The Wisconsin Historical Society granted funds to the Wauwatosa Historic Preservation Commission to undertake an Architectural & Historical Reconnaissance and Intensive Survey. This project identifies properties of historical and/or architectural significance. In this phase, they are looking at properties in "Area B" of Wauwatosa (see map on right). Some properties may even be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places provides formal recognition for a property and encourages preservation. Owners could be eligible for preservation incentives, such as federal grants for planning and rehabilitation or investment tax credits.

What is the purpose of the survey and report?

This survey will be conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 and has four major tasks:

1. Reconnaissance Survey: Properties of architectural and historical interest will be observed and documented. Potential historic districts will be identified.
2. Architectural and historical research will be conducted throughout the course of the project in an effort to provide a historical context to evaluate resources. Structures deemed eligible for listing in the National Register will be evaluated based on their association with these themes.
3. Evaluation of Significant Resources: After the reconnaissance survey and research are completed, the data will be analyzed to determine which individual properties and districts are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Preparation of the Intensive Survey Report: A survey report describes the project and survey methodology, gives an overview of the history of the area, summarizes, the thematic research and survey results, and gives recommendations for the city.

Public meeting

The City of Wauwatosa Historic Preservation Commission is hosting a public information meeting about the third phase of a City-wide intensive survey identifying residential properties of architectural and historical significance. The meeting will be held Wednesday, November 6 at 6:30 pm in the Firefly Room of the Wauwatosa Library, 7635 West North Avenue. The phase three study area is illustrated on the map as Area B.

Representatives from the Wisconsin Historical Society and Legacy Architecture, the consulting firm conducting the survey, will be in attendance to provide details of the survey and answer questions.

Funding for this project is provided entirely by a Certified Local Government Subgrant from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior and administered by the Wisconsin Historical Society.