Council reviews nomination to designate Thomas House at 5903 Winnetkel Road a local landmark

City planning staff and the Landmarks Commission briefed the Monona City Council on a nomination to designate the C. Wright and Edna S. Thomas House at 5903 Winnetkel Road as a local landmark. The item was presented as a first reading and no final council action was taken. City Planner Thor (staff) explained that the nomination, submitted by Erica Fox Gehrig (not the property owner), requests designation of the structure under Chapter 480-20 of the Monona municipal code. Staff materials state the house, built in 1931, is the neighborhood’s—and the city’s—early example of the International style of architecture; the nomination cites associations with Edna Shepherd Thomas, a University of Wisconsin–Madison English professor, and the Thomas family’s long ownership. The Landmarks Commission held a public hearing on July 15; five residents registered support, and the commission unanimously recommended approval to the council. The council discussed what the local landmark designation would cover. Staff and commission members explained that designation primarily protects exterior features: a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission is required before approval of zoning or building permits for exterior work, and prior to demolition. Interior work is not regulated under the local landmarks ordinance. Staff noted variance paths exist (economic hardship or public interest) and that appeals of commission determinations can be taken to council. During discussion, the property owner’s daughter, Elizabeth Thomas, submitted an email expressing opposition, saying designation could complicate or delay sale and affect price. The Landmarks Commission chair said staff had notified owners by certified mail and that the owner’s realtor, Kelly on Key, was on vacation and may appear at a later meeting. Several council members and preservation‑experienced commissioners noted it is common for nominations to come from third parties and that owner resistance is not uncommon; staff said the city became a certified local government (CLG) in 2018, and Wisconsin’s CLG requirements mean local landmark designation does not require property‑owner consent and owners cannot opt out of local designation. Staff also reported that the Landmarks Commission recently submitted a state National Register nomination for the Frostwoods neighborhood; if approved by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, the Thomas House would be a contributing resource to that district. Staff said listing on the National Register (or being a contributing resource) is a prerequisite for certain state tax credits; local designation is separate from National Register listing. The council had no final action at the first reading and was encouraged to contact staff with further questions.