City of Milwaukee - File #: 161519

• File #: 161519
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Placed On File
• File created: 2/10/2017
• In control: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
• Final action: 4/10/2017
• Title: Resolution relating to the temporary historic designation of the State Theater Building at 2612-2616 W. State Street, in the 4th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
4/10/2017	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	RECOMMENDED FOR PLACING ON FILE; Minutes note: Ms. Hatala said that a report was forwarded from the Dept. of Neighborhood Services, contained in the file (Sigma Report). The nominator has a PowerPoint he wishes to show the Commission. Ron Roberts - Dept. of Neighborhood Services - a major concern is the asbestos and a walk-through of the building was scheduled to address that issue. The Sigma report noted that a portion of the building would need to be demolished as the comingled asbestos cannot be abated. Due to this fact, the front facade would be removed. The building would fall under the definition of "emergency demolition" and the Commission would have no jurisdiction under this designation. Proponents of the designation: Steve Ewing - 3119 W. Wells St. - had questions of Mr. Roberts relating to the asbestos and feels this building is unique and needs to be saved and a second opinion relating to the asbestos should be obtained. James Dieter - nominator - there is grant money out there and he's concerned with even more vacant lots in the neighborhood Douglas Gallus - architect with Mr. Dieter - he has not had an opportunity to go into the buildiing or do any kind of structural analysis Robin Muller - supporter of keeping the theater due to its cultural heritage in the music scenes in the 70s and thinks the money can be raised. Dave Miskey - Redevelopment Authority, owner of the building - no submitted proposal with a buget submitted to him. They did ask for a proposal from Mr. Dieter by last Friday and there was no proposal submitted. Opponents of the designation: Pat Muller - opposed, but didn't wish to speak Keith Stanley - Near West Side Partners - they support the demo as there are no developers involved. John Hennessey - Hennessey Group - would like two weeks to put together a conceptual and financing plan. Ald. Bauman doesn't think this property is historic. He supports RACM working with any developers to develop this property. Mr. Jarosz doesn't think this building would be granted any federal tax credits. Ald. Bauman doesn't feel this building is historic and Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown is concerned that no financial plan has been submitted.	Pass	4:0
3/13/2017	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	Minutes note: This site had a fire on Februrary 10th, per Ms. Hatala, which is why the applicant is seeking temporary designation so it is not demolished. The site was originally agricultural and the building was constructed in 1915. There were a number of nurserymen operating in the area and this site was run by the Curry Brothers. The State Theater cost $15,000 to build and was one of the most state-of-the-art theaters. In 1937 there were permits to add art deco elements to the building and changes to the canopy then and in 1946 as well. The theater closed in 1954 and in October there was an unlicensed occupancy in the building for a church. From 1955-1975, the site became a tavern and entertainment site, albeit one for well-behaved older adults and various venues came in and out of the site. In 1985, The Palms, a nightclub operation began. Once The Palms closed, it became Hoops, a strip club. It's been vacant for decades and has been owned by the city since 2000. Staff recommends that temporary historic designation be granted to allow for fundraisers and time to evaluate the physical structure with the end goal to see if the building can be re-used. The temporary designation would last for 180 days. Staff feels it meets e-1, e-5 and e-6. Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown, to open the matter for a public hearing. Ron Roberts - Dept. of Neighborhood Services Brian Kraus - Dept. of Neighborhood Services inspector detailed the fire damage to the building. There is a lot of interior damage due to the fire and water used to douse the fire and the electrical service has been stripped. There is severe structural damage, asbestos abatement and all the mechanical systems need to be updated or replaced. The estimate he provided could increase if someone spends more time inside - he was inside for approximately 30 minutes. Due to the asbestos, the building would need to be contained and zero percent emissions attained and then the asbestos abated by professionals, as well as all the items in the building removed. Mr. Roberts sees this as unreasonable to repair and would ask to demolish the building. Opposed to the designation: Dave Misky - Redevelopment Authority (property owner). The property was donated for $1 to the city in 2000 and it has been marketed off-and-on for years. They have been trying to drum up interest in the property. Lindsey St. Arnold Bell - Associate Director of the Near West Side Partners - opposed to the designation as there has been very little interest in the property and due to the fire and high cost to fix up and it is now a nuisance property that is a threat to the public safety. The location would be good for a new development if another building on the same block were demolished. Supporters of the designation: James Dieter - nominator - there is a national movement to save theaters and modify them for re-use. Steve Ewing - 2619 W. State St - his business address - right across the street from the theater. West Side Partners and the city should pay for the repairs as well as other big businesses in the area, such as Harley, Miller Coors, Aurora, etc. Robin Muller - 2743 W. State St. - resident Mr. Williams moved, seconded by Ms. Clendenen-Acosta, to close the public hearing. Ms. Keating Kahn moved to approve the designation, seconded by Ms. Clendenen-Acosta. Failed 2-3 Mr. Williams, Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown and Mr. Jarosz voting "no" Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown moved to hold for one month. Prevailed. 4-1 Ms. Keating Kahn voting "no"
2/10/2017	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

161519

Version

ORIGINAL

Reference

Sponsor

THE CHAIR

Title

Resolution relating to the temporary historic designation of the State Theater Building at 2612-2616 W. State Street, in the 4^th Aldermanic District.

Drafter

CC-CC

Tim Askin/Debra Fowler

2/10/17