Historic commission denies vinyl windows but approves after‑the‑fact deck and fence at 1419A Brady Street

The Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission on June 2 approved after‑the‑fact work for a new deck, concrete pad and fence at 1419A Brady Street but denied the building’s vinyl window replacements, saying the upper‑level windows must be replaced with 1‑over‑1 wood sash windows.

The decision follows staff findings that the property owner carried out patio, stairs and concrete work without a permit in 2024 and had installed vinyl windows on the upper (residential) level without approval. Commission staff recommended approving the deck, fence and concrete work after the fact while denying the vinyl windows, citing Brady Street Historic District guidelines and the commission’s practice of not permitting vinyl windows in historic districts.

“The Bridal Street guidelines recommend that the material that windows and, historic material that are in good shape are retained,” staff told the commission, noting the applicant provided no photos showing the original wood windows were beyond repair. Staff recommended “denial of the windows and replacement with 1 over 1 wood sash windows.”

Nissan Adda, who identified himself as a member of 507 Investments and the property owner, told the commission the work was done during the COVID period and that the contractor failed to pull permits. “I told her whatever needed to get done, I would do, and I went down and pulled a permit. I paid whatever fees, and any additional fees were paid. I’ve cooperated fully, with the inspector in that regard,” Adda said. He said he was not aware the property was in a historic district when he bought it and offered to add exterior wood mullions to improve the appearance.

Commissioner Matt Jaros moved to accept the staff recommendations — approving the deck, fence and concrete work after the fact but denying the vinyl windows — and Commissioner Anthony Briesenbaum seconded the motion. The chair called the question and the motion carried. The commission instructed that the outstanding order related to the windows remain in effect pending compliance or replacement with wood 1‑over‑1 windows.

The staff report described the new deck as composite material sited between the commercial portion of the building and the residential upper level; staff said the Brady Street guidelines allow substitute materials for decking where those materials approximate the look of historic materials when visible from the right of way. Staff also said the concrete work and fence materials are acceptable but the work will still require permits.

The commission’s decision does not itself provide funding or technical assistance for window replacement; the order remains outstanding and the owner may either replace the windows with wood 1‑over‑1 sash units or pursue whatever enforcement and permitting steps the Department of Neighborhood Services requires. The owner said he would consider adding wood trim between the mulled vinyl sash to reproduce the historic appearance but said replacing with wood sash “doesn’t seem feasible” without more information on cost and durability.

The Brady Street Historic District designation and its local guidelines were cited throughout the staff report and the commission’s deliberations as the controlling preservation standards for the site. The commission did not approve vinyl windows — an outcome consistent with staff’s statement that the commission has not approved vinyl windows in any of the city’s historic districts.

Commissioners and staff encouraged the owner to work with preservation staff to clarify required permits and options for bringing the property into compliance.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve after‑the‑fact deck, fence and concrete work and to deny the vinyl windows (staff recommendation) — motion moved by Commissioner Matt Jaros; seconded by Commissioner Anthony Briesenbaum; outcome: approved.