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| | | | Meeting convened at 3:00 pm
Minutes note: Nicholas Hans Robinson and Sally Peltz arrive at 3:02 pm right after roll call, they are present. | | | |
Roll call
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| | 1. | | Creation of a committee to establish procedures and guidelines for three-dimensional imaging.
Minutes note: Tim Askin explains that a recent ordinance change by Alderman Bauman requires establishing procedures/guidelines for when 3D imaging is required for demolitions. Volunteers are required to create a 3D subcommittee.
Discussion framed this as essentially BIM/laser-scanning-type documentation, including questions like who stores the data and how detailed it must be.
The goal is to retain a record of historic fabric before buildings are demolished, with an emphasis on being quick and user-friendly.
Committee to clarify exemptions, such as for garages or by size/quality.
The Subcommittee will define technical standards, parameters and submission criteria for when scans are required under the ordinance.
Property owner seeking demolition is responsible for paying for the scan.
Volunteers requested intent to keep the subcommittee to three members to avoid a quorum.
Subcommittee established: Matt Jarosz (chair), Anne Pieper Eisenbrown and Nicholas Hans Robinson (members).
Coordinate with Tim Askin to formalize requirements and approval process for submitted scans.
A motion was made by Ald. Bauman, seconded by Ann Pieper Eisenbrown, approval of the creation of 3D imaging subcommittee.
There were no objections. | | | |
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251921
| 0 | 2. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of a garage at 2465 W. Congress Street, in the Garden Homes Historic District for Ashley Montgomery.
Minutes note: Tim Askin noted that none of the garages in Garden Homes are original and this garage is unlikely to be salvageable. Owner requested permission to demolish; staff stated it seemed reasonable.
Demolition requests always go to the commission (not staff-level approval).
Motion made and approved unanimously. | ADOPTED | Pass | 6:0 |
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251986
| 0 | 3. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of an attached garage and to conduct related repairs at 1060 E Juneau Avenue, in the First Ward Triangle Historic District for GMC MCR Miller House LLC.
Minutes note: Tim Askin described the main house as dating to the 1880s, with a garage addition from the 1960s on the west side.
Staff noted the attached garage does not contribute to the building’s character and is causing damage. Gutter routing is causing masonry damage to the main building.
Owners requested removal of the garage; staff recommended approval.
Question raised about whether the owners intend to build a new garage later; staff said they may, but nothing imminent, and any future proposal would come back to the commission.
Owner representative Corey Didier was present.
Additional scope: since there is a door from the garage into the house, owners want to replace it with a wood door rather than brick up the opening; staff indicated approval of that door.
| ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251818
| 0 | 4. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for rehabilitation of the Geuder-Paeschke Frey building at 324 N. 15th Street, an individually designated historic property, for Sunset Investors.
Minutes note: Tim Askin mention project intent is to make the building usable again, primarily through restoration work rather than major alteration.
Commission/staff authority applies to the historic building area (roughly to the driveway); full site plan shown as a courtesy.
Scope of exterior restoration:
Repair existing windows, install missing windows, and reopen previously bricked-in window openings.
Remove concrete block infill from various openings; add/reopen select doors and entries where openings had been filled.
Remove some non-historic fencing.
General restoration uses window products the staff has seen previously, with repair/match to existing window configurations.
Condition issues noted in photos: bricked/filled openings and graffiti.
Mr. Askin noted a federal requirement that new fencing not include masonry/brick piers; fencing to be decorative metal only (drawing to be revised accordingly).
Owner Kendall Breuning was present.
Owner confirmed Part 2 approval from the National Park Service, with conditional direction to remove brick piers and replace existing chain link at the corner with decorative aluminum fencing.
Owner stated the only remaining unresolved NPS item is final selection of wood flooring; other elements (site lighting, new building, signs, and small flower planter boxes) were approved.
One notable exception to returning to the 1890 period of significance: the large west wall opening (created in the 1950s, formerly related to a skywalk) is permitted to be squared up and fitted with new Quaker windows; details approved to align with original venting pattern.
Existing Traco windows (installed after a 2003 fire) will be repaired; all glass replaced to avoid a “checkerboard” appearance, while keeping the post-fire frames.
Ms. Peltz ask what is the purpose of the rehabilitation of the building.
Mr. Kendall indicated the building reuse will be 47 market-rate residential apartments (described as fitting
“workforce housing” definition, but without programs other than historic tax credits).
Interior finishes discussed as wood floors in most areas, bedrooms carpet, salvaged wood flooring repurpose for lobbies due to poor overall condition.
Staff recommendation included approval with conditions, including that no vents be installed on the St. Paul façade. Approve as drawn with standard conditions on wood and masonry.
| ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251847
| 0 | 5. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a rear addition at 2315 E. Ivanhoe Place, in the North Point South Historic District, for Kate Crowle.
Minutes note: Tim Askin explains the proposal replaces an existing wood deck (slated for demolition) with a new sunroom.
Sunroom materials: painted wood siding, brick foundation, concrete steps, decorative wood corners, built-in gutter, wood trim and paneling.
