| 1/13/2025 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| ADOPTED
Minutes note: Mr. Tim Askin said the architecture is New Formalism and strips the building to simple functionality. Alonzo Robinson was the first licensed black architect in the State of Wisconsin and the first to attempt the exam. He was licensed in 1952 while working for the City of Milwaukee and he had an extensive career with the city (12 years) and the county (over 20 years and there is virtually no major county building he didn't work on during that time period). This building was a private commission and one of his largest commissions. When he retired in 1998, he was only one of three black architects. Currently black architects are less than 1% of architects. The building is at 6th and 7th St. at Walnut and Vine.
Milwaukee had significant urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s under mayors Zeidler and Maier. Blight had developed during the depression and World War II. The program essentially completely wiped out a wide swatch of property during these years and primarily minorities were affected. By 1969 all the land was cleared and Central City Plaza was an African-American-led project, led by Felmers Chaney, as there were no official projects proposed.
The owner and publisher of the Milwaukee Star, Mr. Chalmers, formed the Central City Redevelopment Association and launched the initiative to create this project. Development cost $3 million with equity from local black owners. The complex was three buildings housing 14 businesses and employed over 100 people. The plaza struggled financially and the US Small Business Administration took over ownership of the building in 1975 and the project was vacant in 1977. Deaconess Hospital created a health center there in 1980 and that closed in 1989 due to inadequate accounting found during a federal audit.
Staff recommends approval based upon f-1,f-3, f-6 and f-9.
The building currently has a pending demolition permit although the other buildings are equally worthy of designation.
Ms. Keating Kahn moved, seconded by Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown, to open the public hearing.
Chris Rute - nominator - also nominated on behalf of Milwaukee Preservation Alliance.
Clayborn Benson - Wisconsin Black Historic Society - supports the designation. He doesn't object to one of the three buildings be taken down. The architect's son also does not object to one of the buildings be taken down. Mr. Robinson built many single family homes for black homeowners.
Major Rachel Stouter and Tracy Habermehl - Salvation Army - this site is currently being used as temporary housing. The Salvation Army purchased the building in May 2024 and they also own the large, horse-shoe shaped building. When they bought the building they were unaware of its history. The inside of the building is in bad shape and the windows are being broken.
There is a letter in the file from the architect's son that supports the designation.
Ms.Keating-Kahn moved, seconded by Ms. Peltz, to close the public hearing.
Ms. Keating-Kahn moved, seconded by Ms. Peltz, for approval. Prevailed. 4-1 (Mr. Morales voting "no").
| Pass | 4:1 |
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