HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 4.12.23
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CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
April 12th 2023
PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paulette Feld, Gerald Jacklin, Sara Stichert, Kristopher
Ulrich, Steve Cummings
ABSENT: Bill Miller, Nikki Stoll Olthoff
STAFF: Jeffrey Witte, Principal Planner
Meeting Minutes:
1) Call to Order
Ms. Brabender Mattox called the meeting to order at 3 pm. Approval of March 8th, 2023
Meeting Minutes.
There was no amendment to the March minutes. Motion to approve the amendment
minutes by Mr. Ulrich and second by Ms. Feld.
2) Public Comment
There was no public comment
3) Accessibility lift replacement in the lobby of the Grand Opera House –
Jon Urben, Terry Smith, and Mike Blank City of Oshkosh’s General Services
Division presented the lift replacement project for the lobby of the Grand Opera
House. The state of Wisconsin Historical Society will be notified of the project.
4) Downtown BID Update – Jessie Meidl
Jessie Meidl from the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District (BID)
presented proposed mural improvements in the district.
a. Greetings Tour – A postcard mural is being proposed on the side of Main
Street known as the Roxy Building. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the
National Park Standards do not recommend painting on historic masonry.
The Roxy building has been painted on before. BID has focused on blighted
walls for murals. Ms. Meidl explained the artwork in each letter on the
postcard mural.
Mr. Ulrich made a motion to approve the rendered design on the side of the
Roxy Park garage as presented by the BID, seconded by Ms. Feld. All in
favor, no one opposed.
b. Vibrant Spaces Grant – Ms. Meidl explained that the BID applied for a 50/50
match grant for place-making activities. These included murals, seating, and
lighting improvements in the alley in the block of Main Street. Ms. Feld, Mr.
If you are unable to attend this meeting, notify staff (920-236-5059).
If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact the office of Planning Services at
andersonrach@ci.oshkosh.wi.us or 920-236-5059.
Ulrich, and Ms. Brabender Mattox reiterated the Landmarks Commission’s
position of not painting on historic brick. Mr. Ulrich asked if the Landmarks
Commission could reach out to the BID about this issue. Ms. Meidl stated
that she will bring it back to the BID for discussion.
c. 576 N. Main Street Mural - Ms. Meidl showed a peek-a-boo mural on the side
of the building. Ms. Meidl stated that the mural is being painted on existing
concrete block.
Ms. Brabender Mattox recommended consulting with the Oshkosh Fine Arts Association
and artists from the University of Oshkosh on Downtown projects. Ms. Meidl stated she
is working with the Oshkosh Art Collective on the downtown alley project.
5) Acanthus Nominations – Mr. Cummings nominated 601 S. Main. Motion made by Mr.
Cummings to nominate 601 S Main for an Acanthus Award. Seconded by Ms. Feld. Mr.
Cummings amended his motion to include 603, and 605 S. Main. The motion was
approved unanimously with no further discussion. Mr. Jacklin nominated the Cabrini
School Lofts, seconded by Mr. Ulrich. Ms. Brabender Mattox nominated 926 N. Main
Street (Former Mccomb Home), seconded by Ms. Feld. Discussion about wood siding
being maintained. A motion was made to nominate 926 Main Street for an Acanthus
Award and was approved unanimously with no further discussion. Acanthus Awards
will be on the City Council Meeting Agenda for the second meeting in May.
6) Pending Permits
a. 411 N Main Street – This permit will remain pending until further
information is provided from the applicant. Restoration first followed by
wood window replacements is recommended by the Commission. We will
continue to work with the owner. Ms. Feld mentioned the Neighborhood
Grant Program.
7) Historic Plaque Application
a. 1641 Jackson Street - application remains pending, looking for additional
information.
b. 413 North Main – Ms. Brabender Mattox will start the application process.
Ms. Feld mentioned a humanities council mini-grant application. Working
group to continue exploring exhibits honoring Lewis Hine.
c. 222 East Parkway Avenue – Efforts continue to contact the current owner and
let them know about the program to identify historic properties in the City of
Oshkosh. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that the Oshkosh Women’s Art Club
voted to pay for the plaque.
If you are unable to attend this meeting, notify staff (920-236-5059).
If anyone requires reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact the office of Planning Services at
andersonrach@ci.oshkosh.wi.us or 920-236-5059.
8) Commissioner Statements
a. Oshkosh Herald Article – continued discussion about topics for articles were
discussed. Ms. Brabender Mattox wrote the article for last month titled,
“How do people know they are in a historic district and what does that
mean”, and “What are the benefits of being in a historic district”? The
Oshkosh Herald appreciates the quality of the articles coming from the
Landmarks Commission. Mr. Ulrich to write April’s article. “Architectural
styles are not just a character home”, using the example of Tudor Revival.
Joshua has two articles ready for the month of May. Mr. Cummings to look at
existing articles about the historic Oshkosh businesses on the waterfront for
the month of June. Ms. Brabender Mattox would like to write an article about
bungalows in July.
b. Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that at the WAPAC Conference, next week a
sample of the conference sessions include “Historic District Design Standards
and Guidelines” and “Church Architecture: Why Preserve and Nominate
Churches”. Cabrini Flats will be nominated for an adapted reuse award.
9) Annual Report
Annual Report to be completed by May so that it can be presented to the City of
Oshkosh’s Council.
10) Building Permit Review
The commission reviewed the Northwestern Building and the Reed School entry permit.
11) Agenda Items for Next Meeting
a. 1220 Algoma Blvd – Historic Preservation Program
b. Lewis Hine Working Group
12) Adjournment
Ms. Brabender Mattox called the meeting to adjourn at 5:10pm.