Committee votes to designate Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theater as historic after extended hearing

A Milwaukee Common Council committee voted to designate the UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theater (formerly the Milwaukee Auditorium) as historic landmarks following an extended presentation by Historic Preservation Commission staff and hours of public testimony on the sites’ cultural and civic significance.

The Zoning and Neighborhood Development Committee approved a substitute resolution concerning the properties at 412 West Kilbourn Avenue after Historic Preservation Commission staff told the committee the two buildings met multiple criteria in the city’s preservation ordinance. "The preservation commission recommends that under criteria 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9 the common council declare that the Auditorium and Arena are historic sites under the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Office ordinance," Historic Preservation Commission staffer Tim Askin said.

Supporters — including Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride, neighborhood preservation commissioners, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Admirals — testified the buildings anchor downtown civic life and host generations of cultural, educational and sporting events. "These venues are home to the Admirals, the Milwaukee Wave, the UWM Panthers, and they host graduations, concerts and community events that are vital to downtown's identity," Carrie Duce, speaking for UWM, told the committee.

Opponents — led by counsel and senior staff for the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) — argued the designation could impose costly requirements on repairs and limit future redevelopment flexibility. Marty Brooks, president and CEO of the WCD, said maintenance needs for the aging arena carry financial risks: "In the next 5 to 7 years, the arena is expected to need a new roof and replacement of several mechanical systems. These projects alone are projected to cost more than $15 million," he said, adding that historic designation could make repairs materially more expensive.

Committee members pressed both sides on how designation would work in practice. Preservation commissioners emphasized the ordinance regulates exterior changes and places a public review process between any demolition or major exterior alteration and final approval. The chair repeatedly underscored that designation does not itself prevent demolition; it triggers a transparent review that would come back to the committee and ultimately to the full common council.

Tenants said the buildings remain active: UWM’s lease at Panther Arena runs through 2029, and the Milwaukee Admirals told the committee their current operating lease runs through 2027; both organizations urged that any future decisions be collaborative and planned. "Decisions of this magnitude must be made collaboratively with all tenants and stakeholders at the table," Carrie Duce said.

After receiving testimony for and against the petition, Alderman Baumann moved to designate the two properties as historic under the city ordinance. The motion passed in committee and the meeting was adjourned.

The committee's action creates a formal public‑review process for future proposals affecting the two properties; the practical effects and any additional costs for repairs or redevelopment will depend on subsequent applications and decisions that would be made in later hearings.