Hot Listings

Not just the grand and famous: Landmark status honors an architect’s Dilworth cottage (left), a beloved Cornelius barbershop (right), and a NoDa textile factory (below).

wood and glass storefronts in the 1920s or ’30s to hold several of their enterprises. That alone might have quali ed it as a landmark. But in 1960, it became home of Potts Barber Shop. Wilson H. Potts was the town’s leading African American entrepreneur, and his shop became a vibrant community hub— and still is.

In NoDa, rapid development is melting away evidence of the district’s textile heritage. So the Landmarks Commission was glad to designate the Larkwood Silk Hosiery Mill on N. Brevard Street, now re-done as o ce space. Built in 1929 with an art deco addition in 1935, it was renamed Chadbourn Hosiery and operated until 1978. Designation helps ensure that generations of Charlotteans who labored there will not be forgotten.

What does designation mean, exactly, for an owner? The Commission’s citizen review board must approve alterations. Those usually a ect only big exterior changes, though interior designation is also possible. Designation has no e ect on smaller details like paint color, and it doesn’t prevent owners from using the building for another purpose. Surprisingly, an owner can demolish a landmark; state law allows landmarks commissions only to delay demolition for a year.

Jack Thomson, the commission’s executive director since founding director Dan Morrill retired in 2019, says historic designations enhance a sense of community: “The weaving of people, place, and experience is what creates Charlotte’s social fabric.”

BUILDING HISTORY is a monthly series that highlights Charlotte’s historic buildings. Tom Hanchett, a local historian since 1981, is the author of Sorting Out the New South City: Race, Class, and Urban Development in Charlotte and former sta historian at the Levine Museum of the New South. Follow him on Twitter at @historysouth.

REAL ESTATE Hot Listings

Beautiful residences in Ballantyne —Taylor Bowler

14617 BALLANTYNE COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE $1,699,000 BALLANTYNE This sprawling estate in Ballantyne Country Club has course views and high-end nishes like co ered ceilings, extensive millwork, and arched doorways. The lower level has a game room, wine cellar, and gym. 6 BD, 6.5 BA, 6,364 sq. ., Helen Adams Realty, helenadamsrealty.com

9028 KIRKLEY COURT $1,040,000 BALLANTYNE A soaring two-story foyer leads to a great room with a stone replace and built-in shelves. The main oor primary suite has a large custom closet and a bathroom with a soaking tub, dual vanity, and walk-in shower. 3 BD, 3.5 BA, 4,565 sq. ., Corcoran HM Properties, hmproperties.com

10640 MOSS MILL LANE $849,000 BALLANTYNE Natural light oods the main oor of this red brick home. The lower-level walk-out basement has a soundproofed recording room as well as plumbing for a full bathroom and kitchenette. 5 BD, 3.5 BA, 5,186 sq. ., Coldwell Banker Realty, coldwellbanker.com

11701 KINGSLEY VIEW DRIVE $449,900 BALLANTYNE This charming two-story white house on a tree-lined street has an oversized patio for entertaining and a fenced backyard. An upstairs bonus room has a full bath and a private second staircase. 4 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,483 sq. ., Broadstreet Realty, LLC, broadstreethomes.com