Lease Extention for Historical Society
posted 7.21.08by Ron Faiola
The Greendale Village Board voted to approve a two year extension on the lease agreement between the Village and and the Greendale Historical Society for the restoration and readaption of the old Police Station and Annex Building located next to the Municipal Parking lot on Parking Street.
Greendale Historical Society President Ted Mainella released this statement, "I believe this is a vote of confidence from the Village Board. We still have a long way to go, but I believe this is an acknowledgement of the hard work the Historical Society has put in on the project so far."
According to a a recent press release, the Historical Society will use the lease extension to explore and secure funding sources through grants and fund-raising. The group also announced that they have already applied for several significant grants.
"The extension was needed due to the nature of grant cycles," explained Mainella. "The idea that the Historical Society could have raised $2 million in one year was simply unrealistic. We will use this extra time to explore every avenue of funding for this project."
The Historical Society plans as its next step to obtain a structural analysis of the historic buildings. They are planning to fund a Historic Structure Report (HSR) to evaluate the current status of the buildings.
"The report will provide a reference on how the buildings may best be restored and will give a solid indication of the costs involved," says Mainella.
Historical Society Plans Beer Tasting Fund-Raiser
posted 7.12.08by Ron Faiola
The Greendale Historical Society will host a beer tasting with special guest Marquette historian Christopher Miller who will speak on "Why the New Deal and Greendale Matter."
The event takes place on August 9 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Ray & Dots VFW Post 416, 6351 W. Grange Avenue.
Tickets are $15 in advance and available in the Village at Seasons of the Heart, the Reiman Publications Store, and Broad Street Coffee.
Tour of Greendale Originals Set
posted 6.18.08by Ron Faiola
The Greendale Historical Society is inviting the public to stroll and enjoy the past and present in historic Greendale on September 13 during the first "Tour of Original Homes."
"Visitors to Greendale often express their desire to see the inside of a Greendale 'original' home," said event organizer Barbara Krawczyk.
"For the first time in 70 years, nine of these historic homes will be open to the public and The Greendale Historical Society is proud to be able to offer this opportunity. We believe the tour is going to be a great, fun event for visitors and the community," said Krawczyk.
Greendale, which celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2008, is one of the nation's three historic Greenbelt communities and is recognized by the Wisconsin and National Registers of Historic Places.
Greendale "original" homes are known for their iconic cinderblock construction and wooden beamed ceilings. This inagural event will give the public the first chance to tour the inside of these unique homes since they were built in 1938.
Greendale Historical Society on Tight Timetable to Raise Funds for Former Police Station, Annex
posted 1.18.08by Ron Faiola
The Greendale Historical Society have recently publicized their plans to renovate and lease the former police station and annex in downtown Greendale.
Since kicking off their fundraising campaign during Village Days in August, they've already raised $25,000 towards the $2 million needed for the project.
Their fundraising efforts will include hiring a professional fundraiser, applying for various grants and loans, plus a letter will be sent out to all Greendale High School alumni and residents. Membership in the Historical Society runs from $20 for students to $2,500 for benefactors.
Historical Society member and Village Trustee Jeff Birmingham said the grants, from from state, federal and private sources, would account for 25% to 75% of the $2 million.
The former police station has a total of 7,900 square feet of usable space on three floors. In addition to grants, Birmingham also hopes to obtain bank loans based on the 5,000 square feet of rentable space in the building.
The plans are to use the ground floor as a museum and public meeting space; the second floor and basement would be rented as office or retail space. The nearby Annex would house a gift shop and storage area.
The architects hired for the restoration of the former police station and annex building are Mark and Linda Keane. Mark is an associate professor of architecture at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Linda teaches at the School of Art Institute in Chicago.
Birmingham sees the museum as a destination for tourists looking to explore the history of Greendale, the Greenbelt Communities and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which was created by President Franklin Roosevelt.
Birmingham said the Historical Society plans to have a full-scale model of a Greendale "Original" home inside the building as well as a small scale model of the Village of Greendale.
There will also be artifacts and photos of Greendale's 70 year history and information on Greendale's Greenbelt neighbors of Greenhills, Ohio and Greenbelt, Maryland.
The Historical Society has until September 1, 2008 to raise the $2 million for the project. Birmingham says the group has been meeting twice a week to fast track the fundraising efforts and plans for the buildings. If they fail to raise the money in time, the Village could take back their offer to the Historical Society. Birmingham hopes that won't happen.
For more information visit: www.thegreendalehistoricalsociety.org
Greendale Historical Society Fund-Raising Party
posted 8.14.07
Photos of fund-raising kickoff event on August 13.
Photo legend: Tent by former police station; wooden soldiers from 1976 Bicentennial Celebration; Dave Bruno as Franklin D. Roosevelt (three photos); portrait of F.D.R. that hung in the original Greendale Post Office; Village President John Hermes; Police Chief Robert Dams; Greendale School District Superintendent Dr. Hughes; Board Trustee James Strange; former Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann (two photos); Milwaukee County Supervisor Dan Devine; Wisconsin State Representative Jeff Stone (R); architect's plans for the renovation of the two buildings into a museum, offices, gift shop and meeting space (three photos).
Photos copyright Ron Faiola
Clock Ticking for Historical Society
posted 8-14-07
by Ron Faiola
The Greendale Historical Society officially began their campaign to raise more than $2 million dollars to renovate the former Greendale police and fire station, located at 6600 Schoolway.
