Graham Historic Resources Commission Holds Hearing on Sesquicentennial Park Relocation March 24

Graham's Historic Resources Commission convened a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow construction of a new park at the site of a city parking lot at 129 West Elm Street, beside Roasted Coffee Depot and across from The Alamance News.

The project, which would move Sesquicentennial Park from its longtime home, carried unusual procedural weight heading into tonight's hearing. During earlier city council meetings on January 13, February 10, and March 10, the council adopted the plans without opening the floor for public comments prior to the vote. The HRC's special quasi-judicial hearing gave Graham residents their first formal opportunity to weigh in on the proposal.

Assistant City Manager Aaron Holland told the city council that plans to relocate Sesquicentennial Park from the northwest corner of Court Square to the West Elm Street parking lot would need to be reviewed by the Historic Resources Commission, probably at a special meeting, to expedite its approval before seeking bids for the construction of the new park. Holland filed the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the HRC on Tuesday, March 17.

The city hired Stewart Inc., a Raleigh-based architectural and engineering firm, to begin the design phase of relocating the memorial. In the drawings submitted to the city, the architects have dubbed the new park "Elm Street Park." The concept attached to the HRC application emphasizes Stewart's vision for a "new civic social space" centered on an outdoor "living room" with moveable seating; pedestrian connectivity and safety; an "engine for vitality" with dedicate space for food trucks and vendors; sustainability and comfort through "native plantings, shade structures, and green infrastructure"; and "identity and experience through Instagram-friendly visual features and integrated cultural interpretation" to create a "'sense of place' that strengthens Graham's downtown branding."

Also unclear is what other elements of the existing Sesquicentennial Park, such as the four-sided pedestal clock or the existing pergola, might be restored at the new location. The park was built in 2001 to commemorate Alamance County's 150th anniversary of Graham becoming the county seat and includes commemorative bricks purchased by residents and plaques honoring community members. The site has been closed after engineers discovered it was built over an unfilled basement from a former structure, causing the ground to sink and creating safety concerns.

The relocation has not been without controversy. Mayor Chelsea Dickey has said she ran on keeping Sesquicentennial Park in place, and noted the city has approximately $483,000 in state grant funding available that expires June 30 and could be used to repair the park at its current location. At a February council meeting, one speaker challenged the legality of moving or tearing down the park because it is memorial in nature, citing state law.

Graham's HRC is responsible for administering the city's Facade Grant program; establishing design guidelines within the historic district; recommending properties for designation as historic landmarks; and reviewing applications for certificates of appropriateness. The Courthouse Square Historic District was designated as a local historic district on March 4, 1980, and properties located within its boundaries must seek a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations, construction, or demolition. Whether the commission grants, conditions, or denies the application will determine whether construction at 129 West Elm Street can move forward.