On the evening of March 4, the Whitewater Landmarks Commission met to discuss several topics related to preserving the city’s history.
The first item on the commission’s agenda was approving the landmark designation of the Stone Stable. Built in the 1840s, the stable sits near the city hall, but it was not originally built there. Over the years, the historic structure has been moved to several different locations around the city.
“What Open World Wisconsin does is secure a structure and number every single item inside it,” commission member Pat Blackmer said. “So when they reconstructed it, it was perfectly the way it was. That did not happen with the Stone Stable.”
Because the Stone Stable was not reconstructed exactly as it originally stood, the site is not registered by Open World Wisconsin. In order to have the site officially landmarked, the commission must meet with the City Council due to the landmark being located on city property.
The agreement for the Stone Stable indicated that maintenance or repairs are split between the Whitewater Historical Society and the city. Going to the Common Council would mark the historical value of the site and the need for landmarking. The commission voted to allow more time to review the matter and plans to present it again in May after the Common Council election.
The commission then discussed further plans for a collaboration with the Whitewater Arts Alliance for the America 250 gallery.
In July, the Whitewater Arts Alliance will host a gallery honoring America’s 250th anniversary. While the event will focus on American history, the gallery will also display several pieces related to Whitewater’s history.
“With the Declaration of Independence as the focal point, things will be involved from the history of Whitewater and what we want to represent there,” Blackmer said. “As far as the Landmarks Commission contributions, there will be several, if not all, photos of the local landmarks that have already been landmarked.”
Blackmer will meet with the Whitewater Arts Alliance board within the next few weeks to discuss
further plans and preparations for the exhibit.
Before adjourning for the evening, the commission discussed opening a Community Foundation account for the Starin Park Water Tower. The commission submitted a request in November 2025 and is waiting for the Common Council to review it.
Residents interested in joining the Landmarks Commission or learning more are encouraged to attend the next meeting April 1 at 6 p.m.
