HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 2016-DEC 2017
OSHKOSH
LANDMARKS
COMMISSION
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
Certified Local
Government
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
2016-2017 COMMISSION GOALS
Web Site / Facebook – Update and redevelop the Landmarks Commission website presence from “top to
bottom” updating information and adding new educational and tourist element.
Designate Historic Districts - Engage consultant to perform work related to the Neoclassical Historic District on
Washington Street and investigate a possible residential district on Bay Shore Drive.
Review Historic Preservation Code – Review and potentially update the Historic Preservation Code in the
Oshkosh Zoning Ordinances.
Include Historic Preservation in all City Planning Efforts - Raising awareness of the importance of historic
preservation in all City departments and planning processes.
50 W 6th Avenue (Granary) Review - The Commission reviewed changes proposed to the former home of the HP
Schmidt Milling Company which is a local landmark under the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Education and Outreach Programming - Develop materials to promote commission programs for distribution to
the public and area businesses as well as presentation by commission members to present to local community
organizations and other outreach venues.
Continue to Promote the Historic Plaque and Marker Programs – Reach out to historic property owners and area
agencies for financing of community historic markers and individual building plaques.
Marketing Efforts – Continue to work with other historic-focused groups & community agencies for joint
marketing efforts regarding historic tax credits, historical tours, brochures, historical education and the
possibility of hosting a future state historical commission conference.
Local Landmarking – Identify properties that are eligible to locally landmark and contact owners.
Research and Award the Acanthus Award– Take nominations, perform historic research and present historic
preservation awards for historic preservation efforts.
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
Shirley Brabender Mattox, Chairperson
Dennis Paul Arnold, Vice-Chairperson
Steve Cummings, Mayor / Council Representative
Jake Krause, Alternate Member / Council
Harold E. Buchholz
Angela Allen
Vicky Redlin
Elizabeth Hintz
Staff Liaison - Steven Wiley & Alexa Naudziunas
MISSION STATEMENT
The Landmarks Commission is charged with fostering the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic
improvements and of districts which represent or reflect elements of the City’s cultural, social, economic, political and
architectural history, safeguard and fostering civic pride in the City’s historic and cultural heritage as embodied in
landmarks and historic districts.
LANDMARKS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017
FACEBOOK PAGE
The Landmarks Commission maintains a Facebook page as one of its recent initiatives from the past year. The
Facebook page serves as a platform for reaching the residents of Oshkosh to communicate the mission, goals,
and assistance efforts of the Landmarks Commission. The Staff Liaison helps in maintaining the page and posts
weekly on key historic properties in the City of Oshkosh. The posts include a small caption and photo(s), often
historical, of the featured properties. The material is posted every Wednesday under #WilliamWatersWednesday.
In addition to the weekly posts, staff and select other individuals post material pertinent to the history of Oshkosh.
The Facebook page also has the potential to update residents on the Landmarks Commission’s ongoing activites.
This includes any public events such as workshops, featured speakers, educational efforts, etc. Efforts to leverage the
Facebook page and what material to convey are ongoing.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
The above shows a screenshot of the Landmarks Facebook page along with
images of local buildings covered during the weekly postings.
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
REVIEW HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE / LOCAL
LANDMARKING
The Landmarks Commission prioritized the review and potential revisions of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
This was done to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the current ordinance and to examine how to expand
Oshkosh’s local landmarks. The Commissioners worked to determine which properties the Ordinance currently
applies to and they found out that it applies to properties locally landmarked through the procedures set forth in
the ordinance. The HP Schmidt Milling Company (Granary) and Marilyn Smith House are the two properties
in the City currently landmarked. The Commission discussed the sections of the Ordinance and determined that
the main issue facing the Commission currently is how to get more properties locally landmarked and ensure
that the Ordinance applies to them. The Commission has also worked to determine how various pertinent City
departments (Inspections, Planning and Zoning, Sustainability Advisory Board, etc.) can become aware of its scope
and educate property owners on the possibilities available under the ordinance. On Wednesday, June 28th, 2017,
the Commission hosted a workshop with Joe DeRose of the State Historic Preservation Office in attendance. Mr.
