Community Corner

Historical Society to Restore Lakefront Focus with Building Plans

Renovations to the former Business Men's Club building that the Port Washington Historical Society purchased in May after a $1 million donate include a shift to put more attention on the building's lake views.

The is turning the downtown around with its renovation plans for the the former Business Men's club building — almost literally. 

The building, located at 118 N. Franklin St., will house the society's museum. Architect Mike Erhlich, also a Port Washington alderman, said the renovations will focus on the building's lake views, according to an Ozaukee Press article. Larger windows will be installed on the east side of the building as well as a 15-foot deck from the second floor.

The building is connected to the former M&I Bank buildings — owned by Gertjan van den Broek of Renew Port Holdings LLC, and also soon to be renovated.

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The Port Washington Historical Society was able to purchase the building . Historical Society Board President Jackie Oleson called the donation "a transformational gift."

"The gift was directed to save another historic building from demolition and devote it to showcasing the history of Port Washington," Oleson said in a press release. "Through the considerable generosity and vision of this family, the Port Washington Historical Society will acquire and renovate the former Business Men’s Club building located at 118 N. Franklin Street, a structure the Society hoped would be saved from the wrecking ball."

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Oleson will give a at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 as the featured speaker for the Port Washington Women's club. Learn more about the event by contacting Bonnie Knaub 262-284-9561.

The Historical Society also plans to use a building at 205 N. Franklin Street for its collections and archives as well as the society's office to form what the group has labeled its "Resource Center."


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