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State panel refuses Blair House boundary decrease; Waukesha staff weigh options
Summary
A public commenter and city staff reported the State Historic Preservation Review Board voted 8–4 not to approve a proposed boundary decrease for the Blair House; the city is exploring options as the property owner and reminded property owners that federal (CDBG) funds and local grants are not yet disbursable.
A member of the public read an official letter at the March 25 Waukesha City Landmarks Commission meeting stating that the State Historic Preservation Review Board voted 8–4 on Feb. 21, 2025 not to approve additional documentation and a proposed historic‑boundary decrease for the Senator William and Henrietta Blair House.
"Dear missus by a vote of 8 to 4, the state historic preservation review board did not move to approve the Blair House additional documentation and boundary boundary decrease," the commenter read into the record and provided the letter to the commission.
Staff later confirmed the board had heard the city's application regarding the Blair House and said the board voted 8–4 not to approve the boundary decrease. Staff told commissioners the city is reviewing options going forward, including choices available to the city as the property owner at 130 Delfield Street.
Commissioners also discussed the city's communications to property owners and grant administration. Staff reiterated that the 2025 paint‑and‑repair grant allocation is $25,000 with $2,850 carried over from incomplete 2024 projects, but cautioned that grants will not be awarded until the city has signed contracts and confirmation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Commissioners suggested softening the letter tone by moving the sentence about mandatory approvals further down the mailing so homeowners receive the positive items first.
A commissioner also raised concern about 403 Arcadian Avenue, a local historic landmark they said they vacated, and asked staff to monitor a reported attempt by the property owner (an organization) to alter or remove the building. Staff said they had left a message with the operations manager and emailed La Casa's CEO, who responded that the organization was aware; staff said they would remind owners of required approvals for exterior alterations.
The commission set deadlines and reminders for awards and nominations: Landmarks Awards nomination forms are due one week before the April meeting (nominations due March 26); awards will be discussed April 2 and presented at the first city council meeting in May.
