Council designates Houston Redfern House at 506 South Church Street as historic landmark

The Monroe City Council on Aug. 26 adopted an ordinance designating the Houston Redfern House at 506 South Church Street as a historic landmark.

Carrie Mendler of the planning department presented the nomination, describing exterior and interior features covered by the designation — including fireplaces and mantles, leaded and stained glass windows, original doors and hardware, pressed tin ceilings and heart-pine flooring — and noted associated secondary structures such as a barn (circa 1900), carriage house and original well. Mendler said the Union County Historic Preservation Commission recommended designation, citing the house as one of the finest examples of Italianate residential architecture in Union County and noting the historical significance of occupants Charles Houston and R. Redfern (both described in the staff report as local businessmen and developers who contributed to Monroe’s development).

Mendler told council that designation subjects substantial exterior changes (and certain interior features enumerated in the nomination) to design-review procedures of the Union County Historic Preservation Commission. She also said designation allows the owner to apply for an annual 50% property tax deferral while the property retains its significance and integrity. Staff posted a notification sign and mailed 17 letters to nearby properties 10 days before the hearing and reported no inquiries from those notices. Mendler and the historic preservation commission recommended adoption.

A council member disclosed serving on the Union County Historic Preservation Commission and said they had no ownership interest in the property; the council asked whether a recusal was necessary and the speaker said they had no conflict. With no public speakers for or against, council moved, seconded and adopted the ordinance designating the Houston Redfern House as a historic landmark.