The high profile Sydney Hih building and Downer Avenue redevelopment project were the main items on the agenda for this commission meeting.

The initial item regarded the proposed interim historic designation for the Sydney Hih building. The developer requested it to be held over and as it had been previously presented the developer had no immediate intention to demolish the building. Although Sandra McSweeney questioned how many times it could be held over and whether or not there was a limit, it was held again.

The highly contentious and overly litigated Downer Avenue parking garage came before the commission again. This time it was to request a change to the Certificate of Appropriateness (”COA”). The request was actually prompted by future tenant Associated Bank. The bank has taking issue with the lime green color that much of the building is slated to be stained. Specifically the request was to allow the developer to paint the scored panels white instead of the green stain. Although paint wasn’t the first choice for the building because some of it has already been stained the only option available is to paint it. Also discussed at length was if this change would impact the wall facing into the neighboring properties’ backyards. This request wasn’t addressing that side other than to stop it from being stained green. Throughout the discussion there were hints to the troubled history of the project as Sandra McSweeney claimed the color was part of the “muddy water” and Pat Balon said “we have several dangling issues regarding this project”. In the end it was approved with Sandra McSweeney abstaining from the vote.

The last item of interest was a slight change to the COA for another building that is part of the Downer Avenue redevelopment project. Of interest was that the first portions of the Mulkern Building to be redeveloped will be the two vacant storefronts and then will proceed as tenants depart the building. Because the requested change was minor it was approved quickly.

New Land Enterprises‘ $55 million Downer Ave. development project is going up quickly despite pending legal action. The first phase consists of a parking garage, designed by Scott Kindness of Workshop Architects, that includes first floor retail and has undergone numerous redesigns in an attempt to better fit the neighborhood. Despite the changes some neighbors felt these concessions didn’t go far enough and filed a lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee and DAPL LLC seeking to stop construction . The results of today’s hearing is unknown at press time but it is seems New Land Enterprises and the City of Milwaukee believe this case will be dismissed as development has moved ahead at a brisk pace. Despite the contentious nature of the project the overall goal of adding density and new business to the Downer Ave. district should have the long run impact of bringing vibrancy and business back to this urban commercial district.
UPDATE A second hearing will be held on 2/1/2008. Additionally the judge felt there was some wrong doing on the City’s part though as of yet didn’t issue an injunction that would of stopped construction. More details can be found in the jsonline article.

Related Links
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - Monday, May 14, 2007
Resolution 061440

The controversial Downer Ave area development that includes an 11-story high rise hotel/condo building and a parking garage on Downer Ave has finally broken ground. The neighborhood was polarized on this issue and certain residents were outraged to say the least but overall this is a good development for the area. The added foot traffic that the new medical offices, hotel guests and condo residents will bring should bring needed vitality back to the street. Further the renovations of the historic buildings are long over due and the work already done looks great.

To follow what’s going on I’ve started a flickr set, Downer Ave. New Land Enterprise Development, that I will update with new pictures to keep track of the progress.

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