Come take a sneak peek of De Pere Historical Society’s empty space before they officially open!

Join us for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to Preservation, History, and Community, all set in one of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks. The Cream City Symposium is your chance to connect with local experts, earn continuing education credits, and toast to the power of preservation.

Enjoy light refreshments and stick around for a lively happy hour to wrap up the day!

Speakers

Brutalism: Love It or Hate It?

Justin Miller, Architectural Historian, Cultural Resource Management, Archaeological Research Laboratory Center at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Brutalist buildings – with their raw concrete and stark, blocky shapes – evoke strong reactions, both positive and negative. As these buildings from the 1960s and 1970s become “historic,” however, preserving and repurposing them often involves challenges over aesthetics, energy efficiency, and sustainability. This presentation will explore the history of Brutalism, including its original design intent and elements that identify the style. We’ll look at notable examples around the state and explore several projects that have updated Brutalist buildings to meet current tastes and needs.

“Preserving the Past, Lighting the Future”

Holly Blomquist, LC, MIES, LEED Green Associate | Partner, Lighting Department Manager, Ring and Du

Colleen Kroll, LC, MIES | Associate, Senior Lighting Designer, Ring and Du

Historic buildings present unique opportunities—and challenges—when it comes to lighting design. This presentation will explore past projects featured on the Historic Preservation Project List, highlighting creative solutions that bring new life to historic spaces while respecting the architectural character. Topics will include integrating modern lighting controls, reactivating a non-functioning lighting system, navigating fixture mounting challenges, and discreetly concealing lighting equipment to preserve the integrity of each building.

“The Mitchell Park Conservatory (Domes)”

Ziad M Salameh, Ph.D., P.E., Principal-In-Charge at ZS Architectural Engineering (ZS)

The Mitchell Park Conservatory (Domes) glazing system as seen through the lens of forensic engineering, focusing on a multifaceted and multi-disciplinary investigation of the current system and structure with discussions of the findings and recommended next steps. This talk will go into detail on how forensic engineering and testing methods were used to investigate both known and uncovered issues with the Domes glazing and structural systems, and how the appropriate repair methods were determined and presented in order to help guide the next chapter of the iconic structures. This presentation is required viewing for anyone who is curious how the Domes were constructed, how the system continues to function, the challenges the Domes have faced, and how they can be repaired and restored with a system that will improve performance while preserving historic character.

From Preservation Racine:

You never know who built the house you just discovered, but we have a spokeswoman to serve as a voice for the buildings. That would be our own Pippin Michelli.  By understanding the origin of styles, you can “sight read” a house.  You can decipher what sort of people built it and more.  Pippin will illustrate her talk with slides of Racine houses and, time allowing, will give you a chance to practice identifying styles.

Pippin has served as past president of Preservation Racine, has taught Art and Architectural Style at the University of Wisconsin’s Parkside campus and has also been a long-time member of Preservation Racine. She comes with very impressive credentials that include several degrees and certifications in both England and the United States.

A part of our business meeting will be presented by our president Scott Leonard, who will give an update on the Blake House construction project.  Members present will be given an opportunity to approve related expenditures.

Light refreshments will be served.  There is plenty of parking across State Street from the Main Project.

Linda Schubert
Program Chairman

From Preservation Racine:

Our guest will be Jessica Michna, who in prior Preservation Racine meetings has provided fascinating interpretations of American historical figures such as Dolley Madison and Mary Todd Lincoln.

We will start at 6:30 pm, earlier than usual, so that we can start with our potluck table laden with your favorite foods for celebrating. 

Linda Schubert
Program Chairman

Gain a practical, accessible introduction to the fundamentals of historic preservation real estate development. This full-day workshop offers a practitioner-level look at the realities of historic real estate development. Panelists will walk participants through the development process, highlight the roles and decision-making frameworks of key stakeholders, and demystify the legal, financial, and regulatory tools that make preservation projects feasible, from tax credits to creative partnerships. The workshop includes a site visit to the award-winning Journal Commons project. Ideal for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of how historic projects come together in ways that are financially viable and community centered.

The cost for this workshop is $25 and re-registration is required.

Speakers

Rhonda Sincavage, Director of Content & Partnerships, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Kathryn Berger, Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation
Emma Rudd, Executive Director, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance

Registration

Full day workshop for historic preservation professionals, maximum attendance 50; Cost $25.00, in addition to conference registration fee.

Tour about five historic homes in the Elmwood Park area just outside the city of Racine. The tour includes an exhibit about the development of Elmwood Park area, which was once farmland and had quarries. Sponsored by Preservation Racine Inc. Money earned goes to support historic building, preservation and education.

For information call (262) 634-5748 or see preservationracine.org.