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County frames Trimborne Farm’s future as an RFP; neighbors urged quieter uses
Summary
Milwaukee County officials told the Greendale Village Board the county will release a June RFP seeking partners to address roughly $1 million in deferred maintenance at Trimborne Farm; county leaders emphasized no decisions have been made and invited residents to a June 5 town‑hall to shape possible uses.
Milwaukee County representatives told the Village of Greendale Board that Trimborne Farm requires substantial repairs and that the county will seek private or public partners through a request for proposals to reduce long‑term capital costs.
Kathleen Vincent, Milwaukee County supervisor, opened the county’s presentation by stressing the meeting was a listening session, saying, "there have been no decisions made on what the future could entail for Trimborne Farm." Ben Barbera, executive director of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, reviewed the site’s historic elements and usage, noting the farmhouse, the stone barn and the bunkhouse are key to its designation and current programming.
County staff said the bunkhouse alone is estimated at over $1 million to repair and that the county faces hundreds of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance across departments. Staff outlined several concept ideas that could be included in an RFP: a wedding venue, a restaurant, short‑term rentals, vendor stalls and cultural programming. The presenters said they plan to release the RFP in June and keep responses open for about three months, and they will host a town‑hall on June 5 at Highland Park to gather resident input.
Several residents and trustees asked practical questions about parking, restroom infrastructure and the condition of the Jeremiah Curtin House; the historical society representative said the Curtin House needs a roof replacement (~$29,000) and that running water could cost significantly more. County staff said they are open to public–private partnership models that would reduce the county’s capital responsibility while preserving the property’s historic character.
The presentation concluded with staff urging continued conversation and community involvement at the June town‑hall and in the RFP process. No formal village action was taken; the county will return with further steps following the RFP and public feedback.
