No Decision Made on Future of Latta House Site

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Raleigh Historic Districts Commission referred a decision about the future of a historical site destroyed by a fire last week to a research committee.

The Latta House in Raleigh stood for more than 100 years. The Rev. Morgan Latta started a school at the house in the late 1800's for children of freed slaves.

Supporters of the Latta House want the city to preserve some of the remnants and eventually rebuild the house.

"There are about 3,000 bricks left of the foundation, handmade bricks left from the school 100 years ago, and we want to salvage those bricks," said Bill Shepherd, who has been the caretaker of the house for more than a decade.

Last week, the property manager wanted to clear the debris, setting up an emotional standoff with those wanting to preserve the site. Police eventually settled the dispute and crews were allowed to clear the debris.

Anyone who wants to pick up any of the remaining bricks has until the end of the month to get them.

"I hope they take care to save some stuff. It doesn't feel good to see it carted away," Shepherd said.

The property owner is looking into the possiblity that the site be turned into open space with a memorial to Latta.