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Landmarks Commission approves several COAs and grants, including Freedman Alley mural
Summary
On Oct. 1 the Waukesha Landmarks Commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness for work at multiple historic properties, awarded paint-and-repair grants (including a $4,000 award for 114 Southeast Avenue and $180 for 323 McCall Street), and approved a city mural for Freedman Alley as part of a placemaking plan.
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission approved multiple Certificates of Appropriateness and awarded paint-and-repair grants at its Oct. 1 meeting, including a mural project aimed at enlivening Freedman Alley and grant support for homeowners in two College Avenue historic-district properties.
Chimney cap and small grant at 323 McCall Street: Charlie, community development staff, described a COA request to replace a rear chimney cap with a cylindrical aluminum model and to install a new interior liner at the Queen Anne house at 323 McCall Street. Homeowners Mary Lou and Darren Lillian attended and said they appreciated staff guidance. The commission approved the COA and later awarded the applicants a $180 paint-and-repair grant. (Motion to approve COA: moved by Marty Larson; seconded by the Chair; COA approved. Grant: motion and approval recorded at the meeting.)
Beggs House (114 Southeast Avenue): Charlie presented a significant repair and repainting project for the Mary and Robert Beggs House, with initial estimates of roughly $30,152 for painting and carpentry (plus unknown carpentry labor billed at $95/hour plus materials). Homeowner Nathan Copine attended and said the work would proceed “before winter or after,” depending on contractor scheduling. The commission approved the COA for gutters, paint and necessary wood repair and exercised discretion to increase the usual $3,000 grant cap, approving a $4,000 paint-and-repair grant citing the house’s street presence and expected carpentry needs.
122 Southeast Avenue roof and gutters: The commission approved a COA for the Harter House at 122 Southeast Avenue to replace an aging roof with CertainTeed Landmark series shingles in “driftwood” and to install K‑style gutters; staff supplied cost estimates for roof and gutter work and noted the shingles have been approved previously.
Freedman Alley mural at 300 West Main Street: The commission approved a COA for a large, approximately 24-by-20-foot mural—a fox design—proposed to be painted directly on a later stucco east wall of 300 West Main Street (part of a broader placemaking plan from the Central City Master Plan). Project staff said property-owner permission and MOUs are in place and that the public art committee selected the artist from 21 applications. Commissioners asked staff to address technical issues (power washing stucco and an exposed coaxial cable) and confirmed that non-original surfaces were proposed for direct painting; original facades would use mounted boards to avoid damage.
Votes at a glance: The record shows the Commission approved COAs for 323 McCall Street (chimney cap), 114 Southeast Avenue (gutters/paint/repair), 122 Southeast Avenue (roof/gutters), and 300 West Main Street (mural). It also awarded grants including $180 for 323 McCall Street and $4,000 for 114 Southeast Avenue. Staff noted that approvals remain conditional on Waukesha County and State Historic Preservation Office compliance where applicable.
What’s next: Approved COAs may proceed subject to standard permit requirements and any conditions the commission imposed. The mural project will proceed with property-owner agreements and coordination on technical details; grants will be disbursed per program rules and compliance checks.
