Ann Pieper Eisenbrown, Chair

Historic Preservation Commission

City Hall, City of Milwaukee

200 East Wells Street, Room 205

Milwaukee, WI 53202

November 15,  2010

RE: Certificate of Appropriateness requesting the demolition of the buildings at 319-323 and 327 East Wisconsin Avenue and at 625, 627, and 629-631 North Milwaukee Street.

Dear Historic Preservation Commissioners:

Please oppose the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) requesting the demolition of the buildings at 319-323 and 327 East Wisconsin Avenue and at 625, 627, and 629-631 North Milwaukee Street.

The proposed demolition of these historic structures in the 300 block of East Wisconsin Avenue and the 600 block of North Milwaukee Street would disrupt the streetscape continuity which largely consists of historic structures from the nineteenth century and would interrupt the visual connection between other historic districts such as the Third Ward and the 700 block of North Milwaukee Street.

These structures are historically significant buildings that are part of the East Side Commercial Historic District. Because they have been an integral part of the commercial neighborhood and their presence has been designated as historic by the Common Council, they should not be razed! As irreplaceable amenities, they should continue to contribute to the unique cultural wealth of Milwaukee, and also to the economic development by attacting people to our downtown area. 

The Downtown Plan states:

Downtown Milwaukee has numerous historic or historic-quality buildings. Well executed restorations have sparked new life for a number of these buildings. While some buildings retained their original uses others have found new ones when former uses became obsolete. Locally designated contributing historic buildings should be retained and redeveloped in accordance with local preservation requirements.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Thea Kovac

2623 E. Belleview Place

Milwaukee, WI  53211