At its Dec. 8 meeting the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission handled multiple certificates of appropriateness and other agenda items. The most notable motions and outcomes were:

• 235 South 2nd Street (Borger Buildings LLC): Staff flagged the proposed modern metal storefront as inconsistent with 1850s storefront scale and details. Neighbour Laurie Gensch objected to the proportions and material. The applicants from Anderson Ashen (Misty Radberg and Mike Newman) described dry rot and maintenance needs. A commissioner moved to hold the application and direct the applicants to work with staff; the commission voted to hold the application for further design details and revision.

• 2311 North Sherman Boulevard (Frank House): Staff reported an after‑the‑fact replacement of 12 windows with vinyl double‑hung units and recommended denial under Sherman Boulevard preservation guidelines. The property owner said many original windows were missing or rotten and cited higher utility bills as a motivation for replacement. The commission voted to deny the retrospective COA; staff noted the owner may appeal to the common council and was advised to consult the installer, Window Nation.

• 2320–2388 North Lake Drive (Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital): Staff documented severe deterioration of a non‑original exterior elevator shaft and recommended demolition with masonry restoration conditions. Applicant representatives identified themselves on the record; the commission moved and approved the staff recommendation.

• 2543 North 47th Street (47th Street Bungalow Historic District): After a lightning strike severely damaged the original asbestos tile roof, the property owner proposed a polymer (synthetic) slate alternative. Staff urged denial of the synthetic product in favor of clay or concrete tiles that better replicate the historic appearance; the commission denied the proposed product but indicated it would consider synthetic alternatives only if the owner's insurer would not cover a more appropriate clay or concrete option. Financial figures provided in the record included an estimated roof and deck cost of about $146,000, an insurance replacement value of $917,000 and a chimne y replacement estimate of $29,000.

• University Club (Wells St. canopy and other changes): Northwestern Mutual's conversion plans include four canopy/alteration elements. Staff recommended approval of the non‑controversial items but raised concerns about a prominent, curvilinear Wells Street canopy that could visually compete with the building's arched Georgian windows. Northwestern Mutual's representative Michael DeMichele described the design objectives (weather protection, transparency and visibility to the building's details). The commission voted to hold the Wells Street canopy for further engineering and refined renderings while approving the remaining elements.

The commission also approved a package of staff‑approved COAs and the minutes from its November meeting, made routine announcements including a staff retirement recognition, and adjourned.

Votes were recorded by voice; the transcript records motions, seconds and voice approvals but does not list roll‑call tallies by name for most items.