Staff recommends against landmarking Elias Stolenworth house at 2246 S. Aldridge; commission debate follows

Staff presented a detailed history of the property at 2246 South Aldridge Street (constructed circa 1890), describing its Queen Anne form, decorative work and association with Elias Stolenworth (a local carpenter and three‑term alderman). The report reviewed construction history, family occupancy and subsequent owners and alterations, including replaced windows, removed chimney and additions.

Staff concluded the house did not meet local designation criteria for individual landmark status: it was described as a typical middle‑class example rather than an outstanding or unique architectural specimen; it had been extensively altered and numerous original features were missing or replaced. Staff said the builder Elias Stolenworth was a local contractor who constructed residential and some church properties in southeastern Wisconsin but did not rise to prominence sufficient to meet designation criteria for an individual property.

Commissioners discussed whether the house’s association with a locally active alderman and the owner’s willingness to nominate the property might warrant designation or district‑level consideration. One commissioner suggested the property could contribute to a broader district effort and urged staff and the owner to pursue district designation where appropriate. The transcript excerpt records a public hearing and subsequent commissioner discussion but does not include a final decision on designation in the excerpt.