City of Milwaukee - File #: 241559

• File #: 241559
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 1/24/2025
• In control: COMMON COUNCIL
• Final action: 4/22/2025
• Title: Substitute resolution granting permanent historic designation of the Central City Plaza Historic District between W. Walnut St. and W. Vine St. and N. 6th St. N. 7th St., in the 6th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: ALD. COGGS, ALD. BAUMAN, ALD. STAMPER, ALD. JACKSON, ALD. SPIKER
• Indexes: HISTORIC BUILDINGS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
4/28/2025	1	MAYOR	SIGNED
4/22/2025	1	COMMON COUNCIL	ADOPTED	Pass	15:0
4/15/2025	0	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION; Minutes note: Appearing: Tim Askin, Historic Preservation Commission Mr. Askin gave a presentation, which is contained within the file. Public testimony: Kim Robinson, Sr., son of architect Alonzo Robinson (support) Chris Rute, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (applicant in support) Major Rachel Stouder, The Salvation Army (property owner in support) Clinton Selle, Bray Associates Architects, Inc. (architect in support) Beverly Hamilton-Williams, community activist (support) Emma Rudd, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (support) Seth Ter Haar, Docomomo US (support) R. Ellis, UWM student & activist (support) Erik Hancock, resident & architect (support) Terrence Moore, Sr., DCD & Bronzeville Advisory Committee member (support) Ald. Coggs was in support. Ald. Coggs added as the sponsor. Ald. Bauman, Stamper, Jackson, and Spiker added as cosponsors.	Pass	5:0
4/2/2025	0	COMMON COUNCIL	REFERRED TO
3/3/2025	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION AND ASSIGNED; Minutes note: Items 7 and 8 were heard together. Mr. Tim Askin said this designation will cover 3 buildings, plus the associated landscaping and parking. It was originally one development, but now it is three separate lots. The area was cleared as part of a Roosevelt Redevelopment Project (relating to Roosevelt school). The businesses within the complex all folded within four years; all gone by 1977. The Small Business Administration took over all three buildings in 1979 and then turned them over to the city, which eventually transferred title in 1983/84 to the Salvation Army and the Masons. The Masons tried to keep the buildings going by renting them primarily to black-focused businesses. The third building was the Masterpiece Motor Lodge, which was able to remain in business until 1978/1979 as it was competing with another black-owned hotel within a two-block area. None of the re-use adoptions of the building were adopted. The city leased the building to the Salvation Army in 1979 and they have been operating there ever since. The third building was a health clinic for many years. Staff recommends approval under 6 of the 10 criteria - f-1, f-3, f-5, f-6, f-8 and f-9. Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown, moved, seconded by Mr. Morales, to open a public hearing. Clayborn Benson - Wisconsin Black Historical Society - the expressway didn't kick out residents; it was a city plan to keep residents from moving to Wisconsin Avenue. This complex was constructed to re-invigorate the area. He supports the designation. Rachel Stoddard - Salvation Army - they have operated in this building over 40 years. They do want to honor the history, however if these properties are designated as historic that puts immense boundaries and parameters on them. The cost of their operation would be too high if designated. They are willing to have exterior plaques or a bench. Mr. Cheney and Mr. Robinson's other properties in the city have been protected. Chris Rute - 1006 E. State St. - nominator - He definitely feels the criteria have been met. Kim Robinson, Sr. - son of Alonzo Robinson, would like to see the building marked as historic. Mr. Jarosz moved, seconded by Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown, to close the public hearing. Mr. Jarosz moved, seconded by Ms. Pieper Eisenbrownn, for designation based on the staff report. Mr. Morales voting "no"	Pass	5:1
1/24/2025	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number
241559
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference

Sponsor
ALD. COGGS, BAUMAN, STAMPER, JACKSON AND SPIKER

Title
Substitute resolution granting permanent historic designation of the Central City Plaza Historic District between W. Walnut St. and W. Vine St. and N. 6th St. N. 7th St., in the 6th Aldermanic District.

...Analysis
This resolution grants permanent historic designation to the Central City Plaza Historic District between W. Walnut St. and W. Vine St. and N. 6th St. N. 7th St., 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 March 3rd, 2025 meeting, by a vote of five (5) ayes, one (1) no, and one (1) excused, recommended historic designation of the Central City Plaza Historic District between W. Walnut St. and W. Vine St. and N. 6th St. N. 7th St; and

Whereas, This site 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-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-8. Its relationship to other distinctive areas which are eligible for preservation according to a plan based on a historic, cultural or architectural motif.

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