From: Tracy Habermehl Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2025 4:49 PM To: Owczarski, Jim; Elmer, Linda Cc: Dantzler, Akuwa; Coggs, Milele Subject: 1747 N. 6th St - Historic Designation Objection Hello Please accept this email as our objection to the historic preservation of 1747 N. 6th St. The Salvation Army operates a much needed homeless shelter at 1730 N. 7th St since 1979. As one of the larger shelters (120 beds) in Milwaukee that accepts men, women and children, you can imagine the toll it takes on a building. For years, we have been raising money to build a better, more efficient building. These fundraising efforts have been in the works for almost 3 years now. During preliminary stages, the city often stated that we can best serve the community if we stay in the area that we are. The Deer District and other wonderful improvements to the area has made real estate acquisition quite the task. When 1747 N. 6th St became available, it only made sense for us build where some of the most vulnerable people have found us for the past 45+ years. We hope it’s understood The Salvation Army’s commitment to serving people in the city of Milwaukee. It is our goal to create a safe space for the homeless that enter our building. To accomplish that, we need build a purpose built building that allows us to meet the needs of the men, women and children that need shelter and basic needs. The building (1747 N. 6th St) is being razed to accommodate the construction of the Salvation Army Center for Hope. This new three-story center will include a clinic office, respite rooms, family rooms and single occupant rooms (136+ beds). Administrative offices and dining spaces will be included to serve the population, also. The 1747 building is adjacent to the Salvation Army facility (1730) and will allow construction of the new facility while the existing building remains in service. When the new facility is finished, the existing Salvation Army building (1730 N. 7th St.) will be razed to accommodate a future Phase 2 construction project, parking, and outdoor play space. Reuse of the existing structure at 1747 N. 6th Street would not be possible in accomplishing the goals of the Center for Hope project. The one-story structure does not have the ability to be expanded. We’ve also had a recent conversation with Alderwoman Coggs about our hopeful plan and she expressed her support. We have also share the drawings with her. Since receiving information regarding the historic designation of 1747 N. 6th St., we have been educating ourselves on the Central City Plaza, as well as Mr. Alonzo Robinson. We believe that he also designed our current shelter at 1730 N. 7th St. As you have read, it is our plan to eventually demolish that building, also. The 1730 building was a motor lodge for some time until the City of Milwaukee donated it to our organization. Similar to Mr. Robinson, The Salvation is very dedicated to this community and only wish to make improvements and serve the needs of those in it. Thank you for your consideration in approving our request to demolish 1747 N. 6th St. I will be attending the January 13 meeting and will have schematic drawings with me, if interested. Tracy Habermehl The Salvation Army | Divisional Headquarters| Divisional Property Administrator 11315 W. Watertown Plank Rd Wauwatosa, WI 53226 Direct: 414-755-4215 Cell: 414-640-4840