Summary

Historic Preservation Commission (Dec 8, 2025) — holds on storefront and canopy reviews; approves elevator removal and multiple COAs; forwards Brady & Farwell designation

MilwaukeeDec 8, 20253 min read

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The Commission met Dec. 8, 2025, holding review of a proposed storefront replacement and a Wells Street canopy, adopting removal of an interior elevator shaft at St. Mary’s Hospital, placing several files on record, recommending formal historic designation for the Brady & Farwell Historic District, and approving numerous staff Certificates of Appropriateness for residential and commercial repairs and alterations.

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

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Key decisions

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File 251026 (235 S. 2nd St. — storefront replacement, South 2nd Street Historic District): Motion to HOLD IN COMMITTEE prevailed.
File 251222 (2311 N. Sherman Blvd. — retroactive approval for vinyl replacement windows): Motion to PLACE ON FILE prevailed.
File 251226 (2320–2388 N. Lake Drive, St. Mary’s Hospital — removal of interior elevator shaft): Motion to ADOPT (approval with staff-recommended conditions) prevailed.
File 251234 (2543 N. 47th St. — roof replacement, 47th Street Bungalow Historic District): Commission placed the file on record; staff recommended denial of the Brava synthetic slate product but would accept concrete/clay tile if insurance will not cover those options.
File 251241 (University Club, 924 E. Wells St. — entrance canopy and alterations): Commission approved the other three proposed items but HELD the Wells Street entrance canopy in committee for further revisions and review.
File 251231 (Brady and Farwell Historic District designation): Motion to RECOMMEND FOR ADOPTION and ASSIGN to the ZONING, NEIGHBORHOODS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE prevailed.
Multiple staff-approved Certificates of Appropriateness were ADOPTED for a range of work including door/transom replacements, wood storm windows, wood and masonry repairs, porch and trim repairs, HVAC and rooftop equipment, chimney reconstruction, parking-lot/ATM alterations, and installation of additional rooftop solar panels (e.g., files 250827, 251134, 251138, 251139, 251150, 251337, 251254, 251363 among others).
File 250373 (Certified Local Government review of National Register nomination for Milwaukee County Department of Welfare Building / former Schuster’s) was HELD IN COMMITTEE.

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