Historic Preservation

As the city developed, Milwaukeeans razed, transformed, and replaced outmoded buildings, infrastructure, and other elements of the landscape. Some groups expressed concern that these changes destroyed history and a “sense of place.” They worked to mark, preserve, restore, and repurpose historically significant sites and structures.

Milwaukee’s first historic preservation efforts emerged in the late-nineteenth century. Fearing that the bourgeoning city was forgetting its frontier roots, a group of pioneers formed the Old Settlers’ Club in 1869 “with the object of preserving the associations, the memories, and the traditions of old Milwaukee.”[1] The club collected historic books, images, and artifacts, and marked historically important sites.[2]

Historic structures survived because of owners’ maintenance and repairs. The city typically intervened only to clear dilapidated buildings or those standing in the way of new development.[3] In a few instances, owners saved early Milwaukee buildings by moving them to new locations.[4] In 1938, the Works Progress Administration moved the Benjamin Church House from its old Kilbourntown neighborhood to Estabrook Park to serve as a museum.[5]

As Milwaukee sought to modernize after World War II, urban planners targeted large sections of the city for redevelopment. New preservation organizations formed to protect historically significant homes, churches, theaters, and other structures from demolition for new housing, freeways, and other urban renewal projects. The non-profit group, Land Ethics, Inc., for instance, organized in in the mid-1960s to save the Chicago & North Western depot on the downtown lakefront from clearance for a proposed Lake Freeway.[6] Although the depot was ultimately demolished in 1968, the battle was pivotal. It generated greater public interest and civic support for historic preservation.

Preservationists took advantage of new federal, state, and local preservation programs in the late twentieth century. Local groups succeeded in placing numerous Milwaukee-area sites on the National Register of Historic Places.[7] Local municipalities increased protection and financing for historic sites between the 1960s and 1980s. They established landmarks and preservation commissions, as well as Tax Incremental Financing districts and other funding programs.[8] Local groups received grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, state and county historical societies, and private foundations.

By the 1970s, preservationist activity encompassed whole districts. Individuals and businesses purchased and restored old houses and commercial buildings in aging neighborhoods. Groups like Historic Walker’s Point, Inc. (now Historic Milwaukee, Inc.) and the Sherman Park Community Association publicized preservation resources and pursued preservation as a neighborhood revitalization strategy.[9]

By the 1980s Milwaukee’s redevelopment plans increasingly included “the renovation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of existing historic buildings.”[10] City officials collaborated with developers and business interests to turn the Third Ward’s old warehouses and factories into an upscale historic district of condominiums, art galleries, offices, and retail spaces.[11] Opened in 1982, the Shops at Grand Avenue incorporated several historic downtown commercial buildings, including the old Plankinton Arcade, Gimbels, and Boston Store, into a modern indoor shopping mall.[12] Since the 1980s, developers have also turned several of the old complexes of Milwaukee’s former brewing and tanning giants into new condominiums, artist studios, education facilities, and retail, entertainment, and office spaces.[13]

Several non-profit organizations still work to protect historic sites against deterioration, demolition, and redevelopment. The Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, for instance, has been especially concerned about the National Soldiers Home, which has deteriorated significantly with age.[14] Historic Milwaukee, Inc. also contributes to preservation efforts through tours and events that raise awareness and understanding about the city’s historic sites.[15]