Fitchburg Landmarks Commission Meeting - September 28, 2026

This was the first meeting of the Fitchburg Landmarks Commission in approximately four years. The meeting included the approval of a certificate of appropriateness for exterior modifications to a historic Queen Anne farmhouse, discussion of renaming the property from the Rudin property to the Bitney property, and future planning for historic preservation efforts in the city.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from October 26, 2022, were unanimously approved. Chair Michael Coolard noted that the previous meeting was primarily a "meet and greet" with the new city planner, Deanna Schmidt, and no action was taken.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 5329 Lacey Road (Rudin/Bitney Property):
  • Owners Kevin and Julie Stefanchek presented a request for exterior modifications to their historic Queen Anne farmhouse, built circa 1887.
  • Proposed changes include: replacement of all windows and exterior trim, removal of one window on the east elevation for a kitchen renovation, and a new paint color palette.
  • The owners explained extensive water damage discovered during interior renovations, including rotted sills and trim, and infestations of carpenter ants. They argued that the window removal is not precedent-setting due to previous 1990s modifications and that it will not affect primary street-facing elevations.
  • Commissioners expressed support for the window replacement, noting that the new windows (Elevate brand, fiberglass exterior with wood interior) would be more historically appropriate than the existing mixed windows and storm windows.
  • Kevin Stefanchek described his plan to custom-mill wood trim to match existing profiles, using cedar for durability, and to hand-match the siding by ripping down wider boards to the correct exposure.
• Paint Colors:
  • The owners requested a four-color palette (whites, gray, and green) inspired by French country styles and found within a historic palette. They plan to retain the existing pattern of color accents on architectural details like corbels and posts, replacing current yellows and oranges.
  • Commissioners noted that the current colorful scheme was previously approved by the commission, and that paint is reversible. Some expressed preference for greater contrast and definition between architectural features.
• Window Removal:
  • Most commissioners agreed the removal is appropriate because the window is not original, is on a rear/side elevation, and is not visible from the public right-of-way. Commissioner Amy Steiger requested extensive documentation (photos, measurements) be retained for future reference.
  • The owners confirmed they will preserve any removed historic elements and will stagger replaced siding to blend with existing.
• Renaming the Property:
  • Chair Michael Coolard raised the issue of renaming the property from the "Rudin property" to the "Bitney property," reflecting the family believed to have built the house.
  • He noted that former owners Joe and Karen Rudin had indicated support for the change, saying they did not commission the home's construction.
  • Commissioners discussed the historic survey report from 2019, which states the house is "believed to have been built for the Bitneys circa 1887." The Bitneys were a farming family, and Alfred Bitney was a Civil War veteran.
  • City planner Deanna Schmidt advised that a formal name change would require a new resolution approved by the commission and the Common Council. Commissioners directed staff to proceed with recommending the "Bitney property" name.
• Wisconsin Historical Society Annual Conference:
  • Chair Coolard proposed that the commission consider attending or participating in the Wisconsin Historical Society's annual local history and historic preservation conference, noting that attending such conferences in the past led to valuable initiatives like the city's historic property survey.
  • Commissioner Michael Stevens, a retired State Historic Preservation Officer, recommended the commission also join the Wisconsin Association of Local Historic Preservation Commissions (annual membership ~$30-45) to receive newsletters and training opportunities.
  • Alder Logan Reichsteed noted that the 2027 proposed budget includes $540 for four Landmarks Commission meetings. He offered to explore using existing funds or introducing a budget amendment for conference-related expenses.
• Historic Property Signage and Public Awareness:
  • The commission revisited a pre-COVID discussion about installing signage at bike trails or other public locations to highlight Fitchburg's historic properties, which are scattered rather than in a single district.
  • Commissioner Eric Ernest suggested potential locations like the former train depot foundations visible from bike trails.
  • Alder Reichsteed proposed that the city could create social media posts or videos about historic properties as a low-cost awareness tool.
  • The commission discussed an interactive map on the Fitchburg Historical Society website as a potential template for physical signage, possibly placed at properties like the McCoy farmhouse.
• Comprehensive Plan:
  • City planner Deanna Schmidt informed the commission that the city is beginning its comprehensive plan update, with a working group meeting on October 20 and a public open house on October 21 at Hostahochi (the new hub park on Traceway Drive). She encouraged commission involvement, noting that cultural and historic resources are typically part of such plans.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: A certificate of appropriateness was unanimously approved for the Stefancheks' proposed modifications at 5329 Lacey Road, including window replacement, trim replacement, window removal on the east elevation, and new paint colors, subject to documentation of the removed window.
• Directed: Staff and the alder representative will begin the process to formally rename the property from the "Rudin property" to the "Bitney property" via a new resolution for the commission and Common Council.
• Decision Made: Staff will explore options for using the $540 budgeted for commission meetings (or other funds) to facilitate membership in the Wisconsin Association of Local Historic Preservation Commissions and potential attendance at the state historical society conference.
• No Action Taken: Discussion of historic property signage was tabled pending further exploration of locations and funding, but the city's social media outreach approach will be further developed.
• Next Steps: The commission will stay involved in the comprehensive plan update process and will consider updated information on the Rudin/Bitney property's legal description (now just under one acre, down from 14.42 acres) in the renaming resolution.