Commission grants historic-preservation awards to Wilson King Stone House and 109–113 East Milwaukee Street

The Janesville Historic Commission voted to present historic-preservation awards to two nominated properties: the Wilson King Stone House (on the Rock County Historical Society/Talman campus) and the buildings at 109 and 113 East Milwaukee Street.

Brian Schweigle summarized the nominations and photographs gathered by commission members. The Wilson King Stone House nomination notes the structure was built in 1842 in a Greek Revival style, was moved to the Rock County Historical Society property in 1964, and has been renovated to include an event space, a presentation kitchen on the main floor and a commercial kitchen in the basement. The nomination and site photos show that much of the house interior was replaced because original floor joists and basement structure required new foundations; the project preserved exterior stone walls and selected original elements such as exposed beams and window locking hardware.

The nomination for 109 and 113 East Milwaukee Street (the downtown building that houses Classy Rascals on the first floor) describes a near-complete interior rehabilitation. The application says the second and third floors had been vacant for 10-plus years, significant structural work and new utilities were required, and the total investment exceeded $3,000,000. During the rehabilitation the owners exposed original stone foundation and preserved original structural elements by “sandwiching” original joists between new supports rather than removing them.

Commission members discussed differing preservation approaches — restoration of historic interiors versus structural rehabilitation and adaptive reuse — and noted both projects stabilized long-unused historic buildings and returned them to productive use. A motion to award both nominations passed by voice vote; the commission directed staff to contact nominators and property representatives to schedule presentation of framed certificates at a future meeting.

"The Wilson Kingstone House, recently restored, now includes an event space and a catering kitchen," Brian Schweigle read from the nomination. "Building was built around 1850. Did a complete gut and remodeled to First Floor, Classy Rascals, along with high end residential units above. Total investment was over $3,000,000," he read from the second nomination.

Staff will prepare certificates and invite property representatives to accept the awards at a future commission meeting.