Commissioners report adaptive reuse and sustainability lessons from PastForward conference in Milwaukee

Commissioners who attended the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s PastForward 2025 conference in Milwaukee presented highlights to the Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission, citing adaptive reuse case studies, material conservation for sacred spaces and design lessons from Frank Lloyd Wright sites.

Diane Seabrent summarized field studies and adaptive-reuse examples, including a former sugar-beet factory in Madison converted to mixed-use retail and dining and the Pabst Brewery bottling house in downtown Milwaukee converted to student housing, where developers retained exterior fabric while adapting interiors. Commissioners said these field visits illustrated how large industrial structures can be repurposed while maintaining character-defining features.

Commissioner Paula Gillespie described sessions on sacred-space conservation and stained-glass restoration, noting the specialized craft training and intergenerational skills at some studios. Hollis Gillespie highlighted conservation-district and landscape approaches that could expand preservation opportunities in Las Vegas.

Commissioners and staff discussed aligning preservation with the city’s sustainability goals. Diane Seabrent and Director Seth Floyd noted the potential for preservation to support sustainability objectives, and commissioners suggested inviting Marco (the city’s sustainability expert) to a future meeting to explore overlaps between preservation and sustainability strategies.

No formal action was taken; commissioners returning from the conference recommended staff follow up on sharing adaptive-reuse case studies and considering a briefing from the city’s sustainability staff.