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Ordinance Designating the Mary Etta Williams House at 709 North 8th Street as a Local Historic Landmark
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Department: |
Planning & Development |
Meeting Date: |
4/21/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Alden Finholm |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-772-4165 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
April 10, 2026; April 17, 2026; StarNews |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance; Attachment #2: Case Summary; Attachment #3: Local Landmark Application; Attachment #4: Case Map; Attachment #5: Narrative and Supporting Materials; Attachment #6: Historic Wilmington Plaque Application; Attachment #7: State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Comments; Attachment #8: Mary Etta Williams Edited Report with Photos; Attachment #9: Applicant’s Impact Statement |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to designate the Mary Etta Williams House at 709 North 8th Street as a Local Historic Landmark.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §160D-945 and §160D-946, and Chapter 18 of the Wilmington City Code, the City has the authority to designate local historic landmarks. This ordinance would designate the property at 709 North 8th Street, excluding the interior of the building, as a local historic landmark, and any future major alterations to the exterior would be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (“HPC”) for approval of a certificate of appropriateness ("COA"). Designation as a local historic landmark also makes the property owner eligible for a 50 percent property tax deferral.
The Mary Etta Williams House is significant for its role in social history and education. The property is associated with the Lane-Williams-Joseph family, whose continuous ownership and occupancy of the site since 1885 represents an enduring example of African American landownership, generational continuity, and community stability in Wilmington’s Northside neighborhood during the post-emancipation and Jim Crow eras. The property is further significant for its association with Sadie Williams Joseph, an early African American educator and one of the first teachers at Canetuck School, a Rosenwald-funded school established to provide educational opportunities for African American children in rural Pender County. The bungalow dwelling constructed in the mid-20th century is directly associated with her period of significance as an educator. The property reflects broader historical patterns of African American resilience, educational advancement, and community development in Wilmington, and possesses the requisite significance and integrity to warrant designation as a local historic landmark.
In November 2025, the HPC approved placing the subject property on the local landmark study list. On February 12, 2026, following the review of an application for local landmark designation, the HPC unanimously recommended that City Council consider the property for local landmark designation.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
The cost of approval include purchase of a commemorative plaque and fifty (50) percent annual deferral of property taxes (approximately $418.67 per year).
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends approval of the designation of the Mary Etta Williams House as a Local Historic Landmark, as it meets the requirements set forth in N.C.G.S. §160D-945 and §160D-946, and Chapter 18of the City Code.