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Waukesha Landmarks Commission allocates remaining paint/repair grants, approves three awards
Summary
The commission approved three paint and repair grants — $1,000 for 216 W. College Avenue, $100 for 125–127 McCall Street, and an additional $16.84 to a prior $900 award for 304 E. College Avenue — and staff said the commission should allocate remaining 2024 funds now or risk reallocation to other CDBG programs.
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission on Nov. 6 approved three paint and repair grants and discussed the final allocation of the 2024 fund.
Staff told the commission the 2024 paint and repair grant fund totaled $20,000, plus a $984 carryover from 2023. Staff reported $18,200 in prior commitments; that combination implies $20,984 total resources and $2,784 remaining to allocate, and staff urged commissioners to allocate available funds before calendar‑year reallocation to other CDBG programs.
The commission voted by voice to approve a $1,000 grant for 216 West College Avenue (the Hattie James House), covering front copper gutters and downspouts on a $6,480 project. Homeowner Jeff Arndt confirmed the work was completed prior to formal review because of contractor scheduling; staff advised him how to claim the grant.
For 125–127 McCall Street (the Ira and Jenny Kimball House), owner Gregory Snap described historical research and his plan to match period rear‑porch railings. Staff noted some 2nd‑floor work had already been completed and that required building permits. The commission approved a materials grant of $100 and advised the owner to coordinate permits and timing with staff.
On the previously approved work at 304 East College Avenue (the John and Lucille Hoff House), staff said revised contractor quotes raised the overall project estimate to roughly $32,828, including masonry and driveway work. With limited remaining funds, the commission approved adding $16.84 to the applicant's earlier $900 award to fully allocate available 2024 grant funds.
Why it matters: the grants subsidize preservation work across the city's historic districts, and staff said money not allocated by year end is typically shifted within the city's CDBG program. Commissioners asked about permit timing, material longevity (pressure‑treated wood) and whether paint should be delayed until wood has properly seasoned.
Next step: staff will assist successful applicants with paperwork and advise on timing and permits; the commission will monitor remaining COA (certificate of appropriateness) requests expected next year.
