Rock Hill has approved a resolution amending its lease on the Fairfax House to reflect U-Gas as the new owners of the land on which the home now stands.

The resolution also specifies that U-Gas will pay to move the historic house to another location on the property (see attached map.) The house, located on a 2-acre tract of land at Manchester and McKnight roads, is owned by the city. U-Gas wants to build a 24-hour Phillips 66 gas station and convenience store on the site. 

The board of aldermen voted 5-to-1 in favor of the resolution in a meeting this week after discussing it in a closed session. Ward 1 Alderman Philip Scherry cast the opposing vote.

"I wanted to make sure we properly protect the interests of the city, and that's all I can say," he said after the meeting.

City Manager George Liyeos said this is not the first time the house has been moved and suggested Patch speak to Donia Hunter, who chairs the city's Historic Preservation Commission, for specific details. Hunter was unable to be reached for comment.

U-Gas purchased the land from Presbystery of Giddings-Lovejoy, which owns the historic Rock Hill Presbyterian Church. According to Rock Hill's website, the city was named after the church. It also sits on the land.

Liyeos said the particulars of whether the church will be moved and when still haven't been pinned down.

"If it's going to be moved, it will literally have to be taken apart brick by brick," he said. "There's a slim chance it will be demolished.

In July, the city's planning and zoning commission approved a site plan for the development contingent on a six-month moratorium on the demolition of the church.

During that time, U-Gas is to continue efforts to relocate the church in Rock Hill or elsewhere. At the end of the six-month period, the city would have 30 days to save the church.  

Stay tuned to Webster Groves Patch for updates.