Historic Preservation Commission acts on mothballing, window and garage requests; ratifies staff approvals

The Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 6 voted on a series of routine and contested preservation matters, extending temporary protections for one property, approving common repair requests on others, denying one proposed alteration and ratifying a group of staff-level approvals.

The commission unanimously voted to extend mothball status for 266 East Erie Street (the Catherine Foley Tavern) for six months while the owner continues fundraising and weatherproofing work. Staff reported the building is currently watertight, with a temporary EDPM roof membrane and boarded windows and doors; a six-month review was scheduled.

The commission also approved a certificate of repose for partial window replacement at 2452 North Grama Boulevard (Grant Boulevard Historic District) for Robin Anderson. Staff found the windows predated the owner’s purchase and recommended approval under the applicable repose criteria; the motion carried.

A request by Amber Walker at 2864 North Sherman Boulevard (Sherman Boulevard Historic District) to fill two bathroom windows with glass block was denied. Staff recommended against glass block because the applicant could use privacy glass or install an interior new window within the existing opening; the commission voted to deny the application.

At 2135 North Lake Drive (Northpointe South Historic District) the commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace and refinish an attached three-car garage as presented; staff recommended approval noting no change to footprint and materials compatible with the district.

The commission ratified staff-approved certificates of appropriateness for files numbered 250817 through 250978 (items 9–24 on the agenda) in a single motion and placed on file a previously filed nomination for Central City Plaza Building 3 (item 25) because that property is now part of a newly designated district.

Several other items on the agenda were held for more information, including a door replacement at 2105 East Lafayette Place and a rooftop solar proposal at 2591 North Summit Avenue; both hearings were continued to allow applicants to provide additional documentation and contractor/technical information.

Votes at a glance
- File 240748 (266 E. Erie St., Catherine Foley Tavern): Motion to extend mothball status six months — approved (unanimous).
- File 250774 (2452 N. Grama Blvd., Robin Anderson): Certificate of repose for partial window replacement — approved.
- File 250826 (2864 N. Sherman Blvd., Amber Walker): COA request to fill bathroom windows with glass block — denied.
- File 250841 (2135 N. Lake Drive, Paula/John): COA for replacement/refinish of attached garage — approved.
- Ratification: Files 250817–250978 (staff-approved COAs items 9–24) — ratified.
- File 250830 (3131 W. Wells St., Charles Danielson/Edenside Apartments): Motion to recommend permanent historic designation to the Common Council — approved (see separate story).

The commission approved its September minutes and the 2026 meeting schedule and closed the meeting noting staff had filed a nomination for the Milwaukee Arena and Miller (Auditorium) Theater.