Join us at City Hall for what is perhaps the defining moment of our Save 517 Campaign.  Bring your friends and neighbors! Come prepared to give a public statement!  Let's preserve the historic beauty of Oconomowoc!

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, the Architectural Commission met at City Hall.  Many community members shared their collective voice against the Waterview development by either carrying Save 517 signs in front of the building prior to the meeting, or by attending the meeting.  Thank you and great job to all who were there!  We believe that our presence helped our cause! 

The Architectural Commission did not act to approve the new design.  Instead, it appears that next steps will involve obtaining outside architectural expert review  and a public hearing.  

PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR NEWS ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEARING!  It could take some time before it is scheduled, perhaps a few months.  We will announce it as soon as we learn of a date.  

In the meantime, please keep your yard signs out! 

NEWS EVENTS

See the photo section below for images from the Oconomowoc Enterprise on Jan. 10, 2017. 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 10/27/17: "Oconomowoc Mayor: Proposed condo development has uphill climb"

http://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/news/oconomowoc/2017/10/25/oconomowoc-mayor-proposed-condo-development-has-uphill-climb/796371001/

Oconomowoc Enterprise 10/19/17: "Oconomowoc's mayor hopes Renner Architects scraps its idea..." 

CBS News 10/4/17:

http://www.cbs58.com/news/an-oconomowoc-group-hopes-to-prevent-historic-home-from-being-turned-into-condo-development  

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 10/2/17: http://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/lake-country/news/oconomowoc/2017/10/02/group-opposes-oconomowoc-condo-project-would-demolish-iconic-THAnn

THE STORY

The home at  517 N. Lake Road is slated for demolition to be replaced by 8 condos and a single family home.  Our goal is to prevent this demolition.

This iconic home, built in 1837, rests on the foundation of the first registered home in Oconomowoc.  Its historic significance, architectural beauty, and ample grounds are an asset to our community.  Boaters on both Fowler Lake and Lac La Belle, as well as residents who enjoy walking along the isthmus, customarily enjoy its stately presence.  

The demolition is planned by a developer from outside our community, Peter Renner of Renner Architects, who intends to erect 8 condominiums in this space and a single family home on the adjacent lot.

To prevent this, we need to act quickly with a united voice.  
#Save517 is a grass-roots campaign launched by Oconomowoc residents eager to protect the historic and beautiful buildings that give Oconomowoc its unique character.

OUR PROGRESS

Our campaign has resulted in an estimated 500+ letters to city officials and  600+ petition signatures in a few short weeks.  Our message has successfully reached the city officials in Oconomowoc.  

It is imperative that we maintain the excellent energy of our campaign until the issue is resolved. 

YOU CAN HELP

1. JOIN US on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 4:30 pm in front of CIty Hall.
2. TELL your family and friends to share their opinions with Renner Architects.  
3. WRITE to your city officials using either traditional mail or email (see below, or go to www.oconomowoc-wi.gov). 
4. TWEET using #Save517 to raise awareness.
5. LIKE us on Facebook.

Oconomowoc City Officials

David Nold, Mayor  

dnold@oconomowoc-wi.gov

Architectural Commission

The Architectural Commission is established to "promote compatible development, to foster the attractiveness of the community as a place to live and work and to preserve the character and quality of the built environment by maintaining the integrity of those areas which have a discernible character or are of a special significance." 

(From Oconomowoc-wi.gov 9/26/2017)

Members: Jeremy Flint, Kent Johnson, Anne Nelezen, Kurt Schrang, Paul Schultz

Traditional Mail: Letters can be addressed to each member individually and mailed or dropped off at City Hall (there is a drop box on the St. Paul side of the building.)  

Email: Letters may also be addressed to each member individually and emailed to Christine Dehnert, the Deputy Clerk, at cdehnert@oconomowoc-wi.gov. 

Plan Commission

The function of the Plan Commission is "to review all development proposals in the city."

(www.Oconomowoc-wi.gov 9/26/2017)