Historic Preservation Commission approves 10-foot sculpture at Balmy French House in Kenosha

The Kenosha Historic Preservation Commission on March 26 voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for an approximately 10-foot stainless-steel sculpture to be placed in the front yard of the Balmy French House in the Library Park Historic District.

Staff recommended approval, citing the property’s status as a contributing structure on local, state and national registers and guidance from the Library Park Historic Preservation Plan and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. A staff member told the commission the sculpture would sit in the yard rather than be affixed to the historic building and described the review under zoning ordinance sections 15.1 and 15.14.

“The plan is to put a 10 foot stainless steel sculpture,” Mary Dixie, the property owner, told the commission, presenting family artifacts and a journal tied to the house’s history. John Antriman, a resident who spoke during the public hearing, called the work “a piece of artwork that will be going in front of the home” and urged that it be placed within the next few months.

The sculptor, Martin Antray, described the design as a conventional depiction of Lady Justice: “the traditional depiction of Lady Justice is that she wears a blindfold,” he said, responding to the Chair’s question about whether the work references Rolly French’s service as a judge. The property owner also noted a contemporary detail: the figure includes a small collar modeled after one worn by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Commissioners and attendees praised the design and its potential to draw attention to Library Square and neighboring historic buildings. Commissioners suggested adding interpretive signage or a QR code to explain the house’s history and the sculpture’s significance; the owner said an iron fence was another possible adjunct.

A motion to approve the certificate was made, seconded, and passed after the Chair called for the vote; no commissioners registered opposition.

Staff and commissioners later discussed dating of historic photos shown at the meeting; those present estimated the images were likely from around the turn of the 20th century but did not provide a precise date. The owner said she would welcome visitors to view the artifacts after the meeting. The commission adjourned following that business.

Next steps: the owner and sculptor may coordinate siting and signage, and staff will proceed with the approved certificate of appropriateness.