City of Milwaukee - File #: 251276

• File #: 251276
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: In Committee
• File created: 11/19/2025
• In control: ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
• Title: Substitute resolution granting permanent historic designation to the Second German Methodist Episcopal Church, part of the Brewers Hill National Register Historic District, at 140 W. Garfield Avenue, in the 6th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
1/12/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	REFERRED TO
1/12/2026	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	Minutes note: Tim Askin explained this file was held over from the previous month to allow the property owner time to review the report. A power point presentation regarding the history, architectural design and style of the building was presented. For further details, see the power point attached to the file. The staff recommended designation under criteria F1, F5, F6 and F9. Owner Ryan Pattee expressed concern about increased repair and maintenance costs associated with local historic designation, particularly regarding exterior features like windows and stained glass. Pattee and Emma Rudd (Executive Director form Milwaukee Preservation Alliance) (MPA) requested additional time for stakeholders to meet and clarify the implications of designation. MPA emphasized their core mission of preservation but sought more stakeholder dialogue to ensure all parties understood the certificate of appropriateness process and the impact of local designation. Mr. Jarosz clarified that local designation largely affects the exterior and that flexibility and professional guidance are offered, especially around expensive restorations like stained glass. The owner indicated willingness to consider alternatives, including deed restrictions to prevent demolition instead of full designation. The main financial concern for the owner was the potential requirement to restore or replace lost stained glass, which would be prohibitively expensive. Commissioners and staff clarified that the commission's guidelines do not require the restoration of missing stained glass when it is already absent at the time of designation; only if changes or replacements are made must they be appropriate. Ms. Peltz appreciated MPA position and education to the preservation of the properties. Open to Public Hearing and Public testimony: Kristen Labs - Historic Brewers Hill Association (HBHA) president and board members Rachel Marken and Tim Baldwin strongly supported local historic designation, citing ongoing communication efforts and the building's importance as a neighborhood landmark. HBHA noted previous delays had provided the owner ample time to review, and further postponement would burden community volunteers. The association contested claims of lack of communication and clarified their cooperative efforts in meeting with both the owner and prospective buyers. HBHA stated that legal alternatives to designation (such as deed restrictions) would impose additional burdens on the neighborhood association. Some tension arose over communications sent from a preservation organization volunteer using a law firm email, but this was addressed as a misunderstanding. After closing the public hearing, the commissioners discussed the matter, noting the extensive dialogue and the ongoing importance of clarity regarding designation guidelines. Suggested to continue communication among stakeholders (owner, MPA, HBHA, neighborhood) to ensure mutual understanding of the designation's implications. The Commission passed unanimously and approved the local historic designation for the church based on the staff report and identified criteria (F1, F5, F6, F9).
12/16/2025	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HELD IN COMMITTEE; Minutes note: Alderman Bauman clarified that the sole purpose of this meeting is to determine whether this structure meets the ordinance criteria for historic designation. Mr. Askin said the Second German Methodist Episcopal Church was originally built in 1887. In the 1920’s it became the Epworth Methodist Church. The Church is in Sherman’s Addition, platted in 1837. There has been no serious change in the foot print over time. Despite some renovations in the 1930’s, it has not moved or had any major additions. The designation boundary has been brought up for this property as there are 3 buildings on this tax parcel. Staff is recommending a boundary for now of the existing lot lines North, South, West and East and the point that is 1 foot east of the eastern north point of the church. If a certified survey map is filed between now and Common Council, the Council can amend the file to reflect that boundary. The two houses are not been nominated and are not being considered. Built in 1887 by architect Herman Paul Schnetzky, the Church open in 1888. In 1928 Epworth Methodist Church at 4th and Center merged with 2nd German. In 1939 Hugo Haeuser renovated the Church. Due to the demographic change and the neighborhood, the church was sold an All Black Baptist Congregation and the congregation left for the suburbs in 1963. As they integrated, Epworth got fairly involved with Civil Rights. They hosted Civil Rights speakers and planning sections for the Music MPS boycott in 1965. They were one of the founding members of Northcott Neighborhood House. They hosted James Farmer. They closed in 1972 due to a suspected arson fire. There are 2 architect involved in this property" Herman Paul Schnetzky and Hugo Haeuser, both from Germany. Staff recommends the historic designation based on f-1, f-5, f-6, f-9. Mr. Morales moved, seconded by Mr. Jarosz, to open the public hearing. There were no objections. Speakers: Tim Baldwin - Auxiliary Director of the Historic Brewer Hills Association - In support. -2023 N 2nd Street. Emma Rudd - Milwaukee Preservation Alliance – In support Kole Knueppel – 2350 N 2nd St. - Executive director of St. Marcus Ministries – owns adjacent properties and would like the designation held so he can look at any structural issues. Ryan Pattee – owner – would also like a pause on the designation. He wants to review the study report. Mr. Morales moved, seconded by Mr. Jarosz, to closed the public hearing. There were no objections. Held until the January 12th, 2026 HPC meeting.	Pass	5:0
11/19/2025	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

251276

Version

SUBSTITUTE 1

Reference

Sponsor

THE CHAIR

Title

Substitute resolution granting permanent historic designation to the Second German Methodist Episcopal Church, part of the Brewers Hill National Register Historic District, at 140 W. Garfield Avenue, in the 6th Aldermanic District.

Analysis

This resolution grants permanent historic designation to the Second German Methodist Episcopal Church, part of the Brewers Hill National Register Historic District, at 140 W. Garfield 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 January 12, 2026 meeting, by unanimous vote, recommended permanent historic designation of the Second German Methodist Episcopal Church, part of the Brewers Hill National Register Historic District, at 140 W. Garfield Avenue; and

Whereas, This building 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-5.  Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen.

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 Second German Methodist Episcopal Church, part of the Brewers Hill National Register Historic District, at 140 W. Garfield Avenue, further described as:

SHERMAN'S ADD'N IN NE 1/4 SEC 20-7-22 BLOCK 4 LOT 15-ALL EXC. N 40' OF W 2/3 LOT 14 ASSESSMENT REFLECTS ASSESSABLE PORTION ONLY

be designated as a Milwaukee historic site. The Preservation Guidelines pursuant to the Historic Designation Study Report, a copy of which is attached to this file, shall apply to this site and is adopted by the Common Council as part of this file.

Requestor

Drafter

Chris Lee

1/21/2026