Good afternoon,

 

Recently, we were pleased to work with the Milwaukee VA and the National Park Service on the dedication ceremony for the Soldiers Home's National Historic Landmark plaque. Click here to view photos from the event. I hope you saw some of the excellent media coverage, including in local print, online, television and radio outlets. On the heels of the successful event, I want to share even more exciting news relative to the Soldiers Home, included below.

 

Sincerely,

 

Genell Scheurell

National Trust for Historic Preservation

MPA hires Megan Daniels for Soldiers Home 

Project Manager

 

Megan Daniels, MPA Soldiers Home Project Manager

To become even more effective advocates, the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA) applied for and received funding for a part time, limited-term Soldiers Home Project Manager to facilitate its preservation work at Milwaukee Soldiers Home. After a comprehensive search by MPA and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, MPA has announced that Megan Daniels has been hired to serve as the MPA Soldiers Home Project Manager.

 

In her new position, Megan will play a critical role in the implementation of the preservation efforts at the Soldiers Home. She has already brought energy and ideas that will have a great impact on our efforts to return the District's unused buildings to the service of veterans.

 

Megan received a B.A. in Art History with an emphasis in Architectural History at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Through the UWM Historic Preservation Institute, Megan studied preservation and restoration strategies at San Gemini, Italy.

 

Feel free to contact her and congratulate her on her new role at Megan@MilwaukeePreservation.com.

Dawn McCarthy Honored with 

"Cream of the Cream City" Award

 

MPA Board with Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman

 

This week, Dawn McCarthy, President of Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA) was awarded a Cream of the Cream City Award, by Milwaukee's Historic Preservation Commission.

 

Dawn led MPA in an orchestrated campaign to have the Milwaukee Solders Home recognized as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). She also played an instrumental role in helping the district achieve National Treasure status. 

 

Based on the momentum of these successful campaigns, MPA in partnership with the NTHP convened a Community Advisory Council (CAC) with representation from veterans, neighbors, preservationists, civic, community and business leaders. The CAC is advocating for the protection, repair and rehabilitation of the Soldiers Home and identifying a vision for the future of the district's historic buildings.

 

In 2012, the CAC finalized a Consensus Report outlining their shared views regarding unmet veteran needs, potential reuses of the district's buildings and their commitment to making their vision a reality. The Report has played a key role in critical meetings with the VA and Section 106 consultations regarding how best to rehabilitate and reuse the district's vacant buildings.

 

MPA worked alongside the VA and other stakeholder groups to achieve great victories in 2012 when the VA completed repairs to  fix a major roof collapse in Old Main, the District's most notable building. The repairs came at a critical time and were complete before that winter, preventing any further damage. Additionally, the VA began work to repair roof trusses and water infiltration at the historic Ward Memorial Theater.

 

On behalf of everyone working to return these buildings to the service of veterans, we congratulate Dawn and MPA on this significant honor. Their work will continue to be a critical part of the ongoing effort to make our vision for the Soldiers Home a reality.