Designed by Doug Nysse, principal of architectural practice Kahler Slater, the 10-storey, 200-room Marriott Hotel, was subject to controversies in the past due to the proposed plans to demolish five buildings in the historic district that are more than 100 years-old. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission suggested in December 2010 that the buildings will be allowed to be demolished on the condition that the new hotel project should integrate the facades of these historic buildings.
The new design unveiled by Jackson Street Management features a complete restoration of the Wisconsin Avenue facades. However, the Milwaukee Street facades could not be restored and incorporated into the project due to some structural problems, according to the developer. Some of the building materials from the Milwaukee Street buildings will be sustainably recycled and reused in the new hotel.
The scheme also includes addition of a new façade on Milwaukee Street. The Wisconsin Avenue facades are restored to their late 1800s appearance.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has expressed his support for the revised design as it preserves a portion of some of the historic structures and would add to the city’s tax base and create jobs. The Historic Preservation Commission will meet on 10 January 2011 to review the latest hotel design.
The developer’s original application that contained demolition of the entire buildings met with opposition from downtown Ald. Robert Bauman and historic preservation organizations.
