Commission approves demolition-review for Browning School additions; core building to be retained for community center

The Historic Preservation Commission on April 14 approved a statutory demolition review for the removal of later additions and one detached midcentury building at the former Browning School (5575 N. 70th Street) so Milwaukee Recreation and Milwaukee Public Schools can proceed with a plan that retains the school’s oldest wings while attaching a new community center with a pool.

Staff reviewed the campus and advised the commission that state law requires HPC approval before a "city of the first class" school board demolishes school facilities 50 years or older. The presentation described the site as composed of multiple building periods; the commission was asked to consider whether demolishing later additions would leave the property without the architectural integrity that made it eligible for the National Register. Staff concluded the proposed demolitions — primarily 1950s–1970s additions and a detached 1951 kindergarten building — would not eliminate the property’s eligibility and recommended approval.

Milwaukee Recreation and project representatives said the additions did not meet programmatic needs and that the new attached community center, including a full gym and pool, would better serve the neighborhood. The project team said they would retain the oldest wings (built by John Thompson and Charles Smith) and preserve the gym and core historic elements that most community members identify with.

Commissioners discussed documentation and archival recording of the elements to be demolished. Staff had requested interior photography and condition documentation; the applicant provided interior photos the morning of the hearing and met the staff condition. Commissioners also noted availability of point-cloud scans for archival purposes. A motion to approve the demolitions as proposed, with documentation provided, passed on a voice vote.