Waukesha Landmarks Commission approves roof, chimney and tuckpointing work and awards paint-and-repair grants

At its June 3 meeting, the Waukesha Landmarks Commission approved multiple certificates of appropriateness and awarded paint-and-repair grants to property owners undertaking roof, chimney and masonry repairs.

Charlie, a Landmarks Commission staff member, told the commission the annual paint-and-repair fund is $25,000, of which $10,485 had already been committed and $2,432 remained tied to an unfinished 2025 project, leaving $14,515 available for new awards. "The total grant fund for this year is $25,000 and, you've approved $10,485 of that," Charlie said.

The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for roof replacement at 818 Northeast Avenue, part of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church complex, after hearing a presentation about proposed Owens Corning Oak Ridge shingles and repairs to a flat EDPM membrane. Andy Dieske, who identified himself as facilities manager for Corpus Christi, said the group will coordinate interior and roof work depending on future use and costs.

The commission also approved demolition and rebuild of a deteriorated chimney at 312 East College Avenue (the Erwin and Margaret Lubbers House). Charlie described the plan to rebuild the chimney to match existing dimensions in Cream City brick with a new concrete cap and flue guards. Property owner Bridal Running said the chimney has been deteriorating for years and that some mature trees causing problems had already been removed. The commission approved a paint-and-repair grant for that project equal to 15% of the estimated $9,800 cost, or $1,470, to cover chimney rebuilding, crown work, flue pipes and caulking.

At 353 West Broadway (Hannon’s Pub), the commission approved replacement of a commercial flat roof with a new TPO membrane and repairs to visible parapet and cap elements; Samia Pickens, the proposed buyer, said she is awaiting SBA-related historical-clearance steps tied to the pending sale and hopes to reinstall a historic turret on the building.

The commission granted a certificate of appropriateness and a 15% paint-and-repair grant for tuckpointing and foundation repairs at 323 McCall Street. Homeowner Mary Louise Lillian described efforts to match the existing mortar profile. Staff noted the contractors plan to use lime mortar and recommended an optional $250 silicone sealer to help masonry longevity; the commission approved the larger $2,150 project cost and the 15% grant ($322.50).

Alderman’s and committee reports included news that the city’s community development block grant application was approved at the county level for $25,000 pending federal funding, updates on spring cleanups and the drained Hobo Spring basin, and a scheduling note that the July meeting is slated for July 1 but may shift to July 8 depending on availability.

The commission approved the items by voice or roll-call votes with no recorded opposing votes reported in the transcript; where grant awards were computed, staff confirmed the 15% calculations. The meeting adjourned after routine communications and scheduling discussion.

Votes at a glance - COA approved: 818 Northeast Avenue (roof replacement) — outcome: approved; motion moved and seconded by commission members; (transcript vote: voice/roll-call, ayes recorded). Provenance: topic start SEG 154, finish SEG 206. - COA approved: 312 East College Avenue (chimney rebuild) — outcome: approved; grant awarded 15% of $9,800 = $1,470. Provenance: topic start SEG 285, finish SEG 517. - COA approved: 353 West Broadway (commercial roof/TPO) — outcome: approved. Provenance: topic start SEG 520, finish SEG 684. - COA approved: 323 McCall Street (tuckpointing/foundation) — outcome: approved; project cost $2,150 with add-on; grant awarded 15% = $322.50. Provenance: topic start SEG 716, finish SEG 956.

Key quotes "So the total grant, fund for this year is $25,000 and, you've approved $10,485 of that," Charlie said when summarizing available funds. "I serve as a facilities manager for all of Corpus Christi," Andy Dieske said at the 818 Northeast Avenue presentation. "I really don't have much else to add. It's pretty straightforward," property owner Bridal Running said about the chimney work proposed for 312 East College Avenue. "I would just like to say that some of the mortar has the square raised look," homeowner Mary Louise Lillian said about the proposed tuckpointing at 323 McCall Street.

What happens next Approved owners may proceed with the permitted work and are expected to obtain required building permits; staff noted some awards and approvals remain conditional on county-level and other compliance reviews. The commission scheduled its next meeting for July 1, subject to change.