
Mr. Hanna moved that the following Order be entered in COA2026-078:
On September 2, 2026, the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission conducted, in the above
referenced matter, a public hearing in accordance with the statutes and case law pertaining to quasi-judicial
proceedings for the issuance of certificates of appropriateness. During the hearing, Michelle McCullough,
Historic Resources Officer, presented the staff report, findings, and recommendation. Eric Jackson appeared
to present testimony and evidence in support of the application. Linda Hobbs appeared to present testimony
and evidence in opposition to the application.
After presentation of all testimony and evidence, the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission, based
upon the evidence presented in the application and during the hearing, finds that the proposed work is not
incongruous with the character of the Old Salem Historic District and the Local Historic Landmark because:
1) The applicant proposes to convert approximately 2,373 square feet of maintained lawn of what was the
original rear lot of the Gottlieb Schroeter House & Wash-Bake House to a managed herbaceous
meadow. The proposed plan introduces new plantings, while retaining the existing site features, such
as the fences, mowed pathway, and Black Walnut tree. The location and configuration are compatible
and maintain the Landmark's historic context and setting. The proposed plantings do not compromise
the overall historic character of the Landmark building and site. (Site Features and Plantings,
Landmark Standard 8)
2) The proposed project will introduce the meadow on what was the rear lot for the Gottlieb Schroeter
House & Wash-Bake House and will not alter the building locations, lot boundaries, fence locations,
circulation relationships or the relationship between the Schroeter Houser, Wash-Bake House, adjacent
gardens and Orchard Lot, therefore retaining the visual, spatial, and associative character of the
Landmark's setting that contribute to the overall historic character of the landmark building and site. No
site features will be added or removed so as not to substantially alter or diminish the visual, spatial, or
associative characteristics of the Landmark. (Setting, Landmark Standards 2-4)
3) The proposed project introduces new plant material and includes an existing grass circulation path.
The existing wood fences will remain. The project will retain and preserve the relationship between
structures and significant landscape features of the District setting, site topography, retaining walls,
fences, foundation plantings, streets walkways and driveways. The scale and the placement of new
vegetation is compatible with the property and the District. The plant selections are a representation of
indigenous or historically appropriate species that would have been found in the District and the North
Carolina Piedmont. The lot went through several decades of changes by past ownership. Today it
exists as a maintained lawn, which would not have been typical in the District. The 2016 National
Historic Landmark Update Nomination states:
“Salem was never intended to be a farming community but rather a town of crafts, trades and professions;
however, food production on residential lots was especially important in the early period and residential lots
accommodated large kitchen gardens. The “yard” around the house, usually with outbuildings, was separated
by a fence from the garden space. Garden layout was in the European style of garden squares divided by
grass or bark walks, with seasonal vegetables in the squares, medicinal flowers and herbs in border beds at
fence perimeters, and fruit trees typically at the rear. Family gardens of Main Street houses have been
recreated by Old Salem to reflect a broad period of garden interpretation based on house period…By the late
eighteenth century, more food was being brought into town from farms beyond Salem. As this pattern
broadened, less food was grown in town gardens, and increased space became available for ornamentals.”
At this time, Old Salem Museums and Gardens would like to interpret this lot, not in the square formation seen
in the early years of development of the Town of Salem, but in a more ornamental garden seen in the late
eighteenth century. Rear yards changed and were used for a variety of activities, and this interpretation will
give visitors a fuller experience of what may have been seen in Salem. The Landmark designation focuses on
the buildings and structures on the lots, with no specific type of garden as significant. (Significant Landscape
Features, Old Salem Standards 2 and 3)
4) The existing Black Walnut tree will be protected from damage since the project will avoid ground
disturbance from not tilling, trenching, excavation, grading, filling, new foundations, irrigation
installation, and hardscape construction. (Significant Landscape Features, Old Salem Standard 5)
5) The site has a documented archaeological component associated with the excavation of the Gottlieb
Schroeter House foundation. The proposed project minimizes the potential for disturbance by avoiding
tilling, trenching, excavation, grading, filling, new foundations, irrigation installation, and hardscape
construction. Existing archaeological resources will remain protected in place. (Archaeological Features
Landmark Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4)
Based on the preceding findings, the Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission hereby approves
COA2026-078 at the original rear lot for the Gottlieb Schroeter House & Wash-Bake House located at 520
South Main Street (PIN 6835-23-8209), Local Historic Landmark 11, located within the Old Salem Historic
District, with the following conditions:
1) The applicant shall receive, prior to commencement of the work, all other required permits or
permissions from governmental agencies;
2) Commission staff shall review and approve any revisions or deviations to any portion of the as-
submitted work prior to commencement of that portion of the project; and,
3) The applicant shall submit the Certificate of Appropriateness Request for Certification of Completed
Work form and photo documentation of the completed project to HRC staff within ten (10) days of its
completion.
4) The proposed plantings shall be no taller than 3 feet before flower.
SECOND: Mr. Reynolds
For: C.J. Idol; Scott Binkley; Edwin Bouldin; David Crass; Jon Hanna; Chenita Johnson;
Jordan Lloyd; Marilyn Little; Jason Thiel
Against: Marilyn Little
III. MINOR WORK REPORT
IV. OTHER NOMINATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
V. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Historic Recognition
1. Historic Marker Program
a. Sidestown Unveiling – November 2026
b. American Revolution Forsyth (America250) – County –
October 11, 2026 at 3:00pm
c. Historic Marker Policy and Evaluation Sheets
Ms. McCullough informed the Board the upcoming America250 event. Ms. Coletti presented the revised
evaluations and policy for the historic marker program Staff answered Board questions.
2. Heritage Neighborhood Program
a. Update
Ms. Coletti provide the Board with a brief update on the Heritage Neighborhood program.
B. Community Engagement
1. Walking Tour Brochures
a. Current Project: Rural Hall
b. Future Projects: Lewisville and Clemmons
Ms. Coletti provided the Board with a draft of the Rural Hall walking tour brochure for review.
The Commission recessed at 5:12 p.m. and returned to session at 5:17 p.m.
2. Archaeology workshop idea: PNC Conference Update
Chair Idol and Dr. Crass presented their archaeology workshop, which they plan to share at the upcoming
Preservation North Carolina Annual Conference.
VI. STAFF REPORT
A. Old Salem Historic District Design Review Standards Update
B. Historic Sign Standards
Ms. McCullough also provided an update on the Old Salem Historic Design Review Standards. Staff and Board
members discussed the upcoming changes to the standards of Historic Signs.
VII. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
NEXT MEETING: October 7, 2026
Transcript
Transcript pending: video captions can't be retrieved yet (see the Winston-Salem playbook).