DeRose engaged in conversation with the Commisisoners regarding the ordinance and it was determined that the
ordinance could serve as a model for other communities. Mr. DeRose suggested that the Commission prioritize
education and outreach efforts to highlight the benefits protecting Oshkosh’s historical heritage.
The Commission has now gone forward with minor changes to the historic preservation ordinance and submitted
the revisions to the City Attorneys for review. The Commission has created user friendly forms for the landmarking
of properties and obtaining certificates of appropriateness.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
226 High Avenue - Marylin Smith / James House
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
OTHER AGENCY COORDINATION & ASSISTANCE
Coordination and assistance to other agencies and community groups is an important aspect of the commissions
functions. The commission worked on a number of projects including:
• Miller’s Bay Neighborhood Association Neighborhood Plan Assistance - compiled historic information about
the neighborhood
• East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission’s Long Range Plan Assistance - reviewed materials on
cultural and historic resources
• Department of Transportation’s North Main Street Reconstruction Project - responded to historic impacts of the
project to the North Main Street Bungalow Historic District
• Advocacy Efforts for the Historic Tax Credit Budget - Mayor Steve Cummings, Landmarks Commissioner,
worked with the rest of the Common Council to create resolutions opposing changes proposed in the state
budget.
• State Historic Preservation Office - worked with State Historic Preservation Officers on updates to the Historic
Preservation Ordinance and on the Riverside Cemetery Chapel Restoration review.
• William Waters Plaza - Worked with the River East Neighborhood and Library during visioning.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
GRANARY REVIEW
The Landmarks Commission reviewed changes
proposed for the building at 50 W 6th Avenue at
a special review meeting on Thursday, May 4th,
2017. This review was significant because the
Granary project was the first locally landmarked
building to undergo Commission review as
prescribed by the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
The Commissioners engaged in discussions with
architect Chet Wesenberg to understand the nature
of the renovations and determine whether they fit
the character of the historic building.
Commissioners were able to draw on their
experience in the area of historic preservation and
educate the architect on the potential of obtaining
historic preservation tax credits. Therefore, the
review was the Commission’s first opportunity to
operate as an advice-based commission rather than
a police commission. The Commission signed off
on the proposed renovations to the Granary upon
concluding the review.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
The Commission later reviewed the signage
proposed for the building’s exterior. Discussions
occurred between the Commission and owner of
Blue Door Consulting who is the tenant of the
historic mill. The Commission and the tenant
discussed the need for sensitivity to the building’s
historic integrity while allowing signage that is
appropriate for a modern consulting firm.
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW
PROGRAM
The commission continues to review incoming
building permits that pertain to historic structures
or historic districts with over 270 reviewed in this
report period. This process helps the Commission
understand the types of projects that are going on and
their impacts to historic structures and to keep tabs
on scheduled demolition projects. Additionally, this
process provides a vehicle for historical preservation
tax credit information to be disseminated to those
obtaining building permits.
An example of a review that occurred was the
Mobilite tower proposed for the corner of Libbey
and Jefferson Street. The Commission was given the
ability to weigh in on the proposal.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
PUBLIC OUTREACH & LANDMARKS WEBSITE UPDATE
The Landmarks Commission goal to reach out to the community resulted in the following projects:
City Manager’s State of the City Address—provided information on the Commissions work to preserve Oshkosh’s
historic resources and inform residents about historic tax credits.
Public Library Speaker Series on Historic Oshkosh—presented an overview of the architecture and stories of Oshkosh's
historic districts. Photographic overview of stories
Oshkosh Today Video—The Mayor and two other Landmarks Commissioners traveled with Oshkosh Media crew to
four sites and described the architecture and efforts to preserve historic properties of the four Acanthus Awardees.
