The Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission voted Dec. 8 to grant permanent historic designation to four adjoining properties at the corner of East Brady Street and North Farwell Avenue, concluding a public hearing that included both endorsements from preservation advocates and objections from the new owner.

Staff presented a research report tracing the properties' evolution from the 1870s through the early 20th century, identifying an intact Italianate house moved to the site in 1892, two paired High Victorian Gothic frame houses from 1878, and a Queen Anne brick house built in 1897. Staff recommended designation under local criteria for association with prominent local architects, representative architectural styles and a singular location on the Lower East Side.

Carl Bonham, representing the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, told the commission the cluster's mixture of Italianate, High Victorian Gothic and Queen Anne architecture makes the corner uniquely valuable to the city's historic fabric. "We strongly support the staff's recommendation," Bonham said during public testimony.

Scott Leary, who identified himself as the new owner through F Street, opposed the nomination and said he had no immediate plans to develop the properties but feared the designation would create long‑term costs and restrictions. "I have no intention of developing; I plan to be a good steward of the real estate," Leary said, adding that the timing of the nomination—filed after his purchase—felt targeted. He asked the commission to consider owner burden and title impacts.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly framed the body's role narrowly: their responsibility is to evaluate eligibility under the historic criteria, not to weigh speculative future uses. One commissioner summarized the commission's mandate: "What we deal with is, are they or are they not eligible?" Staff noted that permanent designation carries regulatory obligations but also potential tax credits for approved rehabilitations.

After closing the public hearing, a commissioner moved to approve the designation under criteria F3 (association with persons important to the city), F5 (architectural distinction), F6 (work of notable architects) and F9 (singular location or visual feature). The motion carried with a voice vote.

The commission recorded no formal motions to delay or refer the designation; the staff will finalize the designation paperwork as the ordinance requires, and property owners retain any appeal rights available under local code.

The commission handled several other agenda items after the designation vote and adjourned later in the afternoon.