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Committee approves permanent historic designation for four Brady–Farwell properties after contested hearing
Summary
After public testimony for and against, the committee recommended granting permanent historic designation to four properties at Brady and Farwell; HPC staff cited architectural and historical criteria and opponents — including the owner and counsel — urged the committee to weigh owner interests. Motion passed 3–1–1.
The committee recommended permanent historic designation for four contiguous properties at the corner of Brady and Farwell after a lengthy and contested public hearing.
Historic Preservation Commission staff presented research showing distinctive late-19th-century architecture across the four properties and argued the properties meet multiple designation criteria including association with notable local individuals and architectural significance. Andrew Stern of HPC described the Oliver House as an intact frame Italianate designed by Henry C. Koch and noted the paired Victorian Gothic houses and a Queen Anne building together constitute a rare surviving cluster in that area.
Community preservation advocates, including Carl Bonneman of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, testified in favor of designation, saying the cluster is among the last historic vestiges on the corner and deserves protection.
The owner, Scott Lurie of F Street (represented by attorney Adam Bazilon), opposed permanent designation. Counsel quoted the ordinance language requiring the council to “balance the public interest in the preservation of the structure, site, or district ... and the interest of the owner or owners in using the property for his, her, or their purposes,” and argued designation imposes permanent restrictions and financial burdens on owners who did not request the designation. Lurie said he acquired the properties in September and intends to continue operating them as residential rentals and urged the committee to weigh owner rights and process fairness.
Committee members debated the statutory criteria, the scope of alterations to the properties and whether the public interest in preservation outweighed owner concerns. One member noted the designation is irreversible. After discussion and public testimony from supporters and opponents, Alderman Jackson moved to recommend adoption; the motion passed with three votes in favor, one objection and one abstention.
The committee’s recommendation will advance to the Common Council for final action.
