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Council recommends historic designation for 203 North Main Street; case moves to Gaston County
Summary
Council voted unanimously to recommend that the Gaston County Board of Commissioners consider designating 203 North Main Street (the AC Lineberger House No. 1) as a local historic landmark. County staff said the property is an architecturally significant 1910 Craftsman house and estimated a potential city tax revenue reduction of about $2,395.94 if owners apply for the state tax exclusion.
The Belmont City Council unanimously recommended that Gaston County consider designating the property at 203 North Main Street as a local historic landmark. Senior planner Reagan Murphy introduced the item and Shelby Barkley, a planner with Gaston County Planning and Development Services, presented the designation report on behalf of the county historic preservation commission.
Barkley said the property — identified in the report as the AC Lineberger House No. 1 — dates to about 1910, was designed by noted regional architect Charles C.C. Hook and is an example of American Craftsman architecture whose features include broad front gables, projecting side gables and decorative half‑timbering. "The Lineberger House No. 1 stands as an excellent example of American Craftsman architectural style," Barkley said. The applicants are John and Jody Kines; the owner listed in county records is White House Lodge LLC.
Barkley described the process and timeline: the application was reviewed by the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission after study and resubmission earlier in 2025, notices were mailed Oct. 7 and a yard sign posted the same day, and the county commissioners will hold a public hearing and make a final decision on Dec. 9. County staff also estimated the fiscal effect if the owners pursue the real property tax exclusion cited in the report (identified in the materials as general statute 105278): the city’s property tax receipts could decrease by about $2,395.94 if the owner obtains the exclusion.
Council members asked whether recent renovations, including a 2025 garage addition, affected eligibility; county staff said the work used materials consistent with the building’s character and did not disqualify the property. Alex moved and Katherine seconded a resolution recommending the designation; the motion passed unanimously. The recommendation will be transmitted to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and final action.
Next procedural steps: the county hearing (Dec. 9) will determine the final designation and any owner application for tax benefits would be handled through the county tax department.
