A building in Milwaukee, designed by a groundbreaking Black architect, may receive historic designation, which could prevent its demolition.
The city’s Department of Neighborhood Services has placed a raze permit for the one-story building at 1747 N. Sixth St. on hold. This action follows petitions filed with the Historic Preservation Commission, requesting both temporary and permanent historic designation for the structure. The building is part of a 1970s commercial complex originally known as Central City Plaza.
The temporary 180-day period serves as an emergency measure to halt any work, allowing the commission time to review the request for permanent historic designation. Permanent designation also requires approval from the Common Council and the mayor.
A building granted permanent historic designation cannot be demolished without approval from the commission. However, commission decisions can be appealed to the council.
The petitions were submitted by Milwaukee architect Chris Rute and the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance. They argue that Central City Plaza, which includes a larger two-story building at 600 W. Walnut St., was designed in the New Formalism style and completed in 1973.
