Title: VanLandingham Estate
Location of Proejct: Charlotte, NC
Project Completion Date: N/A
Firm Name: Cluck Design Collaborative

Short Description: Built in 1914 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, The VanLandingham Estate covers 2.8 acres in historic Plaza Midwood and includes gardens, a Main House, and an Orangerie. The Main House, a classic American Craftsmanstyle historic home, was a private residence until the 1980s, when it was opened up to private events. Now, it is a destination for weddings and special occasions, so we focused our efforts on renovating and recapturing the original spirit of the house, with sustainable updates and a new mixed-use building that connects the estate’s past, present, and future.

Architect's Statement: A historic Charlotte icon, The VanLandingham Estate has had an impactful presence since it was originally built in 1914. The Estate covers 2.8 acres in Plaza Midwood, including gardens, a Main House, and an Orangerie. The Main House, a classic American Craftsman-style historic home, was used as a private residence until the 1980s, when the owner at the time opened it up to private events. Now, it is a destination for Charlotte weddings and special occasions, and the Historic Main House will continue as a venue near and dear to Charlotte locals. To improve the venue's experience, we made the first floor and patio ADA accessible, the kitchen was converted to facilitate catering, the finishes (both exterior and interior) were repaired and updated, and the Bride/Groom suites were enhanced. The VanLandingham Estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, and we were committed and went to great lengths to preserve all existing structures of the Estate.

Prior rezoning efforts did not pass through the city, and the Estate was overgrown and visibly wearing its age when the project started. Our team was able to rezone the VanLandingham Estate seamlessly and with neighborhood support, thanks to a well thought-out masterplan. The masterplan includes new parking, an improved planting plan, and a patio that connects the Main House to a new " Topiary" office building on the Estate. Both the Main House Renovation and Topiary Building have been approved by the Historic District Commission (HDC) and Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) with little to no resistance. Immediately, all concerns were addressed, as the Topiary was designed to be a part of the landscape so that the Main House will remain the focal point.

During the Main House renovation, our team highlighted opportunities to create a more cohesive venue. This included creating an elegant, expansive banquet room with coffered ceilings, which connected the new outdoor patio with the indoor event space. We also added wheelchair accessibility to the first floor and patio that is fully functional and blends in visually. Throughout the house, guests are greeted with classic, familiar fixtures that have been fine-tuned and restored, such as the chandeliers, fireplace, and stained glass windows. New paint and windows, renovated restrooms, and updated ceilings elevated the existing aesthetic, and an expanded staircase with built-in cabinets and preserved stone arches connects the dining and banquet rooms. Upstairs, the upgraded Bridal/Groom suites offer privacy and luxury, with the attention to detail shining through all the new fixtures and improvements.

In addition to the Main House restorations, the new Topiary Building will add to the historic landscaping and improve the existing courtyard. This two-story office and retail building has been designed to fit into the iconic grounds. The Topiary is sited along an existing stone wall that faces the house; it is recessed into the landscape by a half level to minimize its impact while highlighting the Historic House. The sleekness of the structure is complemented by a living wall of vines, curated by a local arborist with connections to the history of Charlotte-specific flora. The 18,000 square foot two-story mixed-use building will be home to local businesses, retail and offices. The double-height lobby includes a steel stair, with a wooden screen wall that casts sharp shadows on the geometric stonework. Where once stood many historical homes, the VanLandingham Estate remains as one of the oldest and few remaining testaments to Charlotte history. When added to the NRHP, it was noted that the property was “highly suited for preservation,” and the home was recognized for its historical and cultural significance. Specifically, the entry cited the following reasons: the buildings were a “superior example of affluent domestic architecture of the early twentieth century”; many of the original fixtures have been meticulously preserved (such as the previously referenced cabinets and the hall mirror); the extraordinary gardens are home to one of the most impressive collections of rhododendrons in the area; lastly, the estate benefits from the associative connections to many influential local and regional figures. In the years to come, the Estate will continue to weave its story into the cultural fabric of Charlotte. The addition of The Topiary will help create a financially viable future for the estate, while honoring the personal connection of several generations—and those to come.

Type of Construction

VanLandingham House
Large Two-Story Single Family Bungalow Converted to Event Space
Wood Framed
Wood Shingles
Wood Windows
Stone Veneer

Topiary
Two-Story Office and Retail Building
Brick on Metal Stud
Steel Framing
Free-standing green screen cage