Matthews purchases historic property

By: Eric Dinkins//January 14, 2015//

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The Matthews Board of Commissions also on Monday approved purchasing the R.F. Outen Pottery property from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, as well as an amendment to add 0.4 acres of land to the property’s historic landmark designation.

The board voted to purchase the property in May, but decided to hold off on closing the purchase until the cost of repairs and maintenance for the property was determined. The town has since received two estimates, of $21,500 and $29,650, and decided to buy the 1.5-acre historic landmark for $270,000. The town will make annual payments of $55,000 during the next five years using tourism funds.

R.F. Outen Pottery opened for business around 1950, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission website, and the building that potter Rufus Outen worked out of for more than 30 years is still standing at 430 Jefferson St. It’s a one-story workshop, with multiple sheds and a detached, walk-in brick kiln.

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