Light fixtures noted but not yet selected.
Size and placement: 14' x 16', set just under the belt course between the second and third floor.
Roof form: flat roof stated as necessary to avoid obstructing existing windows.
Compatibility/visibility: complementary to surrounding historic character; classical design intentionally differentiated from the home’s eclectic prairie/Tudor style, designed to be largely not visible from the street (minor cornice overhang mostly hidden by the chimney).
Architect Keith Barnes attended on behalf of the owner.
Commissioners asked to confirm the proposed material is wood; architect confirmed all painted wood.
Architect noted they initially tried composite/LP materials but staff (Tim and Andrew) advised corrections prior to submission.
Staff recommended approval with standard conditions related to wood quality.
Approve as drawn with standard conditions on wood.
Conditions: All finish wood must be smooth and free of knots and must be painted or treated with an opaque stain upon completion. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251727
| 0 | 6. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for adding a third floor balcony at 2015 N. Lake Drive, in the North Point South Historic District for John and Sarah Hambrook.
Minutes note: Tim Askin explains this a revised, more subtle design for adding a third-floor balcony above an existing bay window at 2015 N Lake Drive (North Point South Historic District) for John and Sarah Hambrook. John was present.
Plan keeps key existing exterior details: hood molding and side wings remain; window sills would be removed.
Existing window opening will be reused but made taller by extending downward (not upward); two French doors will replace the current window configuration.
Proposed French doors match the combined width of the two existing windows, opening door height noted as short (not full height).
Balcony railing has been pulled in so it does not obstruct the barge board railing design will copy a historic fence on the property.
Railing will require minor modifications for code compliance.
Staff view: unusual but not a major change given retention of details and use of existing opening.
Staff recommended approval with a condition related to final wood door selection; door style discussed (likely similar to the reference option shown; possibly a Simpson door).
| ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251995
| 0 | 7. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness to amend a prior approval of a comprehensive rehabilitation of the building at 1220 W. Vliet Street, Schuster's Department Store, an individually designated historic property, for Ted Matkom - Gorman & Company.
Minutes note: Tim Asking indicated it is a relatively straight forward amendment with basically no changes to the primary facades.
Change in proposed tenancy to all-residential drives the need for additional windows, proposed to be added on the rear (not the primary facades).
Significant redesign of the parking lot is proposed. Staff intends to defer parking lot specifics to DNS and DCD review.
Applicant was advised to reconfirm the parking lot design meets required landscaping standards.
Scope summary mentioned: prior approvals plus 11 additional windows, parking lot changes, and elimination of basement parking.
Ted Matkom (Gorman & Company) and Allyson Nemec (Quorum Architects, Inc.) were present.
Mr. Matkom shared that leasing to Milwaukee County Behavioral Health and Human Services did not proceed.
The county-designed space (through Allison Nemec) came in about $3M over budget; county opted to stay in West Allis rather than fund the overage.
With the space fully residential, the unit layout is being “spread out” for more comfortable and natural configurations. Some historically designated, characteristic-defining interior spaces in the middle of the floor plate remain and are acknowledged as inefficient but consistent with historic designation.
The revised “Part 2” for the proposed revisions was recently approved by MPS.
Allyson Nemec (Quorum Architects, Inc.) clarified the north facade previously had no windows; it was a county-era, non character-defining condition.
New storefront-style windows will be cut into the first-floor units to provide natural light where county offices were previously.
New windows are intended to match the existing upper-floor window profiles; first-floor appearance will be slightly different but consistent.
Suggested Action Items:
Reconfirm the updated parking lot design complies with required landscaping standards (per applicable guidelines and change of use).
Coordinate parking lot redesign details with DNS and DCD as part of the revised plan.
Prepare to return to the commission regarding use of the city parking lot (as needed).
Staff Recommendation:
Approve as drawn with same conditions as prior approval and request confirmation of screening compliance for parking lot.
| ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251999
| 0 | 8. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for landscape alterations, rehabilitation, and other work at the former stable/carriage house known as 2007 E. Windsor Place, in the North Point South Historic District, for Wade Weissman.
Minutes note: Tim Asking explains the building context: a carriage house originally serving an 1890s Lafayette Place mansion; separated long ago and used as its own residence.
Proposed work list included: new fabric awning at existing balcony; new balcony doors; new awning over front entry; new entry door; new/modified handrail and guardrail at stone retaining wall; new/extended stone
retaining wall; new gas lantern at driveway corner; new roof shingles; repair existing windows; new gutters/downspouts; new concrete driveway; new concrete retaining wall; modification of stacked stone wall for garbage enclosure; replacement of existing chimney with a larger, more historically
appropriate concrete façade.
Mr. Asking noted the project improves functionality for residential use while reversing prior inappropriate alterations (notably a metal chimney and out of-character fenestration).
Existing conditions called out: one proper carriage door and one likely mid-1960s overhead wood door; several windows previously replaced.
Chimney: existing element is faux-painted metal (not brick) and likely not original; staff felt a chimney is historically reasonable for a ~1905 carriage house.
