As real estate agents, we pay close attention to SOLD signs. When we see one on a historic property like the VanLandingham Estate we pay even closer attention. One of our owners, Edwin Wilson is Commissioner for Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission. 5 Points Realty values the history of Charlotte. We want to see the city’s historic homes and buildings as much a part of the future as the past. That’s why we are watching what happens to that property with crossed fingers.
The VanLandingham is a beautiful multi-acre property that has been home to weddings, reunions, and people’s lives throughout the decades. See, properties are more than gardens and shingles and front porches. They hold memories and possibility, insight into the people of a community. It is an estate located right on The Plaza in Plaza Midwood. The property was acquired by a joint venture that includes Charlotte real estate investment firms Stono River Partners and Ascent Real Estate Capital. According to real estate records they purchased about 2.8 acres of the full 5-acre property for about $1.5 million. The purchase includes the historic home, built in 1913, is more than 7-thousand square feet. It has had a huge impact on the neighborhood for decades.
Plaza Midwood is one of Charlotte’s most diverse and eclectic neighborhoods. Amid the art galleries, funky stores, and trendy restaurants the estate has stood as a tribute to the past. No one is saying exactly what is going to happen to the property but according to reports, one of the managing principals in the deal said in a statement, the company wants to build on the property’s history, while “providing for its successful stewardship in the years to come.”
We sure hope that translates to preserving the home in some fashion. Historians like Dan Morrill are watching what happens too. The President of the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association says the home has been a source of pride for the neighborhood. So far no plans have been submitted.
The estate originally belonged to Ralph VanLandingham, a cotton broker, and his wife Susie. Any plans to change the property will need to be approved by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission since the estate is a designated historic landmark. The Maddalon family who has owned the property for the last 20 years reportedly hopes to turn the remaining land over to a developer to build townhouses.