The fund-raising kick off party was held on August 13 during the last day of Village Days. The Historical Society had a tent behind the old police station that was filled with historical items from Greendale's past including old police and fire uniforms, helmets, photos and other documents. They also displayed their conceptual plans for the future of the building.
On hand to act at Master of Ceremonies for the event was Village President John Hermes. Hermes spoke of his desire to work with the Historical Society and the importance of the building to the community.
Several area notables attended and voiced their support for the renovation, including former Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann, Wisconsin State Representative Jeff Stone, Milwaukee County Supervisor Dan Devine, Greendale Police Chief Robert Dams who started his career in the former police station and Village Board Trustee James Strange who also spent many years working in both the Annex and former police building. There were also special appearances by "Franklin" and "Eleanor."
Under the terms of the agreement, the Village will lease the former police station and annex building to the Historical Society for $1 per year, for 25 years with five renewal options. If the Historical Society does not raise the $2 million for renovation by September, 2008, the Village will cancel the deal and take back control of the building.
$2 Million Needed for Former Police Station Renovation
posted 7.10.07by Ron Faiola
On July 3, 2007, the Village Board of Trustees selected the Greendale Historical Society's proposal to convert both the Old Police Station and Annex. The Village will lease the buildings to the Greendale Historical Society for $1.00/year for twenty-five years, with five, 5-year lease renewal options.
The building has been vacant since 1998 and by late 2005, the Village Board asked for and received a bid for demolition of the building. News of the pending demolition created a new interest from current and former residents of Greendale in saving the historic building.
The Greendale Historical Society will need to raise $2,000,000 in the next 14 months to renovate and open the building as a museum.
From the Village of Greendale's Press Release:
As one of only three (3) "Greenbelt Communities" built by the Federal Government in 1938, the Village of Greendale is very proud of its unique history. The Federal Government built Greendale to provide a "suburban" or "country style" community close to a major city and employment opportunities.
To serve the new community, the Village constructed a building that served as the original Police Station, Fire Station and Municipal Court (6600 Schoolway), as well as the Annex located behind the building in the Municipal Parking Lot that served as the Hose Tower for the Fire Department to dry their hoses and provide additional storage for other municipal equipment.
In 1972 the Fire Department moved to its own Station located at 6200 W. Loomis Road. The Old Police Station continued to house the Police Department and Municipal Court until 1998 when the Village constructed the new Safety Center - 5911 W. Grange Avenue. The Annex has remained in used by the Village and Village Community organizations for storage.
Since 1998 and the move to the Safety Center, the Old Police Station has remained vacant.
Over the years the Village has received several inquiries about renovating or re-using the Old Police Station and Annex for other uses. In 2006 the Village sought renovation and re-use proposals for both buildings. Three (3) proposals were submitted. One proposal came from the Greendale Historical Society to renovate and convert the Old Police Station and Annex into a historical museum, community meeting room, office rental, gift shop and community bathrooms. A second proposal from Robert & Lawrence Popp sought to only convert the Old Police Station into a Community Arts Studio, retail and other possible uses. The Greendale Park & Recreation Department proposed expanding and renovating only the Annex into a daycare center.
After careful consideration to determine what would be the best use for the buildings and the Village as a whole, on July 3, 2007, the Village Board of Trustees selected the Greendale Historical Societyıs proposal to convert both the Old Police Station and Annex. The Village will lease the buildings to the Greendale Historical Society for $1.00/year for twenty-five years, with five, 5-year lease renewal options.
Village President John R. Hermes said "Greendale is a very special and historic community and utilizing the Old Police Station and Annex as a museum to help promote and educate people about that history was clearly the most attractive option for the buildings. The Village Board of Trustees is very excited by this opportunity and proud to work with the Greendale Historical Society to achieve these goals."
Starting July 4th, the Greendale Historical Society will begin its ambitious goal of generating $2.0 Million dollars in grants, endowments, donations, etc. to undertake the necessary renovations and make the museum operational. The lease with the Village gives the Greendale Historical Society until September 1, 2008 (14 months) to generate the funding. If the Greendale Historical Society is unable to attain the $2.0 Million by that time (September 2008), the lease will not commence and the Village will need to re-evaluate the future of the two (2) buildings. Village President Hermes said "the Greendale Historical Society has set their goals high to provide an outstanding museum. The Village shares the Historical Society's optimism and will be as supportive and accommodating as possible in order to have the project succeed."
Greendale Historical Society President, Sally Chadwick said "the Greendale Historical Society is very appreciative of all the Village Board's help and support in selecting their proposal. The Greendale Historical Society recognizes the opportunity it has been given and has been re-energized to succeed." The Greendale Historical Society has sought to develop a historical museum in Greendale for many years.
Ms. Chadwick noted that the $2.0 Million fundraising goal necessary to renovate the buildings and make the museum operational will not be easy, but she has every confidence that it will occur. "The history of Greendale and the Greenbelt Communities is so special, once people learn about our proposal we know that they will share our passion to see that history preserved." Ms. Chadwick added, "Today's a great day for the Village of Greendale, the Greendale Historical Society and history in general."
The Village of Greendale, including the Old Police Station and Annex are listed on the State and Federal Registry of Historic Places. Any renovations of the buildings are required to maintain the buildings historical significance. Ms. Chadwick noted "we obviously want to preserve the historic integrity of the buildings, and in fact want to make renovations to the buildings to make them return to how they looked in 1938."
If all goes as hoped, the Greendale Historical Society plans to have the Old Police Station and Annex renovated and operational as a museum by the summer of 2010.