Jan 3, 2025 Story by: Editor
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.
Central City Plaza holds historical significance because its architect, Alonzo Robinson Jr., was the first registered Black architect in Wisconsin. According to the petitions, Robinson had a distinguished career in both public and private sectors. Additionally, the plaza was the only Black-operated shopping center developed under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s community development program, as noted in the petitions.
The plaza was developed by the Central City Development Corp., led by Milwaukee civil rights leader Felmers O. Chaney. Its Black-owned businesses included Central City Drug Store, Darby’s Food, Pago’s Liquor Store, Masterpiece Supper Club, and Masterpiece Motor Lodge.
By 1977, the plaza was vacant, and in 1982, it was sold to the Prince Hall Masons, a fraternal organization that leased excess space to social service agencies and nonprofit groups. Recently, the building on Sixth Street was used by Yellow Cab Cooperative before the Salvation Army purchased it in May for $1.25 million, according to city assessment records.
A representative from the Salvation Army could not be reached for comment, including details on the organization’s plans for the 0.5-acre lot. Source: Yahoo News
