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Board urges commission to include prior COA in gondola relocation discussion; asks staff to propose French Normandy Village guidelines
Summary
City staff presented plans to relocate and reconstruct the collapsed gondola building near the Biltmore; the board asked that the previously issued COA and background materials be provided to the City Commission and directed staff to begin design guidelines for French Normandy Village.
City staff briefed the Historic Preservation Board on plans to relocate and reconstruct the historic Gondola Building associated with the Biltmore/Country Club complex. Staff described a preferred relocation site near Burr Road and asked the board to note the impending appearance of the item before the City Commission.
Board request to commission: Board members voted unanimously to ask the City Commission to include the Historic Preservation Board’s previously issued certificate of appropriateness and the board’s background materials in the commission packet for the forthcoming zoning‑exemption item. The board’s motion instructs staff to provide the COA and related supporting documents so the commission will have the board’s findings and rationale on record when it considers whether to authorize the alternative location.
Why it matters: The Gondola Building was an original accessory structure to the historic Biltmore/Hotel complex; portions collapsed years ago. Staff said the proposed relocation site is closer to Burr Road, would reduce potential disruption to golf operations during construction, and would be more accessible for construction equipment. Staff also said the grantor that funds restoration work raised no objection to the proposed relocation site. Board members reiterated that the original waterfront location has historic value and expressed concern about placing the reconstructed structure in a vehicle/equipment yard that offers limited public access.
Other board direction: The board unanimously passed an additional motion asking staff to begin preparing design criteria/guidelines for the French Normandy Village (the board instructed staff to start with that village as a pilot). The board said stronger, district‑specific guidance (for example, on windows and other visible materials) would reduce recurring COA disputes.
Next steps: Staff expects to present the relocation request to the City Commission at the next commission meeting; the board requested that the commission receive the board’s COA and background materials as part of the commission packet. Board members designated a volunteer to appear on behalf of the board before the commission and asked staff to prepare the requested materials in advance.
Ending: The board did not change the previously issued COA but sought to ensure the commission has the board’s record when it considers an administrative zoning exemption for relocation; the board also directed staff to begin drafting French Normandy Village design guidance.
