The following is excerpt from an article printed in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 1, 2021.
A recent article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel points out that buildings constructed in the 1950s and 60s are eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. As these structures are over 50 years old they now meet one of the criteria for the registry. Recognition on the National Register makes a building eligible for state and federal historic preservation tax credits toward renovations.
Marshall & Ilsey Bank Building
Milwaukee, 770 N. Water Street
Mid-Century Becomes Historic
According to the article, of the “2,000 buildings listed by the [local] Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission, only a handful were built in the 20th century’s second half.” It is more common to think of buildings built before World War II as historic, but the architectural value of structures considered “mid-century”, or from the 50s and 60s, is also significant.
A number of downtown Milwaukee buildings are currently in the process of seeking historic designation, including the former Marshall & Ilsey Bank Building at 770 N. Water Street and the former St. Catherine’s Residence for Young Women at 1032 E. Knapp Street.
Milwaukee Buildings Looking for Historic Status
Other buildings, in recent years, have applied for local historic designation and been denied by the Common Council. The Marcus Center was determined to be ineligible for a number of reasons, primarily 1990s replacements of original materials, which removed architectural integrity. In December of 2020, the Forest Home Library was rejected for historic designation after a vigorous debate.
It is expected that more mid-century buildings will be considered for preservation and historic status. Reaching historic status would make the Mitchell Park Domes eligible for state and federal historic tax credits and aid in the financing of needed repairs. The Milwaukee County War Memorial Center is another excellent example of the city’s history that may be deserving of historic designation. According to Jeff Joseph, interviewed for the article, “If we lose the history of modern buildings, we lose the history of our innovation.” This is a strong reminder to all working to preserve Places the Matter.