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Landmarks commission asks to participate in SHPO talks over proposed demolition of historic water utility building at 445 West Newhall
Summary
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission voted unanimously to ask to be included in State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) negotiations over the proposed demolition of the water utility building at 445 West Newhall and nominated a commissioner to represent the body in those talks.
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission voted unanimously to ask to be included in State Historic Preservation Office negotiations about the water utility building at 445 West Newhall and to name a commission representative to attend the SHPO meeting.
Charlie, a city preservation staffer, told commissioners the one‑story concrete block structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but not designated a local landmark and that the utility has begun the SHPO consultation process. "Since it's a demolition it will be found to be an adverse impact," Charlie said, describing SHPO's typical finding and the mitigation process that can follow.
Commissioners and a preservation advocate pressed for more information about the building's condition and for alternatives to demolition. The commission read a letter from Mary Emery, president of the Waukesha Preservation Alliance, which urged the body to notify SHPO that there is local opposition. "I am very much opposed to it," the letter reads, calling attention to several recent historic losses by government entities and recommending that the utility explore sale or reuse before demolition.
Chair Mike Christine said commissioners had not received detailed condition reports from the utility and that the absence of structural information constrained their ability to assess reuse. "I can't make an educated decision because I don't know the condition of it," he said.
The commission voted to ask to be part of the SHPO negotiation and unanimously nominated a commissioner to represent the Landmarks Commission at the SHPO meeting. Staff said the SHPO meeting will most likely be a Zoom session and that the consultant the utility hired would schedule that meeting; the Landmarks Commission can offer comments on any mitigation the SHPO requests.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate with the utility's consultant and SHPO; the commission's designated representative is expected to attend the negotiation and report back to the commission.
