City of Milwaukee - File #: 260608

• File #: 260608
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 8/17/2026
• In control: ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
• Final action: 10/13/2026
• Title: Substitute resolution granting permanent historic designation to the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation at 3509 N. 15th Street and excluding the parsonage at 1510 W. Keefe Avenue, in the 6th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
10/15/2026	1	MAYOR	SIGNED
10/13/2026	1	COMMON COUNCIL	ADOPTED	Pass	13:0
10/6/2026	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION; Minutes note: Appearing: Andrew Stern, HPC Tim Askin, HPC A presentation was given on the proposed permanent historic designation to the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation at 3509 N. 15th Street and excluding the parsonage at 1510 W. Keefe Avenue. Staff recommended approval based on fulfillment of criteria f-1, f-3, f-6, and f-9. Public testimony in support: Jerry Roesch, English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation No other public testimony. Ald. Coggs was in support.	Pass	5:0
9/14/2026	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION AND ASSIGNED; Minutes note: Staff planner Tim Askin gave a presentation on the cultural and social history. The designation specifically excludes the parsonage at 1510 West KeefeAvenue at the request of the applicant to allow for more flexible renovations on that building, which currently serves as a food pantry. The church, designed by architect Hugo Haeuser in 1923, is a significant example of Neo-Gothic architecture using Lanon Stone. The property has deep cultural and social significance, particularly regarding its history of racial integration in the 1960s under Pastor Charles Loon, who was a pivotal figure in the city's music school boycotts and anti busing protests. The church also served as a hub for community organizing following the 1981 death of Ernest Lacy in police custody and was the home of Reverend Dennis Jacobson, a co-founder of MICA (Milwaukee Inner City Churches Allied for Hope). Staff recommend approval base on criteria F1, F3, F6 and F9 of MCO 320-21(3). Member Sally Peltz made a motion, seconded by Patricia Keating Kahn, to go into an open public hearing. Gerald Roesch, vice president of the congregation and a member since 1944, testified in favor of the designation, explaining that it would help the church qualify for grants, such as those for historically Black congregations, to fund an interior elevator and roof repairs. Member Patricia Keating Kahn made a motion, seconded by Sally Peltz , to go closed the public hearing. The commission approved the permanent historic designation based on the site's architectural heft, its association with a master architect, and its role in Milwaukee's civil rights history.	Pass	6:0
8/17/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number
260608
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Substitute resolution granting permanent historic designation to the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation at 3509 N. 15th Street and excluding the parsonage at 1510 W. Keefe Avenue, in the 6th Aldermanic District.
Analysis
This resolution grants permanent historic designation to the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation at 3509 N. 15th Street and excluding the parsonage at 1510 W. Keefe Avenue, in the 6th Aldermanic District.
...Body
Whereas, The Milwaukee Historic Preservation Ordinance, s. 320-21 of the Code of Ordinances, provides that historic sites, structures and districts may be designated by the Common Council upon the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission; and

Whereas, The Historic Preservation Commission, at its September 14, 2026 meeting, by unanimous vote, recommended historic designation of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation at 3509 N.15th Street and excluding the parsonage 1510 W. Keefe Avenue; and

Whereas, This district fulfills the following criterion set forth in s. 320-21-3:

f-1. Its exemplification and development of the cultural, economic, social or historic heritage of the city, state of Wisconsin or the United States.

f-3. Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city.

f-6. Its identification as the work of an artist, architect, craftsman or master builder whose individual works have influenced the development of the city.

f-9. Its unique location as a singular physical characteristic which represents an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the city.

; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Incarnation at 3509 N. 15th Street, excluding the parsonage at 1510 W. Keefe Avenue, furthe...