Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) met on November 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM in City Hall Room 301-B to consider multiple certificates of appropriateness, two proposed historic designations, and routine staff-approved items. Key actions included approvals for mothball status, a pavilion storage extension, chimney removal, after-the-fact rehabilitation, and a new garage with a front porch expansion. Two designation items were held due to improper notification. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Staff-approved Certificates of Appropriateness (items 8–24): Approved en bloc after a motion and second. These included routine repairs, replacements, and alterations across various historic districts and individually designated properties.
• Minutes of October 5, 2026: Approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Emma Rudd (Executive Director, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance) provided an update on the Catherine Foley Tavern (item 1): The building is structurally stabilized, roof protected, engineering and design work completed through design development, and federal and state historic tax credits approved. A capital campaign is planned for 2027. She also noted ongoing graffiti abatement and a temporary protection on the exterior fire escape.
• Jocelyn Slocum (Museum Director, Pabst Mansion) reported no change to the side pavilion, which remains in stable storage with no future plans (item 2).
• Craig Conkle (owner of 2619 W. State Street) assured the commission there would be no demolition on his property and referenced orange fencing around three properties in the area, but no demolition permits were found in the system.
• Keith Barnes (homeowner and architect, 2615 N. Summit Ave) presented the garage and porch expansion proposal (item 6). He explained the proposed LP SmartSide stucco panels cost less than a third of traditional stucco and considered the accessory structure’s location appropriate for modern materials.
• Jim Stearns (neighbor at 2605 N. Summit) expressed support for the garage, noting it would allow turning around on the property instead of backing into the street, improving safety.

Discussion Items

• Item 1: Catherine Foley Tavern Mothball Status (266 E. Erie Street) – Staff recommended approval for another six months. The commission approved unanimously.
• Item 2: Pabst Mansion Side Pavilion (2000 W. Wisconsin Avenue) – Staff recommended renewal of the certificate for another six months. Approved unanimously.
• Items 3 & 7: Permanent Historic Designations – The Clara & Charles Donges House (2619 W. State Street) and expansion of St. Benedict the Moor Church designation (1015 N. 9th Street) were held to the next meeting (December 7, 2026) on advice of the city clerk due to improper notification of owners. The commission discussed the possibility of a demolition permit and the ability to file a temporary designation if needed.
• Item 4: Chimney Removal at 2419 N. Wahl Ave – The rear chimney, no longer in use and structurally compromised, was proposed for removal down to the roofline. Staff noted two more prominent chimneys remain and recommended approval with a condition to patch the roof with matching shingles. Approved.
• Item 5: After-the-fact Exterior Rehabilitation at 116 W. Brown Street – The property owner (Connect the Dots Property Investments LLC) performed extensive work without permits or a certificate of appropriateness. Staff detailed numerous inappropriate treatments (engineered wood siding, glass block windows, removed hood molds, infilled balcony, partial deck construction). The commission approved with seven specific conditions, including replacement of glass block with wood sash windows (privacy glass allowed for bathrooms), replication of removed window hood molds, a stoop and ground-level patio instead of the raised deck, and resolution of the rear door issue.
• Item 6: New Detached Garage and Front Porch Expansion at 2615 N. Summit Ave – The front porch would be extended nine feet on each side with brick knee walls and a planter bed to allow a 24-inch railing (per code). The three-car garage (37 ft x 25 ft, 21 ft tall) would be located in the rear corner, minimally visible from the street. Staff raised concerns about the proposed LP SmartSide pebbled stucco panel (engineered wood with resin coating). After discussion about cost, drainage, and appropriate use on an accessory structure, the commission allowed the material, with the condition that other trim be natural wood. Also required a sidewalk from the personnel door. Approved with staff’s recommendations as modified.

Key Outcomes

• Approved item 1 (mothball status) – motion and second, all aye.
• Approved item 2 (Pabst Mansion pavilion) – motion and second, all aye.
• Held items 3 and 7 to December 7, 2026, due to improper notification.
• Approved item 4 (chimney removal) – motion and second, all aye.
• Approved item 5 (after-the-fact rehabilitation) with seven conditions as recommended by staff – motion and second, all aye.
• Approved item 6 (garage and porch expansion) with staff recommendations and allowance of LP SmartSide panels – motion and second, all aye.
• Approved consent calendar (items 8–24) en bloc.
• Approved minutes of October 5, 2026.
• Adjourned – motion and second, all aye.