Politics & Government

City Approves Sale of Historic Fire Engine House

Closing date tentatively set for Dec. 30 in sale that would turn building into art gallery, renting spaces to artists and hosting gallery nights.

The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved the sale of the to Bette Langford, who .

The building will sell for $188,000, and, after commission, the city receives $176,720. The sale's closing date is set for Dec. 30, pending approval by the Wisconsin Historical Society regarding preservation easements placed on the building, which earned state and national recognition as a historic site in 2009.

The historic fire engine house, 102 E. Pier St., became available after the  moved to a new location. Historical society members had hoped the city would lease the building to the group for a $1 a year, similiar to an arrangement they have with the city for the , where the society .

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But the city said it needed to sell the building in order to pay for upgrades to the new senior center location. City Administrator Mark Grams said there are no other buildings in city ownership that could be sold to make up for that missing money.

Officials were hoping to recoup about $230,000, meaning the sale puts the city about $54,000 short. Grams said this will not affect the 2012 budget, but it means city officials will have to more closely approach the budget when looking to 2013.

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The only dissenting voice in the audience at Tuesday night's meeting was Nancy Haacke, a Port resident who worked alongside the Port Washington Historical Society to . Haacke publicly thanked the 1,000 people who signed the petition during the meeting, and again asked the council reconsider cutting a deal for a $1 yearly lease to the historical society.

But according to Ald. Burt Babcock, it works out better for the historical society that this building did not end up in its hands.

"(Originally) I was hoping the city would work closer with the historical society in this building," he said, "but in closer discussion (with the society), it seems the building would not have suited their needs.

"I am very pleased to see that local people are buying it," Babcock continued, adding that he thinks the intended use will be good for the downtown.

Fliers left by Langford in local businesses describe her intentions for the building.

"I am in the process of opening an art gallery with studios in Port Washington," the flier said. "The main floor will house the gallery in two rooms. There will be wall space for rent, a few floor spaces and glass cases for other art. ... My goal is to have a comfortable gallery that will appeal to the general public."


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