Landmarks Commission Meeting - October 7, 2026

The Landmarks Commission met on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Waukesha City Hall. The meeting covered the Paint and Repair Grant Fund status, three Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for exterior alterations in historic districts, and reports from the Alderman and Springs Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (ID#26-04268): The minutes from the September 2, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously with no changes.

Paint and Repair Grant Fund Report

• Staff presented the 2026 grant status: $25,000 was allocated for the year, all of which has been committed to 16 grants. As of October 7, five grants totaling $5,191.50 have been reimbursed (paid by October 9). One additional grant (1315 East Broadway, $3,000) is pending proof of payment. No further grant money is available for 2026; applicants completing work in 2027 may apply for next year’s grant cycle.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appropriateness for 323 McCall St. (Gutter Replacement): The applicants, homeowners Mary Lou and Darren Lillian, requested approval to replace existing half-round gutters with K-style gutters due to drainage issues and age. Staff noted that previous approvals for K-style gutters only applied to replacing existing K-style; replacing half-round with K-style was a new precedent. Commissioners debated historic integrity, installation concerns, and cost. The homeowners cited a survey showing only 10% of district homes have half-round gutters. After discussion, the commission voted to approve the COA, allowing the homeowner to choose either full half-round replacement (if feasible) or K-style gutters. The motion passed with one nay vote. Commissioners acknowledged this may set a precedent for similar future requests.
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 250 W. Broadway (Door Hinges and Glass Replacement): Applicant Nancy Wilson (owner of Lost Art Fiber and Textile Studio) seeks to replace inoperable historic door hinges and install tempered glass in the door of Suite 1 at the former Metropolitan Building (1917). The hinges currently are a unique historic style that opened both ways; the applicant proposes to use standard hinges matching the building’s main entrance. The commission unanimously approved the COA, as the changes will restore functionality and improve security while preserving the door frames.
• Certificate of Appropriateness for 134 W. Laflin Ave. (Basement Window Replacement): The homeowner was not present. The application seeks to replace broken basement windows with glass block windows. Commissioners expressed concerns about the visibility from the street and suggested exploring other window options (e.g., traditional windows). The commission voted to hold the item until the homeowner can attend a future meeting to discuss alternatives and provide cost comparisons.

Alderman's Report

• Alderman Mike Christensen announced upcoming community events: "Waukesha Unlocked" tours on October 10–11, the "Tombstone Trot" fundraiser at Prairie Home Cemetery on October 18, and Veterans Day events on November 7 and 11.

Springs Report

• Commissioner Tony Lanza reported a successful morning cleanup at Minooka Spring by GPS Education Partners, including new mulch and removal of fallen trees. The Springs are ready for tours on Sunday, October 11 at 10 AM, Noon, and 2 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Paint and Repair Grant Fund — no further allocations for 2026; 2027 funding of $25,000 is expected via CDBG (pending federal approval).
• 323 McCall St. COA approved (1 nay) with option for homeowner to choose between half-round or K-style gutters.
• 250 W. Broadway COA approved unanimously.
• 134 W. Laflin Ave. COA held until November meeting pending homeowner's presence and additional window options.
• Next meeting: Scheduled for November? (Not explicitly stated, but implied by November grant update and hold item.)