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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 06.11.2025Page 1 of 4 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes June 11, 2025 (Approved at the July 9, 2025 Commission meeting) Present: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Vicky Redlin, Steve Cummings, Council Member Brad Spanbauer Absent: Nikki Stoll Olthoff Staff: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist Agenda: 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Cummings at 3:02 pm. 2) Introductions and Welcome to Council Member Brad Spanbauer The Commission welcomed Council Member Brad Spanbauer. Mr. Spanbauer introduced himself to the meeting attendees. Commissioners and guests also introduced themselves. 3) Election of Chair and Vice Chair Ms. Seizert briefly reviewed the general procedure for electing a Chair and Vice Chair for the Commission. The Commission was reminded that this is supposed to happen annually and that this will be enforced moving forward. Ms. Seizert called for nominations three times. Ms. Redlin nominated Mr. Cummings for Chair. Councilman Spanbauer nominated Ms. Brabender Mattox. No other nominations were made. Commissioners took a vote, resulting in a tie between the two candidates. The election was deferred until next month when an additional Commissioner should be present to offer the deciding vote. 4) Approval of April 9th meeting minutes Ms. Brabender Mattox had edits to the April 9th meeting minutes including: adding the names of the additional staff visitors to the heading of page 1; adding notice of the research completed for the 150th anniversary celebration of Lewis Hine to the discussion of the 2024 Annual Report on page 1; adding 1502 North Main to the list of Acanthus Award recipients on page 1; and noting that Ms. Brabender Mattox planned to attend the WAHPC Conference on April 25th on page 3 under the relevant Commission Statements line item. With edits, Ms. Redlin motioned to approve the April 9th meeting minutes, seconded by Mr. Cummings. Minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote. 5) Grand Opera House Joe Ferlo, President and CEO of the Grand Oshkosh, David Lange, Director of Operations at the Grand Oshkosh, and Mike Karrels, Architect at TR Karrels and Associates were present to discuss the renovations and update plans for the Grand Oshkosh. Mr. Karrels began with a recap of the history of the Grand’s architecture and an overview of some of the goals and thought behind the design choices that would be discussed. He noted that much of the design Page 2 of 4 choices were made as an ode to historic architectural elements, as well as being made to promote a sense of rhythm and visual cohesiveness with the surround buildings and environment. He also noted that all of the work being done will be in line with the guidelines and recommendations laid out by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The plans have been presented to SHPO, but will have to be resubmitted to their new portal. Mr. Karrels discussed that the individuals at SHPO were in favor of the updates, but that there were still financial conversations to be had. Mr. Ferlo adds that Mr. Karrels presents a modern, but not overly modern design and plan and that he is very happy with the proposed work. Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed that she was happy with the plans and enjoyed various elements of the design, including the arches, balance, and rhythm. Mr. Cummings noted that the homage to a bygone era is similar to what other local historic institutions have done in their updates and renovations. Mr. Ferlo went on to discuss that the League of Historic Theaters will likely highlight this work. He also discussed other historic theater venues that have undertaken similar work. He noted that the upgrades will extensively decrease future maintenance needs and time. Discussion then turned towards the plans for the interior of the building. Mr. Ferlo and Mr. Karrels noted that the updates will make the interior ADA accessible by removing some current steps, the building of ramps, and work on the elevator. They noted that the restroom capacity is also increasing. The Grand portion of the building itself is not being changed beyond new seating and a couple of cosmetic and acoustic updates, but the changes will not affect the experience or feel of the environment. The seating and acoustics will improve with these updates. Some of the interior finishes are still being decided on and considered at this stage. Mr. Ferlo noted that the project has not yet gotten to the phase of working with subcontractors. He discussed future conferences and opportunities to meet with various vendors for this type of work. Mr. Ferlo went on to discuss the current projected timeline for budgeting, fundraising, closure, construction, and reopening. Mr. Cummings asked about naming rights and Mr. Ferlo noted the limitations in naming rights due to the City’s ownership of the property, but did discuss some potential options including seatbacks and bricks. He noted that he does not want options to be limited only to large funders, but that they are not at that point in the process yet. Ms. Brabender Mattox expressed her appreciation for the Grand’s work and requested an addition to next month’s agenda in order to vote on approval of these plans so that they can be presented to Common Council with Landmarks Commission support. 6) Acanthus Awards Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that the Landmarks Commission has been presenting this award for 44 years and gave a brief recap of the presenting of the awards at one of the May Common Council meetings. She also noted that each recipient showed their gratitude for the recognition of their hard work. Ms. Seizert, the Museum Archivist and Staff Liaison, discussed that the Oshkosh Public Museum would like to host a reception-type event for the recipients of the Page 3 of 4 Acanthus Awards in 2026. She asked that the Commission keep this idea in mind and consider it for next year. The Commission expressed intertest and favor in pursuing this possibility in 2026. Ms. Redlin exited the meeting at 4:06 pm. 7) Oshkosh Herald Topics Ms. Brabender Mattox discusses her recent article about the Acanthus Awards, noting that it was a full page’s length and included multiple photographs. She then discusses the Commission’s relationship with the Oshkosh Herald and shares more information about this for Councilman Spanbauer. She noted that past articles about sustainability garnered a large amount attention and positive feedback and expressed her interest for more to be written in the future on the topic, in addition to the other topic ideas that she has for future articles. She discussed that these articles are some of the biggest and most valuable outreach opportunities that the Commission has with the community, and that the Oshkosh Herald would like to continue this support. 8) Commissioner Statements a. Memory of Dan Radig Ms. Brabender Mattox spoke in memory of late local resident, Dan Radig. She recounted that he was an Acanthus Award recipient in 2005, and a former student of hers. She discussed the past exhibit of his paintings that the Landmarks Commission put together in the Library Dome. She noted his willingness to assist with answering question and aid in research matters for the Commission over the years, and that he is a tremendous loss for the City of Oshkosh. b. South Side Mr. Cummings discussed his desire to keep this matter on the agenda for the next meeting to discuss what role the Landmarks Commission can play in recognizing the importance and contributions of the South Side. c. Historic Marker Sign – Great Fire Project Update Mr. Cummings spoke about the proclamation that was recognized for the Great Fire’s anniversary, as well as the article about the fire in the Oshkosh Herald. Mr. Cummings gave a recap of the project and its goals for Councilman Spanbauer. He also gave an update of the work he has been doing with Michael MacArthur, the Local History and Genealogy Librarian at the Oshkosh Public Library. He noted that they are attempting to track the path of the fire in 1875. d. Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions Conference Agenda item not discussed. e. WAHPC Newsletter Ms. Brabender Mattox confirmed that members of the Commission received the newsletter. f. Monthly building permit report: April and May Permits Ms. Brabender Mattox outlined the reasoning and process for this with Councilman Spanbauer and noted that it is in place for qualifying property owners to be made Page 4 of 4 aware that their exterior work may be eligible for tax credits, and to help them understand the process. 9) Staff Liaison Matters a. Landmarks Commission Facebook Page Agenda item not discussed. b. Reminder to Review Boards and Commissions Materials Agenda item not discussed. c. Agenda items for next meeting Officer elections; Grand Opera House plan approval; local landmarking discussion; and sustainability discussion 10) Adjournment The meeting self-adjourned at 4:35 with the exit of Mr. Cummings