Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – June 1, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Room 301-B of City Hall. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting addressed 17 agenda items related to Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for properties in various historic districts, with most items approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:39 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5–13 and 15–17: Staff-approved COAs were adopted en masse by a unanimous vote (7-0). These covered routine repairs, replacements, and signage at properties in the North Point North, Grant Boulevard, North Point South, West Avenues West, and other historic districts, as well as for individually designated properties including Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, and Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church.
• Minutes: The minutes from the May 4, 2026 meeting were approved without objection.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – 2610 W. Port Sunlight Way (Garden Homes Historic District): Applicant Wesley Bentil reported that replacement windows and stucco repair were completed per the staff-approved COA. He raised a new issue about needing to redo a porch and porch rail by July. Senior Planner Andrew Stern agreed to work with him and asked for follow-up via phone or email. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the staff-approved COA.
• Item 2 – 213 W. Brown Street (Brewers Hill Historic District): A comprehensive exterior renovation was presented by applicant Shannon Brennan and staff. The project includes removing replacement asphalt siding to expose historic clapboard, rehabilitating 10 historic windows, replacing two deteriorated windows with solid wood matches, adding a new deck and French doors, and demolishing a non-historic exterior stairway. Commissioners advised consulting Aker Millwork for high-quality storm windows and cautioned about the thickness of new sheathing affecting historic trim relationships, as well as proper insulation and vapor barriers to prevent mold. The motion to approve with standard wood conditions and the additional comment to monitor trim relationships passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 3 – 1300 W. Historic Mitchell Street (Mitchell Street Historic District): A project for a new Bank of America branch replacing a former Dollar Tree was presented by engineers Connor Hansen and Julie Clark Kovalsky. Changes include 11 new trees and 55 shrubs in the parking lot, a freestanding drive-up ATM with brick veneer, and signage. Commissioners requested that signage fit properly within existing projecting brick frames and that original terracotta awning hook surrounds be preserved. It was emphasized that storefront windows must remain clear glass without opaque clings or tinting to ensure visibility into the waiting area. Revised plans were presented at the meeting. The motion to approve with staff conditions and the specific requirement for clear glass passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 4 – 4377 N. 25th Street (Garden Homes Historic District): Held to the call of the chair due to the applicant's absence. Unanimous vote (7-0).
• Item 14 – 2377 N. Sherman Blvd. (Sherman Boulevard Historic District): Retroactive approval of vinyl windows was held to the call of the chair until the following month. Unanimous vote (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All decisions were unanimous (7-0) on every item brought to a vote.
• Approvals: COAs were approved for items 1, 2, 3, and for all staff-approved items (5–13 and 15–17).
• Holds: Items 4 and 14 were held in committee.
• Next Steps: For item 1, staff will work with the applicant on porch repairs. For item 2, the applicant was directed to monitor trim relationships and consider insulation strategies. For item 3, the applicant must ensure clear glass in storefront windows and sign adjustments.
• Updates: The Wisconsin Local History and Historic Preservation Conference will be held at the downtown Hyatt in Milwaukee in October 2026—the first time in the city. Staff encouraged commissioners to attend.