Waukesha Landmarks Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall, the Landmarks Commission held its regular meeting. Commissioners present: Matt Retzak, Marty Larson, Linda Gourdoux, Tony Lanza, Andrea Dorantes, and Alderman Mike Chrisien. Carmen De La Paz was absent for the first part and joined during the Water Utility building discussion. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• There was no consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made at the start of the meeting. A letter from Mary Emery, President of the Waukesha Preservation Alliance, was read by staff later in the meeting. Emery expressed strong opposition to the proposed demolition of the former Water Utility Pump Station at 445 W. Newhall Ave., noting that six historic structures have been lost to government entities in the last 10 years and urging the Commission to advocate for preservation.

Discussion Items

• Approval of the April 1, 2026 minutes was held over to the next meeting because the March minutes had not been properly addressed.
• Paint & Repair Grant Fund Update: Staff reported $25,000 was allocated for grants this year, with $20,500 still available after previous approvals. Remaining 2025 projects are nearly complete.
• 225 W. Laflin Ave. – Certificate of Appropriateness & Grant (Old Business): The applicant, Matthew Lane, requested approval for repainting and after-the-fact approval for a roof replacement. The house is in the College Avenue Historic District (Nina and Richard E. Roberts House, built 1920). Commission approved the COA and a Paint & Repair Grant of $2,485 (15% of $16,573 estimated paint cost).
• 912 N. Barstow St. – Chimney Removal (William P. Sloan House): The applicant requested removal of a non-functioning chimney on a rear addition. The house is on the National Register but not a local landmark. Commissioners supported removal due to poor condition and lack of use. COA approved.
• 127 Randall St. – Gutters, Siding Repair, Roof Vent (Gustav Gerkie House, Madison Street Historic District): The homeowner, Mitch Rayford, plans to replace gutters (upgrading to 6-inch), repair rotted wood siding, and relocate a roof vent. The project is owner-performed with materials cost of $2,492.74. COA approved; Paint & Repair Grant approved for $500 (above the 15% formula due to sweat equity).
• 215 N. Charles St. – Roof Replacement, Gutter Guards, Repaint (George and Anna Kneepful House, McCall Street Historic District): The homeowner, Lauren Tieman, wants to replace asphalt shingles, add gutter guards, and repaint with existing colors. Total project cost estimated at $36,300. COA approved; Paint & Repair Grant approved for $3,000 (the maximum, rather than 15% of $5,445, to preserve funds for later projects).
• 445 W. Newhall Ave. – Former Water Utility Pump Station: The building is on the National Register but not a local landmark. The water utility plans to demolish it. Since a demolition by a public entity triggers a mitigation negotiation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Commission discussed whether to participate. After debating the lack of information on the building's condition and reuse potential, a motion was made to participate in the SHPO negotiation process and designate Commissioner Marty Larson as the Commission's representative. The motion passed 7-0.
• Springs Report: Staff announced a Springs Cleanup on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Commissioner Marty Larson raised concerns about chronic flooding at Hobo Spring. Alderman Chrisien stated he would make a referral to the Public Works and Parks Departments to explore a long-term solution, possibly using funds from a dedicated springs donation account.
• Alderman's Report: Alderman Chrisien announced his reappointment as the Council representative to the Landmarks Commission. He also reminded about the upcoming Waukesha Unlocked event (historic home tours) in October and encouraged historic property owners to participate.
• Communications: Staff noted a free all-day CAMP (Commissioner Assistance Mentoring Program) training in Fond du Lac on May 16, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Certificates of Appropriateness:
  • 225 W. Laflin Ave. (repaint and after-the-fact roof replacement) – unanimous.
  • 912 N. Barstow St. (chimney removal) – unanimous.
  • 127 Randall St. (gutter replacement, siding repair, roof vent relocation) – unanimous.
  • 215 N. Charles St. (roof replacement, gutter guards, repaint) – unanimous.
• Approved Paint & Repair Grants:
  • 225 W. Laflin Ave.: $2,485 (15% of $16,573).
  • 127 Randall St.: $500 (materials-only project).
  • 215 N. Charles St.: $3,000 (maximum grant, capped from 15% of $36,300).
• Water Utility Building: Commission voted 7-0 to participate in SHPO negotiations and appoint Marty Larson as representative. No formal position on demolition taken; goal is to gather more information and advocate for preservation options.
• Springs: Alderman Chrisien will refer Hobo Spring flooding issue to city departments for a long-term solution.
• Minutes: Approval of March and April minutes postponed to the June 3, 2026 meeting.