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Meeting Name: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Agenda status: Final
Meeting date/time: 4/8/2013 3:00 PM Minutes status: Final  
Meeting location: Room 301-B, Third Floor, City Hall
Published agenda: Agenda Agenda Published minutes: Not available  
Meeting video: eComment: Not available  
Attachments:
File #Ver.Agenda #TypeTitleActionResultTallyAction DetailsVideo
     Meeting convened at 3:07 p.m.    Roll call Not available
     Individuals also present:

Minutes note: Carlen Hatala, Historic Preservation Commission Staff Planner Paul Jakubovich, Historic Preservation Commission Staff Planner		    Not available
   1. Roll Call.    Not available
   2. Approval of the Previous Minutes of March 11, 2013.

Minutes note: Mr. Hoeschen moved approval, seconded by Mr. Williams, of the minutes of March 11, 2013. There were no objections.		    Not available
121601 03.ResolutionSubstitute resolution relating to the permanent historic designation for the New Bavaria Brewery a/k/a the Franz Falk Brewing Company at 639-641 S. 29th Street, in the 8th Aldermanic District.

Minutes note: Ms. Hatala gave an overview of the staff study report regarding the site’s physical description, significance, history, previous and recent occupants, and architect. The nominator of the property, Straightway Vineyard Christian Fellowship Inc., has owned the property since 2009. The large Ice House/Malt House brick building, small frame office, and masonry stable building are the portions of the property to be considered for historic designation. Details of Ms. Hatala’s overview can be found in the staff study report within the file. On behalf of staff, Ms. Hatala recommended that the Franz Falk Bavaria Brewery at 639 South 29th Street and 641 South 29th Street be given historic designation as a City of Milwaukee Historic Site as a result of its fulfillment of criteria e 1 and e 5 of Section 320-21(3) of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances. Ms. Hatala also recommended that should the Historic Preservation Commission decide to recommend the nomination that it postpone the vote until an agreement is worked out first between the owner and the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) to stabilize the Ice House/Malt House building. Mr. Jakubovich said that staff’s recommendation hinges on a solution being worked out between the owner and DNS to stabilize the east wall of the Ice House/Malt House, which has structural problems. Art Dahlberg, DNS Commissioner, said that DNS is supportive of the nomination but wants it to work hand in hand with a restoration process with the owner to save the Malt House building, against which a raze order was issued in February 2013. The building’s roof is gone and its east wall has an inward bow. The restoration agreement should have multiple phases with the first phase focused on stabilizing the building. DNS is waiting on a report from the owner’s engineer, who had gone with a DNS inspector to the site for evaluation. The report should address the immediate steps, long term steps, and funding sources for the work. A restoration agreement can then proceed to identify milestones and timeframes for the restoration work. Brian Kraus, DNS Inspector, said that he was the inspector that went to the site for observation. The east side of the Malt House building is the most impacted wall with the majority of it not supported by the inside. It has the most pressure against it to force in inward. There is a risk of injury entering this building. The roof has collapsed five stories down with wood debris. Pastor George Claudio, Straightway Vineyard Christian Fellowship Inc., said that since purchasing the complex in June 2009 the church has cleaned the property, removed almost 100 tons of garbage, focused on fixing the stable building, and was not made aware of the history of the property until recently. There were phase one and two studies done on the stable building by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee through the previous owner. The church is working to slowly stabilize all buildings in order to move forward to restore them. The church has done projects all over the world based on donations and volunteerism, and it plans to do the same with this property. Mr. Bryant inquired about the church’s vision and funding sources for the property? Pastor Claudio replied that the church wanted to use stable building as a church, community center, and rental space. The church envisions the whole property to serve as a ministry and educational center for the city that other churches, the community, and educational groups can utilize. Funding amounts are not known at this time, but the expectation is that funding would come from donations, grants, and interested corporations. Mr. Williams inquired if the brewery building should be excluded as part of the designation due to its damage? Mr. Jakubovich said that there is a definite threat to life and safety, but designation should be for the entire property as it is not unusual in preservation to restore a property of this nature. The brewery building is two thirds sound and has had a tenant in it. Pastor Claudio said that the engineer hired through the church thought the brewery building was very solid despite missing supports and that the east wall can remain. The biggest obstacle for the church to move forward with a restoration process is to remove huge beams inside the brewery building. Mr. Hoeschen moved for a public hearing, seconded by Mr. Bryant. There were no objections. (1:03:43) Individuals from the pubic testifying in support: Leonard Jurgensen, brewery historian N. J. Unaka, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee P.H.D. candidate Mr. Jurgensen said that the brewery building is unique and is one of the oldest surviving brewery structures in Wisconsin. Mr. Unaka said that the brewery building is a learning tool for his students and himself. Mr. Bryant moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen. There were no objections. Ald. Bauman moved to recommend permanent historic designation of the New Bavaria Brewery a/k/a the Franz Falk Brewing Company at 639-641 S. 29th Street based on its fulfillment of criteria e 1 and e 5 of Section 320-21(3) of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances. Mr. Bryant seconded. (Prevailed 3-1-1) 		SUBSTITUTEDPass3:1 Action details Video Video
121601 1 ResolutionSubstitute resolution relating to the permanent historic designation for the New Bavaria Brewery a/k/a the Franz Falk Brewing Company at 639-641 S. 29th Street, in the 8th Aldermanic District.RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION AND ASSIGNEDPass3:1 Action details Video Video
121632 04.ResolutionSubstitute resolution denying a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of the house and garage at 832 N. 29th Street in the Concordia Historic District for Barbara Holzmann, T.O.D.

Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich said that this Dutch Colonial Revival house had a fire that was limited to its attic area. There is a tarp on the back end of the house where the damage occurred. The vinyl siding to the house did not melt from the fire. DNS has not issued a raze order and thinks the damage can be repaired. Staff recommends against approval of a COA for the demolition of the house and garage. Brian Kraus, DNS inspector, said that the fire was minor and confined to the third floor finished bedroom resulting in damages to only the surface finishes. There was no damage to any rafters, ceiling joists, wall studs, or floor system. Improvements to the house are assessed over $81,000, and the threshold to condemn this historic property was not satisfied here. The fire occurred in October 2012. Mr. Williams moved for a public hearing, seconded by Ald. Bauman. There were no objections. Individual from the public appearing in support for a Certificate of Appropriateness: Barbara Holzmann, property owner Ms. Holzmann said the house has been independently appraised at $49,000 in improvements, been vacant, been vandalized, has no heat, and is missing plumbing. Her insurance company will pay for demolition but will not pay for repairs. She has no money, is filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and owes back taxes. She will abandon the property and welcomes foreclosure if the Commission denies her request for demolition. Ald. Bauman said that the house has had poor ownership resulting in this property to being vandalized and a problem on the block. Mr. Bryant moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen. There were no objections. Mr. Williams moved denial, seconded by Mr. Bryant of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the house and garage at 832 N. 29th Street in the Concordia Historic District. (Prevailed 4-0-1) 		SUBSTITUTEDPass4:0 Action details Video Video
121632 1 ResolutionSubstitute resolution denying a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of the house and garage at 832 N. 29th Street in the Concordia Historic District for Barbara Holzmann, T.O.D.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Video Video
121693 05.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new 4-story office building at 1036 W. Juneau Avenue in the Pabst Brewery Historic District for Blue Ribbon Redevelopment Fund III, LLC.

Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich gave an overview on the staff report and proposal for a new five story office building on 11th Street and Juneau Avenue. Next to the Brew House building, the new building will have a pop-up roof with a deep overhang, a pop-up wall underneath the roof, parking structure on the first two floors, glass walls, and screening art directly behind glass at the corner pavilion to hide parking. There will be a small park between the building and the Brew House where a lobby and office floors will be located.. The building will be primarily composed of glass, brick, and metal. Staff recommends approval of the new building but would like further review on properly screening and lighting the art at the corner pavilion. Matthew Rinka, Rinka Chung Architecture, said that his firm did some investigation on screening artwork and its plan for the art. The screen will be directly behind the glass about one or two feet and will portray the modern building with a historic image to reflect the former Wagon House for the Pabst Brewery. The artwork would be interchangeable and be made out of metal or stretched fabric. The intention is to not completely obscure the parking but to draw interest with an artistic representation at the corner. A lounge and meeting space will be located on the ground floor facing the small park. Lighting of the artwork will need further exploration during construction of the building and will depend on the material of the art. Light would be best located in front of a metal art piece and behind a fabric art piece. Mr. Jarosz questioned the occupancy of the new building, future signage, and owner of the small park? Mr. Rinka replied that there is negotiation with one potential full occupant on the first floor and that other floors would be open to multiple tenants. Further signage on the building will eventually come as separate submissions. The Brew House owns the small park. Mr. Bryant moved approval, seconded by Ald. Bauman, of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new 5 story office building at 1036 W. Juneau Avenue in the Pabst Brewery Historic District based on staff recommendation with the condition that screening and lighting of the corner pavilion be subject to staff review and approval. There were no objections.		ADOPTEDPass5:0 Action details Video Video
     Mr. Williams left the meeting at 4:55 p.m.    Roll call Not available
121645 06.ResolutionResolution relating to a certificate of appropriateness for the installation of an accessible ramp at 1727 S. 9th Street in the Mitchell Street Historic District for St. Anthony Congregation.

Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich said that the ramp will be at the rear of the old convent building. It will be a switch type of ramp providing an easy and safe means of access to the lower level of the building. It will be made of concrete and steel, which matches the steel fencing already on the property. The proposed ramp is an exemplary example. On behalf of staff, Mr. Jakubovich recommended approval. Mr. Hoeschen questioned the removal and replacement of windows on the building? Mr. Jakubovich replied that the window removals and replacements will likely be reviewed at the staff level. Mr. Bryant moved approval, seconded by Ald. Bauman, of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of an accessible ramp at 1727 S. 9th Street. There were no objections.		ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Video Video
121707 07.ResolutionResolution relating to a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of an old 2-car garage and the construction of a new 2-car garage at 2717 E. Belleview Place in the North Point North Historic District for Thomas Maloney and Geraldine Peterson.

Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich gave an overview of the staff report. The proposals are for the demolition of the current garage behind the house and construction of a new garage at the same site. The new garage will be a hipped roof structure with a roof pitch of 8 inches and 12 inches, early motor type era, taller side walls, two sets of upper acting garage doors, wood trim, freeze boards at the top of the walls, and water table at the bottom of the walls. Staff suggest use of either smooth cement board siding or wood siding with matching wood trim and that the north elevation have a board angled more steeply instead of a shelf like water table. The owner of the house would like to use grand manor shingles on the roofs of the new garage and existing house. On behalf of staff, Mr. Jakubovich recommends approval but suggests that the roof shingle material not be grand manor shingle. Grand manor shingles have not been approved on a local historic district house. Cases of this type of shingle in the neighborhood where this garage is being proposed have been done either without a COA or prior to the district being designated historic. This type of shingle has not been typically approved at the state or federal level. The shingle is not naturally looking, has a ginger bread appearance, and has a staggered, layered look. Thomas Maloney, property owner, appeared and gave comments. Two other homes within the block have roofs with grand manor shingles. These homes look very nice with the shingles. The State will only give him a 25 percent tax credit if the shingle material was tile, but that would be too costly. The State did not oppose use of grand manor shingles. He would like to use grand manor shingles on the new garage and existing house. These shingles looked the best to him. He has other credits going on with the State. He is considering doing stucco for the siding on the garage. Mr. Maloney questioned why the grand manor shingles would not be appropriate on the new garage? Mr. Jarosz replied that the desire is for simplicity and straightforwardness for garages. Shingles on garages should be of the basic type, not made to mimic stone, and not be of the expensive type. Others who have placed grand manor shingles on their properties in the area have done so without a COA. Mr. Jakubovich said that approval of the grand manor shingle can damage the City and threaten the district’s status as a National Register historic district. Ms. Hatala said that inappropriate alterations, such as using grand manor shingles, would jeopardize future tax credit availability for the property owner. Mr. Bryant moved for a public hearing, seconded by Ald. Bauman. There were no objections. Mr. Jakubovich said that two letters of concern were received, but the letters did not pertain to preservation matters. Mr. Hoeschen moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Bryant. There were no objections. Ald. Bauman moved approval, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen, for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demotion of an old two car garage and the construction of a new two car garage at 2717 E. Belleview Place with the condition that the garage roof shingle material be subject to staff review and approval. There were no objections.		ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Video Video
   8. Selection of the Cream of the Cream City Award Winners.

Minutes note: Mr. Jarosz said that the original location, Hilton Garden Inn, for the 2012 awards ceremony fell through. The new proposed place is the Best Place at 901 W. Juneau Ave. The date of the awards is May 15, 2013. Mr. Hoeschen moved approval, seconded by Ald. Bauman, of Best Place as the location of the awards ceremony and May 15, 2013 as the date of the awards ceremony. There were no objections. Ms. Hatala passed out award ballots to those commissioners in attendance and said that the other members not in attendance will also be given ballots. She added that the award ballots will be collected and tallied. Results will be sent out to the commissioners regarding the official winners. Ms. Hatala proceeded to give an overview on the following 2012 categories and candidates on the ballot: Whole House Renovation\Restoration Category at 2210 2212 N. Sherman Blvd., 2401 North 4th St., and 2449 2451 N. 2nd St. (Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp. (NIDC) for three residential properties) Adaptive Use into Hotel Category – 611 N. Broadway (Hilton Garden Hotel/Loyalty Block/North Western Mutual Headquarter) Whole House Renovation/Restoration/Landscape Category – 800 N. Marchall St. (Milo P. Jewett House) Back from the Brink Category – 3402 W. St. Paul Ave. (Samuel Weinstock House), 4381 N. 26th St. (Walter H. Mandel House Model 6A), 2837 N. Grant Blvd. (Streff/Lefco House) Whole House Restoration Category – 749 N. 31st St. (House) Residential Restoration Category – 2339 3231 W. McKinley Blvd. (Duplex) Porch Restoration Category 2685 N. Lake Dr. (Francis N. Snavely House) Government Structure/Complete Restoration Category – 2650 N. Wahl Ave. to 3233 E. Kenwood Blvd. (South Lion Bridge) Preservation Stewardship Category – 3131 S. 27th St. (Leon’s Custard) Adaptive Use Category – 2122 W. Mount Vernon (City Lights/Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc./West Side Gas Plant) Preservation Advocacy Category – (Milwaukee Preservation Alliance) Restoration Category – 2803 and 2813 E. Belleview Pl. (Carlyle Apartments) 		    Video Video
   9. Discussion of the City Hall Terra Cotta Repair Work.

