City of Milwaukee - File #: 241405

• File #: 241405
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: In Committee
• File created: 12/23/2024
• In control: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
• Title: Resolution relating to the Permanent Historic Designation of Central City Plaza Building 3, 1747 N. 6th Street, in the Sixth Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
3/3/2025	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HELD IN COMMITTEE; 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 busines 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" Hold to the call of the chair in case need to re-visit based on Council action.	Pass	6:0
2/3/2025	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HELD IN COMMITTEE; Minutes note: An application has been filed to declare the entire block a historic district. Testimony will be taken today, but no final decision will bemade today as HPC will consider the entire district next cycle. The state will not support historic tax credits unless all three buildings survive. Staff believes that this building meets six criteria for designation --s. 320-21-3- f-1, f-3, f-5, f-6, f-8 and f-9, which are detailed in the Study Report. Mr. Jarosz moved, seconded by Ms. Keating-Kahn, to open the public hearing. There were no objections. Salvation Army - doesn't contest the historical value of the property. Clayborn Benson - Wisconsin Black Historical Society supports designating all three buildings. Kim Robinson - son of Alonzo Robinson, architect of the building. He would like to see the buildings stand. He would like to see the buildings re-purposed within the confines of the current structures. Danae Davis - 216 E. Reservoir Ave. - recently retired community member who formerly worked for the city, state and community agencies. Supports the designation. The public hearing is kept open.	Pass	7:0
12/23/2024	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

241405

Version

ORIGINAL

Reference

Sponsor

THE CHAIR

Title

Resolution relating to the Permanent Historic Designation of Central City Plaza Building 3, 1747 N. 6^th Street, in the Sixth Aldermanic District.

Drafter

CC-CC

Tim Askin

12/23/2024