Commission approves fire-escape support at 402 Wisconsin Ave., asks for stone-like cladding if cost-effective

The Waukesha City Landmarks Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness to install exterior steel support beams and concrete footings to shore an unsafe rear fire escape at 402 Wisconsin Avenue, a Second Empire–style house dating to the 1880s.

"So, staff is recommending approval," said staff during the presentation, summarizing the application and noting that Secretary of the Interior Standards 9 and 10 apply to new additions and that the approach minimizes damage to the historic fabric. Mark Rolinger, representing the owner, said the work responds to a fire-department order and that the engineer designed the supports to avoid major interior reconstruction: "Our engineer came up with this design to... be safe for the residents."

Commission discussion focused on the appearance of concrete piers and whether they could be made to blend with the building. Commissioner Jennifer Wall moved to approve the COA "with a proviso that if possible and cost effective that it be clad in stone or etched to look like stone," and a second was recorded. Commissioners voted to approve the application.

The approved work calls for four painted black steel beams anchored by concrete footings and bolted into existing floor joists; staff recommended replacing removed siding to match existing material and noted a building permit is required. The owner agreed to explore thin stone veneer or stamped concrete as lower-cost finishes if feasible.