Website Update—improved access to information about Landmarks Commission activities, historic preservation, and
links to local and statewide resources.
Washington Avenue Neo Classical District - Mayor Steve Cummings and two other Commission members traveled
to Madison in 2017 in support of the inclusion of the Neo Classical Historic District on the State and National
Registers.
Eagles and Waite National Register Deliberations - Shirley Brabender Mattox and Harold Buchholz traveled to
Madison in December 2017 to attend the deliberations in support of the nominations of the Eagles Club and Waite
Grass Company to the State and National Registers.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
HISTORIC PLAQUE PROGRAM
The City of Oshkosh has many historically significant residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. To
recognize these properties in the present and their place in our collective past, the Oshkosh Landmarks Commission
has instituted an Historic Plaque Program to share the history of these buildings and our community.
The commission continued to promote the historic plaque program to homeowners and businesses. The
Commission conducted research and reviewed applications for plaques based on designated criteria as well as
facilitated purchase of approved plaques for designated buildings.
Several owners of historic properties applied for and received or are in the process of receiving plaques for their
buildings during the 2016-2017 reporting period. Two of these properties were the residences at 1324 Washington
Avenue and 1703 Michigan Street. Previous properties included the D.C. Buckstaff Residence, the Arnold -
Cummings House, and other properties along North Main Street and Washington Avenue.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
REVIEWED WORK PROPOSED TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES
The commission reviewed and provided input to property owners, the State Historical Society, Plan Commission
and Common Council for work proposed to historic buildings including:
• 537 North Main (Crescent Moon)
• Riverside Cemetery Chapel - Paint and Plaster repair
• Grand Opera House - Balcony seating modifications
• HP Schmidt Milling Company 1883-1982 (50 West 6th Avenue) Granary Restaurant 1984-2004 and Element
Nightclub 2004-2007-special review session to determine the nature of proposed renovations and sensitivity to
the historic nature of the property.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Riverside Cemetery Chapel
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
The Commission reviewed the restoration work done to the Riverside Cemetery Chapel to repair
paint and plaster.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
TOURED THE WAITE GRASS CARPET COMPANY
The commission reviewed the National and State Register nomination for the Waite Grass Carpet Company and
toured the Waite Grass site. Commissioners viewed the site on November 9th with the Housing Authority Director
and two representatives from the construction company working on the project. Commissioners had the chance to
see the original 1910 Waite building and the later additions. Much of the original structure remained in the 1910
building and is planned to be integrated into the renovations the Housing Authority is doing to the Waite property.
The Winnebago Housing Authority is in the process of converting the empty building into affordable apartments.
During the process the original structure will be restored. Asbestos abatement and window restoration are also
components of the project. The Waite factory is an important example of an early 20th century manufacturing
center in Oshkosh.
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
ACANTHUS AWARDS
Since 1981, the City of Oshkosh has honored members of the community
that have made contributions to local historic preservation through awarding
of the Acanthus Awards. The Acanthus Awards are generally given in five
categories, although awards may not necessarily be given in each category
every year. Awardees include property owners and individuals involved in
activities that have enhanced our historic and cultural resources.
The Landmarks Commission presented the following Acanthus Awards:
Facade Rehabilitation of a Residential or Commercial Building - Maintenance,
repair, or reconstruction of an historic exterior that preserves architectural style and
features
Preservation Activities - awarded to individuals or organizations that advance the
cause of Historic Preservation.
310 Waugoo Avenue
Facade Restoration of the
Residence at 310 Waugoo Ave
- for the historically sensitive
repainting of the residence at 310
Waugoo Avenue and serving as an
exceptional example to all historic
property owners in Oshkosh.
Louis Schriber House
Relocation of the Louis Schriber
House - for setting a precedent
in historic preservation by taking
ownership, lifting and transporting,
and preserving from demolition a
William Waters-designed residence
and ensuring its continued presence
in the community.
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission:
2016-2017 Annual Report
Website - http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Landmarks_Commission/index.asp
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshlandmarks/