Does an old Milwaukee Coast Guard Station hold hope for the future?

By: Natalie Emmer

The fate of Milwaukee's historic, 92-year-old Coast Guard station is to be determined in the next 30 days.

The building, located at 1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive on the lakefront, has been the subject of debate, said Milwaukee County Supervisor Gerry Broderick.,”The fate of Milwaukee's historic, 92-year-old Coast Guard station is to be determined in the next 30 days.

The building, located at 1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive on the lakefront, has been the subject of debate, said Milwaukee County Supervisor Gerry Broderick. After failed efforts to preserve the building, Milwaukee County officials have proposed that $1.5 million of the 2008 budget plan go to razing the building, constructing a park pavilion in its place and repairing an eroded dock wall.

"Patience has run out and the building has become an eyesore," Broderick said. "To launch into another effort given the condition of the building and the timeline that would be necessary, any effort to be made is very unlikely."

Still, local historic preservation advocates have hope for the building's future, said Peter Scotland, a Milwaukee-area resident.

Scotland is leading the efforts to save the station with Scott Kuesel. Both Scotland and Kuesel have been involved with the Wisconsin Historical Society and are former divers.

Termed "Operation SOS: Save Our Station," the project began around two months ago after learning Loonsfoot Inc., an American Indian group attempting to rescue the building, was unable to produce the necessary funds.

Proper funding is the crux of the problem. While the actual dollar amount required for restoration is unknown, Scotland and Kuesel guess they need between $1 million and $2 million for their project. Scotland and Kuesel's estimate is significantly lower than Loonsfoot's projected budget of $3.5 million. The pair wants to turn the station into a maritime and diving museum.

The museum, Scotland said, would exhibit five facets of Milwaukee maritime history — diving, shipwrecks, the U.S. Coast Guard's Life-Saving Service, shipbuilding and the Port of Milwaukee.

Third District Alderman Michael D'Amato, whose district includes the station, said he supports efforts to save the building.

"When it comes down to putting the money together…any group that has a realistic opportunity to revitalize the building should be entertained," he said.

This is the support from county officials Scotland and Kuesel said they are seeking and need before beginning fundraising efforts.

Scotland and Kuesel made a proposal to the Historical Preservation Commission two weeks ago and said they spoke off record with a number of members to gain support.

After meeting with the Milwaukee County Board Oct. 10, the two were given 30 days to gather funds for the building's revitalization.

Scotland and Kuesel said they are looking for an individual with "deep pockets and an interest in the theme of the museum" and "an outcry of citizen support," Scotland said.

Under its rightful owner, Milwaukee County, the Coast Guard station is slated for demolition in July.

“