In the terms of preservation on both a national and local level, I feel there are many strengths and weaknesses. For section 106, this is where the public is involved in what is determined historic on a national level. This opened a gate for a community to discuss the importance of a building that could possibly be knocked down. It can be seen in the effects of the Marriot coming into Milwaukee. Due to the fact that the Marriot came in with a design to knock down protected buildings, which were protected on a national level, public outcry became involved in the process of the new building. Although it was determined that the historical facades would remain intact and that was made possible by the public. In this same situation I found a weakness. Those historical buildings were added to the register a long time ago and hardly up kept. Once buildings are added to the register they should come up for review at least once every 10 years. If buildings are not up kept or are no longer relevant to the original piece of historical value they should be taken off the registry list.
As an example I chose the Milwaukee Flushing Tunnel Station at, 1701 North Lincoln Memorial Drive, to be my historical building for this class. It is now reinvented into Alterra at the Lake as well as having a museum about the pumping station. This building was built in 1869 and was Milwaukee’s first comprehensive sewer system and still works today. This is a good example of section 106. It was put up to a committee and voted yes on the historic registry list, but the building is still functional and well maintained. There are also over 7 regulations on how the building must look after any work is done to it.
I believe there are both pros and cons to section 106 and the preservation committees. By getting people involved in the initial process you can hear both sides of history with what is trying to be saved. It also helps the government keep a record of what America finds important in its past on all levels of the nation.
Section 4(f) is a part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 where roads can be placed in national parks or how close they can come to historical properties. Since I was just in Yellowstone I can see how this is important. It allows for easy access thorough out the park and makes for courteous visits with other tourists. It was a little weird to drive through a national park I don’t necessarily believe the road should be there but the tourism helps support the National Park Service help maintain the parks. The main roads make the parks accessible and do not take up a large amount of the park. They never go over two lanes and are carved to the entrances of the park is the least damaging way possible. With section 4(f) there are good regulations in place that will not harm the environment protected by the national government.
note: photo is from www.flickriver.com
The Milwaukee Pump Station is a great example of city pride that completely relates with the facade of the city. Its historic embellishment provides great value to Alterra which is another embodiment that represents the city of Milwaukee. The light of section of 106 and the preservation committees provides a cultural experience that links the past with the present. It also demonstrates the ability to appreciate the skilled effort that was given to certain area with the purpose of community services and construction.
ReplyDeleteThe pros of section 106 also provide a mixture of then and now by allowing the current inhibitors to merge into a world that lived and remains living through the symbols that represent them.
I have been to that Alterra multiple and didn't know that it was also the Milwaukee Pump Station and on the Historical Registry, that's awesome to know. I agree it is very well maintained and would be nice to see that other buildings that are considered historical be kept up in such a way as well.
ReplyDeleteYour tying in of Section 4F with Yellowstone was a great example. I also thought Alterra was a great example to use for our topic. The fact that the building is being used to make a profit and still maintains its historic integrity is something I wish would be seen more in Milwaukee. I absolutely can think of examples of historic buildings that are now used for something else, but have maintained and share their original history, and I think this is building on history, but not doing away with it. I don't think that every historic building should be turned into a museum - that would be wasted real estate. For some places that is applicable, but in this case, the use of the business benefits from the history and shares the history with all the patrons of the business. It is a shame when historic buildings are kept vacant and untouched for years - not only does it bring down the property values in the neighborhood, it also encourages vandalism, crime, and squatting.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite examples of preservation posted on this blog so far. I love that the building has been repurposed for modern day uses but is also preserved to showcase the importance of the use of this building. It really is a beautiful building and it makes me happy to know that it was able to be saved.
ReplyDeleteI think that we all can agree that the pumping station is really an outstanding example of preservation in Milwaukee. This building which in reality is still in use and has been since its inception, has really gained a second life. It serves a multiple purposes (pumping - on occasion and coffee shop and community gathering space). It was visionary in its inception and I hope that it will serve as a model for other projects throughout the city.
ReplyDeleteOne thing should be noted:
The building was constructed in 1888 not 1869. The 1869 date corresponds to the development of the water system in Milwaukee.