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Commission places proposed 'Framing Wisco' art frame at Kilborn Reservoir Park on file after questions about permanence and agreement
Summary
A for‑profit group working with Visit Milwaukee sought a COA to install a permanent photo‑frame sculpture at Kilborn Reservoir Park; commissioners and city staff said the application was premature without final designs, a maintenance/license agreement and clearer funding and standing, and they placed the file on record.
The Historic Preservation Commission on July 7 placed on file an application for a certificate of appropriateness to install an 8-by-12 public art "frame" at Kilborn Reservoir Park (626 East North Avenue), a proposal brought by Millennium LLC / Framing Wisco in partnership with Visit Milwaukee.
Applicants described the concept as a community‑designed frame intended to highlight city vistas and to be outfitted by local artists through a competitive RFQ process. Tony Snow Rodriguez of Visit Milwaukee said the initiative aims to draw visitors to neighborhood parks and engage local artists; applicants said 9 of 12 RFQ respondents are Milwaukee‑based and that two selected artists would receive design fees and a modest build budget.
Commissioners and city staff raised multiple concerns: several members said the application was premature because no final design had been submitted, there was no signed lease or license allowing a private entity to place a permanent structure on city parkland, and the long‑term maintenance and removal responsibility had not been defined. Joe Goldenberg, manager of City Parks for DPW, confirmed the city manages 52 parks and said such an installation would require negotiation of responsibilities. "We have 52 city parks scattered all throughout Milwaukee," Goldenberg said.
Alderman Baumann and several commissioners questioned whether the commission was the appropriate review body at this stage and whether the group had standing to seek a COA without an agreement with the city. One commissioner said bluntly, "I don't get the point of this at all," summarizing concern about the application's readiness for COA review. Applicants asked for conditional approval to install the frame and to proceed with community and artist engagement, and they committed to return with specific artist proposals for commission review.
After extended discussion that included concerns about precedent (installing private art on city parkland), the lack of a maintenance or lease agreement, and the wide range of possible design outcomes, the commission voted to place the application on file. The commission advised applicants to return after selecting two finalist designs, securing any required license or lease with the city, and resolving maintenance and funding arrangements.
