Green Bay Landmarks Commission approves multiple design reviews, refers Broadway storefront proposal back to staff

The Green Bay Landmarks Commission approved several certificates of appropriateness on Feb. 19, including replacement of cell‑phone antennas at Mason Manor and exterior repairs at two Broadway‑area buildings, and referred the proposed front‑facade remodel at 133 North Broadway back to staff for alternatives while approving work on the building’s rear elevation.

Commission staff recommended approval of the design review for 1424 Admiral Court (Mason Manor), which would remove six existing antennas and install nine replacement antennas on the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “The COA calls for approval of removing some and putting some other ones up there,” a staff member said, recommending approval on the basis that the work is largely like‑for‑like with what is already mounted on the building.

Commissioners approved a certificate of appropriateness for replacement of damaged soffit material at 412–414 North Maple Avenue with modern metal soffit to match existing nonhistoric materials on much of the building, and approved replacement of cornice material at 235–241 North Broadway (Platten Place Building) with similarly profiled vertical wood boards. In both cases staff and several commissioners said the proposed materials match existing nonhistoric treatments and have limited visual impact from the public right of way.

The commission debated a proposal for 133 North Broadway that would add a recessed vestibule and a new front entry to provide separate access to a second‑floor stair. Commissioners and design representatives discussed alternatives intended to reduce impact on the storefront’s historic appearance, including a narrower opening and aligning a new entry within the storefront system rather than inserting a brick‑faced vestibule. The commission voted to refer the front‑façade proposal back to staff for redesign and to return with alternatives; it separately approved the rear‑façade changes as presented.

Separately, commissioners elected David Siegel vice chair and approved routine agenda and minutes items. Staff reported one staff‑level COA approval for a roof at 823 South Jefferson and answered a question about the city’s historic property revolving loan (staff said they had not been advised the program was exhausted and advised callers to contact staff for current status).

Votes at a glance - COA 25‑01, 1424 Admiral Court (Mason Manor): Approved (remove six antennas, add nine replacements). Referenced as COA in staff report; motion carried. - COA 25‑02, 412–414 North Maple Avenue (soffit replacement): Approved (replace failing eave/soffit with modern metal soffit to match existing). Motion carried. - COA 25‑03, 235–241 North Broadway (cornice replacement): Approved (replace rotted cornice material with vertical wood board profile). Motion carried. - COA 25‑04, 133 North Broadway (front and rear façade remodel): Front elevation as presented — not approved and referred back to staff for alternatives; Rear elevation — approved as presented. - Election: David Siegel elected vice chair (motion carried).

Why it matters: The commission’s approvals permit exterior work that staff and commissioners said would preserve a building’s continued use while minimizing visible change to historic streetscapes. The referral for 133 North Broadway reflects commissioners’ emphasis on keeping primary storefronts visually intact while finding a workable egress solution that meets building codes.

What’s next: The applicant for 133 North Broadway and staff will explore alternatives that reduce storefront impact and return the proposal to the commission; the commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2025.