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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.10.2024 Minutes Landmarks CommissionCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes April 10th, 2024 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Steve Cummings, Gerald Jacklin, and Sara Stichert, Paulette Feld, and Council Member Karl Buelow ABSENT: Kristopher Ulrich and Nikki Stoll Olthoff STAFF: Amy Fels, Museum Archivist Agenda 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:00pm. 2) Public Comment Jon Fuhrmann with Wrightway Home Improvements was in attendance to present plans for window replacements at 103 High Avenue. The Commission agreed to hear his plans and offer suggestions, but Ms. Fels noted that they could not vote to formally support or disapprove them because the item was not on the agenda. The windows to be replaced are on the south side of the building on the second story, facing away from High Avenue. The windows to be replaced are not original, but earlier replacement windows, and are rotted out, letting in air and water. Ms. Brabender Mattox offered suggestions from current historic building design standards. Ms. Fels told Mr. Fuhrmann that his proposal would be placed on the May agenda so the Commission could formally vote to support or disapprove of the window replacement plan. Mr. Furhmann then left the meeting. 3) Approval of March 13th Meeting Minutes Mr. Cummings motioned to approve the minutes, and Mr. Jacklin seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved via voice vote. 4) 2024 Acanthus Awards The Acanthus Awards will be given in May, Historic Preservation Month, at the second Common Council meeting. The 2024 proposed nominees are Smith School for adaptive reuse, Richard Nebel for his long-running blog on William Waters, and Lee Reiherzer for his blog on Oshkosh beer and brewing history. Mr. Nebel and Mr. Reiherzer were nominated because their blogs represent accessible education resources that contribute to the public’s understanding of local history and architecture. Ms. Feld motioned that the Commission consider the nomination of Smith School, Richard Nebel, and Lee Reiherzer for the 2024 Acanthus Awards. Mr. Cummings seconded. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 5) Plaque Application, 413 N. Main Street The Commission is seeking a plaque for 413 N. Main Street because it was the childhood home of Lewis Hine. Ms. Brabender Mattox connected with the owner and got approval to apply for the plaque. The next step will be to connect with owner and discuss what text will be put on the plaque. Once that is decided, the application can move forward. 6) Section 106 Review a. Jackson/Oregon Street Bridge Ms. Brabender Mattox is continuing her research on this matter in regards the potential that the former Park Plaza mall building could be considered for placement on a historic register on the basis of the building’s architect and architectural merit. Ms. Feld raised concerns about the number of changes that have been made to the building and how it would be hypocritical of the Commission to advocate that the building should be considered for historic preservation when they have not done so in the past for other buildings that have been drastically changed. Mr. Cummings stated that the original concept and execution of the building’s design and purpose could be considered grounds for such consideration. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that when nominating a building, a key component of the nomination is which time period of significance is being considered. b. Verizon Communications antenna, 530 N. Main Street Ms. Brabender Mattox contacted one of the project specialists on this project to ask what the deadline is for submitting a letter commenting on the proposed antenna addition. The Commission has between April 10th and May 3rd to do so. The drawings for this project are somewhat unclear, so Ms. Brabender Mattox is going to call the project specialist to discuss specifics. The Commission agreed that the same standards should be applied as with the U.S. Cellular antenna they reviewed in 2023. 7) Future of Sacred Heart School building Ms. Feld and Ms. Stichert recently attended a public meeting held in regards to the future of the Sacred Heart School building on the corner of W. 5th Avenue and Knapp Street. The building has not been used since 1997 and has not been heated since 2022, when the existing boiler could no longer be fixed. Two area developers who have done rehabilitation and reuse projects in Oshkosh in the past expressed that they do not see restoring the building as a feasible project. The existing hallways are too narrow to comply to ADA requirements, and other problems mean the entire building would have to be gutted to be made safe and up to code. Ms. Feld stated that a vast majority of people in attendance at the meeting did not believe the building could be saved. Before any action can be taken in regards to the building, it must be approved by the parish finance committee, parish board, and the Diocese of Green Bay. Ms. Feld and Ms. Stichert will keep the Commission informed of any future developments. 8) Letter from WHS re: Bauman Block nomination to the National Register Mr. Buelow motioned to approve Ms. Brabender Mattox writing a letter of support for the Bauman Block’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places on behalf of the Landmarks Commission, and Ms. Stichert seconded. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 9) South Side historic properties to consider Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that recognizing Smith School with an Acanthus Award is a step in the right direction. Ms. Feld stated that the Sixth Ward should be recognized for its historical significance as the area of Oshkosh where a large portion of the City’s working class once lived. Mr. Cummings added that there is a lot of significant history that occurred on the South Side, particularly in regards to labor history and the woodworkers’ strike, that should be recognized. Ms. Brabender Mattox briefly explained the research and questionnaire process that would be required to begin the nomination process for a creating a historic district on the South Side. 10) Oshkosh Herald article topics Ms. Stoll Olthoff is slated to write an article for April. Ms. Brabender Mattox will contact her to confirm. 11) Commissioner Statements a. WAHPC 2024 Spring Conference, April 25 - 26 in Mineral Point Ms. Brabender Mattox supplied information regarding the upcoming conference in Mineral Point, WI. She stated that she would pay the registration fee for any Commission member who wishes to attend. 12) Staff Liaison Report a. Monthly Building Permit Report Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Ms. Fels about the work being done at the Museum. Ms. Fels explained the current gallery space renovation being done on the Steiger Wing portion of the building, but stated she was not involved in that project and did not have further details. b. Agenda Items for Next Meeting South Side Historic District discussion, formal motion regarding Jon Furhmann’s window replacement proposal 13) Adjournment Mr. Buelow motioned and Ms. Feld seconded. The meeting adjourned at 4:35pm.