Minutes note: Jim Owczarski, City Clerk, appeared and gave a summary on the City Hall terra cotta repair work. The City engaged to rehabilitate City Hall some years ago with use of federal tax credits for that purpose. City Hall is a federally designated structure. There was a simplified COA issued for the work, which is in the record of the Commission. The work has unfortunately shown some difficulties and is being investigated. Litigation is likely to occur. The key missing piece at the moment is identifying the proposal on the defective work. Whenever the scope of work is known, it should return to the Commission for review, likely through the COA process. Mr. Jarosz asked that there be clarification about the Commission’s authority, responsibility, and expected roles on the matter. The Commission would be concerned with the replacement work that would impact the architectural and historic appearance of the building. He added that he was concerned about structural improvements that might sacrifice the architectural integrity of the building, the timeframe of the repair work, and perception that the Commission creates unnecessary problems. Proper documentation for an evaluation should be given to the Commission in a timely fashion and not at the last minute if the Commission has the authority to review them. Mr. Bryant said that he recalled the disagreement with the contractors over the type of mortar to be used when the project first came up. The current situation was predicted and addressed by the Commission then. The review and evaluation of the experts must be seriously considered. Mr. Owczarski said that there should be nothing that would prevent the Commission from expecting that the repair work would be submitted for COA review once the work and solution are known after resolution from potential litigation. The situation is not a simple one, and Commission staff is capable to undertake a review in concert with the Commission. More communication will be brought to the Commission as more information is known. Mr. Jakubovich said that Commission staff would like to be involved early in the process to resolve, express its concerns at the very least, and understand the formulation of the repair work at City Hall. Mr. Jarosz said that the review should be an efficient process with staff acting as a filter to see the large scope of work. Staff should bring only those items, such as items that are visible from the sidewalk, to the Commission that are concerning and reviewable under the ordinance and Commission by laws. The depth and amount of time spent by the Commission four or five years ago regarding the mortar and other work on City Hall should not be expected to be the same or as thorough for the upcoming repair work.		    Video Video
   10. Announcements and Updates.

Minutes note: Ms. Hatala annoucned the plaquing event for the National Landmark at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center on April 26, 2013 and the 2013 Spring Conference on April 27, 2013 at the Milton House in Milton.		    Video Video
   11. The Following Files Represent Staff Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:

Minutes note: Mr. Hoeschen moved approval, seconded by Mr. Bryant, of the staff approved Certificates of Appropriateness. There were no objections.		    Video Video
121702 0a.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a new opening and new wood window in the basement at 2018 N. 2nd Street in the Brewers Hill Historic District for Christopher Rasch.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
121708 0b.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for the removal of 4 existing cell antennas and the installation of 6 new cell antennas at 1020 W. Historic Mitchell Street in the Mitchell Street Historic District for Sprint.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
121711 0c.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for the reconstruction of the front masonry porch, tuckpointing on the house and chimney and replacement of cracked limestone sills at 3002 W. State Street in the Concordia Historic District for Patrick Kennelly.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
121727 0d.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a new rooftop HVAC unit at 1310 E. Brady Street in the Brady Street Historic District for JWK Management LLC.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
121732 0e.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of an exterior central air conditioning unit at 2717 E. Bradford Avenue in the North Point North Historic District for Regan Hindman.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
121735 0f.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of new internally-illuminated signage at 2630 N. Downer Avenue in the Downer Avenue Historic District for Downer Cleaners.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
121766 0g.ResolutionResolution relating to a Certificate of Appropriateness for grinding and scraping the sky bridge at 1203 N. 10th Street to prepare it for new paint in the Pabst Brewery Historic District for Brewery Project, LLC.ADOPTEDPass4:0 Action details Not available
     Meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m. Chris Lee, Staff Assistant    Not available
     This meeting can be viewed in its entirety through the City's Legislative Research Center at http://milwaukee.legistar.com/calendar.    Not available