City of Milwaukee - File #: 131335

• File #: 131335
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 1/10/2014
• In control: ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
• Final action: 3/4/2014
• Title: Substitute resolution granting historic designation to the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells Street, in the 4th Aldermanic District.
• Sponsors: ALD. BAUMAN
• Indexes: HISTORIC BUILDINGS, HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
3/7/2014	1	MAYOR	SIGNED
3/4/2014	1	COMMON COUNCIL	ADOPTED	Pass	14:0
2/25/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION; Minutes note: Individual appearing: Carlen Hatala, Historic Preservation Commission Staff Planner	Pass	5:0
2/19/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/19/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/19/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/18/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/18/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/18/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/18/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/18/2014	1	ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE	HEARING NOTICES SENT
2/10/2014	0	HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION AND ASSIGNED; Minutes note: Ms. Hatala said that the historic designation was rescinded in 1987 by the Common Council because it was part of the National Register District and because Historic Milwaukee had a facade easement on the building. The current application was submitted by Ald. Bauman as a result of the newspaper article noting that this building may be turned into housing. The building is distinctive and built by George Brumder, who ran a bookstore and printing press. He began buying up 16 parcels of properties for $200,000 in the heart of the German commerical district near his operating business. Schnetzke and Liebert were chosen as the architects for the $300,000 Germania Building which was reported extensively by the press during and after its construction. The building had steel frame construction and was state-of-the-art for its time. There was a bronze statue of Germania on top of an apex at the front of the building. There were other Germania buildings in the United States. Ms. Germania was removed during World War I due to anti-German sentiment and her current whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Brumder published many German-language newspapers in the Germania Building and the domes are referred to as "Kaiser's Helmets". The tan color brick, large entry arch and stacking of levels building style was preferred by the German community, as evidenced by the Pabst mansion, Pabst building and other buildings with a German heritage. Prior to his death, Mr. Brumder diversified into banking and insurance with the thought that in two to three generations no-one would be reading German-language newspapers. The building windows and well are designed to catch more natural light. John Conlin did a lot to restore the building after the 1960s, when drop ceilings had been added. Ms. Hatala pointed out the numerous details of the windows and facade. Staff recommends that the Germania building be given historic designation as it meets the critieria of s.320-21-3-e-1, e-3 and e-5 in terms of both the building itself and George Brumder. None of his earlier commercial buildings or residences survived. Mr. Bauman moved, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen to open the hearing for the public. Kalan Haywood - 710 N. Plankinton Ave. - developer - he concurs with the presentation and the intent is to preserve the building. Gail Fitch - also in favor of the historic designation Ms. Dawn McCarthy, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, wished it noted that she supported historic designation, but did not wish to speak. Mr. Hoeschen moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, to close the public hearing. Mr. Hoeschen moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, for historic designation based on s. s. 320-21-3-e-1, e-3 and e-5.	Pass	6:0
1/10/2014	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number
131335
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN
Title
Substitute resolution granting historic designation to the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells Street, in the 4th Aldermanic District.
Analysis
This resolution designates the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells Street, in the 4th Aldermanic District, as a City of Milwaukee Historic Structure
...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 February 10, 2014 meeting, by a vote of six (6) ayes and zero (0) noes, recommended permanent designation of the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells Street as an historic structure;

Whereas, This structure possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and association and fulfills the following criterion set forth in s. 320-21-3:

e-1. Its exemplification and development of the cultural, economic, social or historic heritage of the city, state of Wisconsin or the United States

e-3 Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city of Milwaukee

e-5. Its embodiment of the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type or specimen.

; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Germania Building at 135 W. Wells Street, and further described as follows:

Tax Key No. 3920001121, DENISON & MARTIN'S SUBD OF LOTS 1-2-3 BLK 59 NE 1/4 29-7-22 LOTS 1-2-3 & 8 THRU 12 BID #21

be designated as a Milwaukee historic structure. The Preservation Guidelines pursuant to the Historic Designation Study Report, a copy of which is attached to this file, shall apply to this site and is adopted by the Common Council as part of this file.

Requestor
Drafter
LME...