Historic designation in effect for Panther Arena, Miller High Life Theatre after mayor’s silence

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Historic protection for the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theater is in effect after Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson returned the file unsigned.

“The mayor respects the actions of the members of the Historic Preservation Commission,” said Jeff Fleming, spokesperson for the mayor’s office, in a statement. “He also consulted others about the proposed historic designation.”

The designation arrived more than a year after the Wisconsin Center District commissioned a study to explore uses for the downtown venues, located in the 400 and 500 blocks of West Kilbourn Avenue. The local alderman said he pushed for historic designation to save the venues from demolition.

“In the end (Johnson) opted to not take a position on the matter,” Fleming added.

In late November, the Milwaukee Common Council approved permanent designation with 14 alders voting “yes,” except for one who abstained.

In October, Alderman Robert Bauman, who represents the Fourth District, said he was concerned that Wisconsin Center District had intended to demolish the venues and proposed the designation to the historic commission.

Last year, the convention center hired Chicago-based Hunden Partners to perform a study on future uses of its buildings. The results of that study will be shared at a Wisconsin Center District board meeting in January.

In meetings before the final vote, Marty Brooks, president of the Wisconsin Center District, warned that historic preservation would make it more difficult to develop the arena and the theater. Both buildings were designed at the turn of the 20th century, and he warned the cost of maintaining them would eventually grow to be “unsustainable.”

The district would need a certificate of approval from the Historic Preservation Commission if it wanted to conduct rehabilitation, new construction or demolition at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theatre after historic designation. It can also appeal a decision if the commission turns down their application.

The Panther Arena opened in 1950 and has a capacity of 11,000. It is home to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men’s basketball team, Milwaukee Wave soccer team and Milwaukee Admirals hockey team. The Miller High Life Theatre opened in 1909 and hosts concerts, Broadway shows and comedy.

Daily Reporter freelance writer Jimmy Nesbitt contributed to this report.