At its Oct. 1 meeting the City of Waukesha Landmarks Commission approved certificates of appropriateness for exterior work at three historic properties and awarded two paint-and-repair grants from the commission’s earmarked fund.

Charlie, Department of Community Development staff, told the commission the Paint and Repair Grant fund for the year totaled $25,000 and that $17,238 had already been awarded, leaving $7,762 available. He said the city had received contracts allowing staff to begin processing awards.

323 McCall Street (McCall Street Historic District): The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace an existing clay chimney cap and to add an interior chimney liner for a Queen Anne–era house built in 1885. Homeowners Mary Lou and Darren Lillian were present. Charlie said contractors estimated the job at $1,095 and $1,215 and that much of the cost was scaffolding to reach the chimney. The commission voted to award a paint-and-repair grant of $180 (15% of the higher estimate) to the applicants. Commissioner Matt Retzak noted a practical reason to complete the work in the fall: chimney swifts can roost in chimneys and are protected, and work is more limited when birds are present.

114 Southeast Avenue (College Avenue Historic District, Beggs House): The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for more extensive exterior work at the Mary and Robert Beggs House, including repair and repainting of wood siding, replacement of gutters and downspouts, replacement of chimney flashing and limited roof shingle replacement. The applicants, Nathan Copine and Sarah Timler, recently bought the house from Carroll University and provided estimates: $8,014 for gutters, downspouts and chimney flashing and $22,138 for painting and carpentry repair, with additional carpentry billed at $95 per man-hour plus materials. Because the project’s estimated 15% share ($4,522) exceeded the typical $3,000 maximum, commissioners used their discretion and approved a $4,000 grant, citing the house’s prominent location and the likelihood of additional carpentry work once repairs begin.

122 Southeast Avenue (College Avenue Historic District, Harter House): The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace an aging asphalt shingle roof with CertainTeed Landmark shingles (driftwood color) and to replace K-style gutters to match existing. No homeowner was present; commissioners agreed to defer any paint-and-repair grant consideration to a future meeting because the property owner was not at the hearing.

Charlie reminded the commission that award disbursements must remain conditional on Waukesha County and SHPO compliance when required. Commissioners emphasized flexibility for small projects—several said they did not want application requirements to be so onerous that homeowners could not afford minor repairs.

Formal votes were taken on each COA and on the two grants; staff recorded motions, seconds and unanimous voice votes on the approvals and grant amounts. Work estimates and grant amounts are recorded in the commission’s file for processing.