City of Milwaukee - File #: 252001

• File #: 252001
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 3/17/2026
• In control: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
• Final action: 5/4/2026
• Title: Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural on the south wall of 918 N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue, in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Historic District/Complex for Seeds of Health.
• Sponsors: THE CHAIR

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
5/4/2026	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	Minutes note: Appeared - Seeds of Health, Inc Matt Krivanek, Jodi Weber, Bob Morris. Appeared- Mural Artist Tia Richardson Andrew A Stern explain the agenda item was a holdover from the prior month’s HBC meeting so applicants could install a test panel and document results. Applicants installed a small test patch on the alley side to demonstrate the proposed mural cloth (Polytab) system. Photos showed: first primer coat, second primer coat, test strips installed, and strips with varnish applied. Test was left in place about a week; after removal, staff observed only a very small area (less than dime-sized) where coverage was incomplete and a bit of brick was visible. Staff received contractor memos from Holton Brothers (masonry) and State Painting Company (painting) stating the test panel application/removal did not damage the brick surface. Staff recommended approval with prior conditions, including making an effort to use a breathable adhesive if possible. Artist Tia Richardson stated she is willing to give up/waive artist rights related to future removal (so the owner can remove/alter if needed). She explain the plan processed is to paint the mural on Polytab on the ground/off-site (withstudents/community participation), then adhere it to the wall. The materials are Prior use of Nova Gel and a breathable varnish. Openness to using an alternative, more breathable product recommended by Polytab supplier (Golden brand products referenced). Breathability explained in terms of acrylic paint drying and creating pathways for vapor transmission. Permeability noted as “37 metric perms. (see full video for more details) Commission members raised concerns about long-term scenarios: building sale, mural deterioration, responsibility for maintenance/repair, and how removal/changes would be handled. Seeds of Health leadership (Jody Weber, CEO) stated the organization owns the building, has invested millions, and has strong intent not to sell, emphasized commitment to property upkeep. Tia stated that once completed, the mural belongs to the client/owner; she is comfortable with painting over it later if desired and is willing to put related understandings in writing. Staff noted precedent for murals on historic buildings has been limited; prior approvals typically involved hard/removable panels. Project timing installation planned for summer; grand opening referenced for October.
4/13/2026	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	HELD IN COMMITTEE; Minutes note: Staff Tim Askin explains that this is for the wall above the Goolsby’s sports bar. Proposal is for a large mural (approximately 40’ wide by 70’ high) on a wall that has been painted for a long time. Windows currently on the wall will remain. Design is a general concept and may evolve; mural to be designed by a local artist working with the school’s students. Unlike prior approvals that used detachable panels, this proposal uses “mural cloth” (synthetic fabric) adhered to the brick. Manufacturer allows either adhesive installation or mechanical installation (e.g., rods/bolts), and staff brought the cloth approach forward because it hadn’t been contemplated when mural design standards were created. Staff concern: mural cloth is intended to be installed with a breathable adhesive, but staff/intern could not find a breathable adhesive rated for exterior use. Commission members expressed concern about potential brick-face damage from adhesive removal. Discussion highlighted that product data suggests removal may require pressure washing. Commission noted pressure washing historic masonry has constraints; staff stated keeping pressure under 800 PSI is allowed, and over 1,000 PSI can trigger significant fines under state rules. Mechanical attachment was discussed but raised concerns about drilling into brick/mortar and the number of attachments needed to resist wind over such a large area. Maintenance question raised: if future tuck pointing or exterior repairs are needed, adhered fabric could be destroyed/complicate maintenance. Staff explained strong federal legal considerations around murals needing to be removable due to artist rights (Visual Artists Rights Act / VARA) and removal/alteration issues. Members debated whether simply painting the already-painted wall might be simpler/less risky for building maintenance, but acknowledged the legal/contractual issues tied to artist rights. Applicant representative (Matt Krivanek, Facilities Director, Seeds of Health) shared follow-up info from the manufacturer indicating materials are water-based (acrylic/latex) and described as cleanable/removable; adhesive discussed included a gel-type product (Benjamin Moore; similar to “Muroflage”). Request made for the location of the artist’s other fabric-adhered mural example so commissioners can review it (noted upcoming related Third Ward discussion). A commissioner stated they would circulate a city attorney memo on VARA and murals, noting it could inspire an ordinance change. Staff/commission to further evaluate mural cloth installation options (adhesive vs mechanical), with focus on removability, masonry protection, and maintenance implications. Motion made and approved to hold the item to next month (no concept approval granted at this time).	Pass	7:0
3/17/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

252001

Version

ORIGINAL

Reference

Sponsor

THE CHAIR

Title

Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural on the south wall of 918 N. Vel R. Phillips Avenue, in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Historic District/Complex for Seeds of Health.

Drafter

CC-CC

Tim Askin

3/16/2026