Ailing Historical Society Structure Gets Help From Finance Committee

The large barn in the Old Settlement Centre has a hole in its roof, and like many things that are 35 years or more old, the repair may just be the start of what might need fixing.

Jerry Hulbert presented the issue to the Finance Committee Tuesday night, indicating that repairs to the center portions of the roof, including a complete tear off and replacement of cedar shake shingles, were estimated at $5400.  

"The damage has come from overhanging trees, which encourage moss to grow, and as a result the roof has deteriorated in a couple of areas," he explained.  

However, the larger issue may lie in the truss structure that supports the roof, and Hulbert said that while it may have been enough when the building was erected in 1976, engineers are indicating it may need updating and reinforcing.

Earlier an engineering firm had given an estimate of 'about $100,000' to completely restructure and reinforce the trusses and replace the roof, which the group simply does not have funds to cover, Hulbert told the committee.  Hulbert said he has made inquiries as well with the Milwaukee School of Engineering, which has a program for seniors that requires they complete a structural project.  The analysis they would conduct is done at no cost to the city. 

In the meantime, the building is able to be used by the Historical Society for storage, however the public cannot enter the building for events like their annual 'Ghost Walk.'  The immediate concern, everyone agreed was to repair the roof to prevent further damage.

Ultimately the committee approved a recommendation of providing up to $3,000 to the society, with the remainder to come from the group's funds.  Final approval rests with the Common Council.

Alderman Noah Fiedler, who chairs the committee, supported the idea, saying "This is an important thing for us to maintain.  This is our history, and even as we grow and progress in this city, it's important to protect these things for our kids."