Investor likely won’t fight historic status
Initial plans to tear down century-old building give way to inclination to redevelop, preserve three-story site
An investor seeking to redevelop an east side building says he likely won’t challenge a historic designation that would prevent a possible demolition.
Paul Weise said Tuesday that he plans to work with city officials on redeveloping the centuryold home of Paul Weise Furniture, 1534 N. Farwell Ave.
The Historic Preservation Commission has scheduled an Aug. 8 hearing on a proposal to apply an interim historic designation to the building.
Interim historic status is generally considered an emergency measure to prevent imminent demolition plans. It can lead to the commission later granting permanent historic status.
“I’ve got to hear what they say” at the hearing, Weise said.
But, he said, an appeal of historic designation to the Common Council isn’t likely.
Owners of designated buildings must obtain commission approval for exterior changes, including demolition. Commission rulings can be appealed to the council.
The three-story, 15,300square-foot building was nominated for historic status by Peter Zanghi, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance Inc. president. The building was constructed in three stages, in 1903, 1910 and 1922.
It was designed by prominent architect Alexander Eschweiler, whose other work includes the former Wisconsin Gas Co. headquarters, 626 E. Wisconsin Ave., and a mansion that now houses the Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave.
Weise, whose family started the business, and Steve Stein, who owns the building and operates the furniture store, have applied for a city demolition permit.
Weise initially said their plans could involve tearing down the building to make way for a new apartment development.
Ald. Nik Kovac, whose district includes the site, wants the building preserved.
Weise’s inclination to redevelop the building, instead of demolishing it for new construction, is good news, Kovac said.
City funds could be used to help finance the building’s redevelopment depending on what Weise proposes for the site, Kovac said.