| 6/3/2024 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Minutes note: Mr. Andrew Stern said this is the former Schuster's Department store and the parcel is L-shaped with an attached parking lot. Edward Schuster, who came to Milwaukee in 1883, soon started a department store business and different stores in Milwaukee. This property was erected in 1910 and doubled the size in 1923/24. They were known for selling home goods and offered a large variety of merchandise. They were also known for Billie the Brownie, who was Santa's fictional helper and sponsored a Christmas parade from 1927 to 1961 (the year the store closed). The building was purchased by Milwaukee County in 1963 and has been used for a number of social services at the property. The decorative parapets have been removed and the first floor windows in-filled. Most of the entrances have been partially in-filled over time. The north facade is very plain with few windows and is stripped of any ornamentation. The architects were Braust and Philipp, who designed St. Joseph Convent and Chapel, as well as hundreds of residential properties and were the largest architectural firm in the state in the 1920s.
The upper stories have great integrity and the first floor has a glazing system so the building is in good shape. Mr. Stern is not sure of the interior condition.
Staff recommends approval based on e-5, e-6 and e-9.
Ms. Peltz moved, seconded by Mr. Jordan, to open the public hearing.
The nominator provided a written record.
Mr. Jordan moved, seconded by Ms. Keating Kahn, to close the public hearing
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