Cream of the Cream City Award Winners: 2001

WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC 1584 N. Prospect Avenue

The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music's sensitive and painstaking restoration/renovation of the historic McIntosh/Goodrich mansion at 1584 North Prospect Avenue, which included both extensive interior as well as exterior work, greatly enhanced the beauty, accessibility and function of the structure without loss of the building's architectural integrity. Work encompassed a new roof, copper balustrade, lintels and a handicap entry with elevator, as well as new restrooms and heating systems. Restoration of mantels, light fixtures, plaster ornament and a striking hand painted leather frieze in the former dining room make the mansion sparkle once again. It will remain a stately reminder of Prospect Avenue's Gold Coast for decades to come.
 

ROBERT MACHEK HOUSE 1304 N. 19th Street

Don and Diane Nasgowitz's heroic efforts saved one of Milwaukee's premier architectural gems. The jewel box of a house was transformed from a small frame cottage to a German style residence by award-winning woodcarver Robert Machek. Urban renewal in the 1960's leveled the entire surrounding neighborhood and but for the Nasgowitz's, the Machek House would have been lost.

They spent the next three decades restoring it and bringing together original furnishings and documents that had been dispersed Current owners Bernard and Cheryl Kallman bought the house from the Nasgowitz's, added their own antique furnishings to the originals and have tirelessly continued the quest for documentation about Robert Machek. The Kallman's have done much to promote the house within Milwaukee and raise its profile as one of the city's must-see buildings.


 

MARY HAWLEY HOUSE ADDITION 1249 N. Franklin Place

The Bradley Foundation's sensitive addition to the rear of the Hawley House matches the original building's scale, detail and materials. A glass connector was also built to join the Hawley house to the Bradley Foundation's other landmark building next door, the Lion House. Its minimalist design does not intrude on the architectural integrity of either building. The Bradley Foundation also restored the Hawley House's front oriel window. Removed in 1960, the scar from the missing oriel had long been a blight on the building. The new, gleaming copper oriel was recreated from historic photographs and returns the Chateauesque style townhouse to its original glory.

ST. JOSAPHAT BASILICA ADDITION 601 W. Lincoln Avenue

St. Josaphat Basilica's highly visible new structure brings much-needed 21st century amenities to the church and includes a new chapel, new restrooms, and handicap accessible entrance. The addition carefully carries through the massing, materials and architectural details from the landmark church, ensuring the building's continued use for future generations.

ALBERTA HODGSON HOUSE 1853 N. Palmer Street

The removal of old asbestos siding from Alberta Hodgson's house revealed a wonderful façade with decorative shingles and ornamental panels. Ms. Hodgson decided to retain these unique features and paint the house in a manner that accentuates these details. Her Queen Anne Style cottage now stands out at the corner of Palmer Street and Reservoir Avenue.

WISCONSIN PRESERVATION FUND

Active since 1989, the Wisconsin Preservation Fund's mission is to reverse urban deterioration, to create affordable housing for low and moderate income individuals, and to preserve Milwaukee's and Wisconsin's architectural heritage.

Notable projects include the renovation of 20 single family and duplex properties in Brewers Hill for resale to low and moderate income homeowners and the moving of the old convent from St. John's Cathedral complex to Cass Street.