Primary consequential concern from staff: proposed shutters felt inconsistent with a carriage house character and read as pushing it too far toward a main-house “residential” look.
Wade Wissman was present introduced himself as both architect and owner; colleague Stephanie assisted with the submission.
Property history/intent: the building had been split into two condos; owner renovated one unit, then bought the lower unit ~4 years ago; goal is to address deferred maintenance and bring the exterior “shell” up to compliance.
Maintenance drivers: roof is ~40 years old and lost shingles in a windstorm; plan to rehab windows and replace aluminum storm/screen combinations with custom, old-style storm screens.
Front entry stoop is likely not original and is failing (possibly lacks proper foundations) and needs replacement.
Carriage house features referenced: second-floor area was formerly stable space with doors and a hay winch; garage door replacement is planned with a custom design to echo existing roof/detailing.
Shutters: owner acknowledged they are aesthetic (“I love shutters”) to dress up a prominent elevation; commissioners generally did not feel strongly opposed.
Staff recommendation: approve with conditions including real fabric awnings (no plastic sheeting) and require step flashing on the new chimney.
Final motion: approve with staff conditions 1 and 18 (fabric awnings; step flashing on chimney), allowing shutters.
| ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252001
| 0 | 9. | Resolution | 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.
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).
| HELD IN COMMITTEE | Pass | 7:0 |
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| | | | The following files represent staff approved Certificates of Appropriateness: | | | |
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251877
| 0 | 10. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for new HVAC equipment at 3028 W. State Street, in the Concordia Historic District, for Robert Webb. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251890
| 0 | 11. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wood fence at 3031 N. Sherman Boulevard, in the Sherman Boulevard Historic District, for LaKeia and Irma Jones. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251894
| 0 | 12. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a wood fence and rear yard landscaping at 2420 N. Terrace Avenue, in the North Point North Historic District, for Daniel J. Piette and Doreen Stoller. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251911
| 0 | 13. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for roof repairs at 550 W. Historic Mitchell Street, in the Mitchell Street Historic District, for Domingo Munoz. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251942
| 0 | 14. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for roof and gutter repairs at 2508 N. Grant Boulevard, in the Grant Boulevard Historic District for Sarah Colacino and Isaac Rowlett. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251953
| 0 | 15. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for roof repair at 1226 - 1230 W. Historic Mitchell Street, in the Mitchell Street Historic District, for Jesus Estrada. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251989
| 0 | 16. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior electrical equipment at 2105 E Lafayette Place, in the North Point South Historic District, for Ashley & Michael Adam. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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251994
| 0 | 17. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for installation of exterior electrical equipment at 3038 N Summit Avenue, in the North Point North Historic District for Karen Bell. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252051
| 0 | 18. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for masonry repairs at the Milwaukee Auditorium (High Life Theater) and Milwaukee Arena (Panther Arena), at 400 - 500 W. Kilbourn Avenue, an individually designated complex for the Wisconsin Center District. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252052
| 0 | 19. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for structural repairs to the Pabst Sign, between 1203 N 10th Street and 1009 W Juneau Avenue, in the Pabst Brewery Historic District, for Neighborhood Improvement District 1 - The Brewery District. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252085
| 0 | 20. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for masonry repairs at 2647 N. Wahl Avenue, in the North Point North Historic District, for Joseph K Maier. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252086
| 0 | 21. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for tree removal at 2359 N. Wahl Avenue, in the North Point North Historic District, for Chris Llop and Lara India. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252132
| 0 | 22. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for reinstallation of historic porch railings at 2627 W. Wells Street, in the West Avenues West Historic District, for John Hennessy. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252134
| 0 | 23. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for carpentry repairs and a new roof at 845 N. 29th Street, in the Concordia Historic District, for Andor Horvath. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252137
| 0 | 24. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for new roofing material and related work at 2851 N. Grant Boulevard, in the Grant Boulevard Historic District, for Susie and Tom Roberts. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252140
| 0 | 25. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for rehabilitation and replacement windows at 822 N 26th Street, in the West Avenues West Historic District, for Alandra Bates. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252145
| 0 | 26. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for landscaping changes for the concession area and parking lot 2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, in the North Point North Historic District, for Milwaukee County Parks. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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252146
| 0 | 27. | Resolution | Resolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for repairs to the flat roof areas at 500 W. Kilbourn Avenue, in the Milwaukee Auditorium & Milwaukee Arena Historic District, for the Wisconsin Center District. | ADOPTED | Pass | 7:0 |
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| | 28. | | Review and approval of the minutes from the last meeting on March 2, 2026.
Minutes note: Ms. Pieper moved, second by Ald. Bauman approval of the minutes.
There were no objections. | | | |
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| | 29. | | Updates and announcements.
Minutes note: Awards: eight total nominations were received.
Tim Askin noted a concern about nomination volume, but submissions arrived on the deadline day.
Andrew will cover next month and likely help with the awards ceremony due to Tim's travel plans.
Tim will send the awards PowerPoint out before voting.
Tim may or may not attend the May meeting.
Award Ceremony date and time are posted on the website. Ceremony is scheduled for the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. | | | |
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