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Plan commission permits temporary principal parking at 1550 North Prospect to support future Gull Mansion development
Summary
The commission approved a minor modification (file 250,731) to allow the 24-space lot at 1550 North Prospect Avenue to operate as a principal-use parking lot for up to three years from Common Council approval while the owner prepares restoration and future development of the historic Gull Mansion.
The Milwaukee City Plan Commission on Nov. 10 approved a minor modification to allow an existing 24-space parking lot at 1550 North Prospect Avenue to be used temporarily as a principal-use parking lot while long-term development of the locally designated historic Gull Mansion remains pending.
Kristen Connolly of the Department of City Development told commissioners the site’s 2017 approved detailed plan development envisions a 27-story, 192-unit residential tower and a repositioned Gull Mansion; due to market conditions the tower has not been built and the owner requests a temporary principal parking designation for up to three years from the date of Common Council approval. "The principal used parking lot, would be good for a period of 3 years from the date of common council approval of this file," Connolly said.
Owner and developer Christopher Howden, appearing virtually, said the Gull Mansion has been "capsulized" and is effectively mothballed — "completely dead, no power, no nothing" — while the owner prepares to move the structure onto a new foundation and pursue development of the rear of the site within two to three years. Howden said the owner plans to rent monthly parking to nearby residents, repair asphalt, add security lighting and improve landscaping along Prospect Avenue.
Commissioners raised questions about historic preservation measures and whether temporary heat was being provided for the vacant mansion. Howden said the building had utilities cut off and that his team has worked with historic preservation staff to address needed repairs: removing AC units, repairing slate roofing, securing windows and refinishing the front door to keep the structure dry and stable during mothballing.
A motion to approve the minor modification was moved and seconded; a voice vote followed and the commission approved the resolution (file 250,731). Staff noted that if the owner requires a longer temporary period, a subsequent minor modification application would be required, which would trigger additional review of site conditions.
Next steps: the commission’s approval advances the file to the Common Council for the documented three-year temporary principal parking designation and any necessary land-use recording or permit steps.
