Waukesha landmarks commission heard update on Blair House National Register appeal; opts not to add further comment

City of Waukesha Landmarks Commission members heard an update on May 7 about the city’s appeal of a state decision to decrease the boundary of the William Blair House historic property and agreed not to file further comment with the Keeper of the National Register.

The update was prompted by public comment from Lisa Southport, a resident of 34 Madison Street, who said the State Historic Preservation Review Board voted 8–4 not to approve the boundary decrease request and that the city subsequently appealed that state decision to the Keeper of the National Register. Southport said the Keeper accepted the petition and set an expected decision date of May 26, adding an additional 30 days to the review timeline because of the petition.

City staff told the commission the state Historic Preservation Officer’s materials and the commission’s prior correspondence were forwarded to the Keeper. Commission staff recommended no additional comment because the commission’s position had already been transmitted and further statements could harm the commission’s relationship with the common council and city staff. Commission discussion echoed that view: members said the commission’s prior letter had been forwarded, that the council has its own process, and that there was little additional factual material the commission could provide.

During public comment, Southport also reported a change to the Blair House property tax assessment: she said the 2025 land assessment decreased roughly 40%, from about $135,700 to $81,000; she emphasized that figure referred to land value only, not building value.

A newly seated alder, Elizabeth Moulton, who is also a member of the landmarks commission, told the commission she had previously characterized the area as a parking lot when speaking at common council meetings and reiterated that council members will weigh staff recommendations at the council level.

After discussion the commission asked staff to confirm that the commission’s earlier letter had been sent to the Keeper; staff confirmed it had. The commission then agreed by unanimous consensus not to submit any further comment beyond what had already been transmitted to the Keeper.

The commission chair and staff said they would provide updates if further input was needed later in the process. The Keeper’s decision date provided in public comment was May 26, 2025; the commission did not take additional formal action at the meeting.