The Landmarks Commission met April 1 for a 20-minute meeting. The meeting consisted of the commission continuing discussion on landmarking the Stone Stable, sharing updates on the Bassett House renovations and updating on smaller agenda items.

During their March 4 meeting, the commission discussed landmarking the Stone Stable, but they pushed to review the landmarking at a later meeting. Because the Stone Stable is owned by the city, the commission discussed the likelihood of a newly elected Common Council landmarking the site.

The Stone Stable was renovated in 2008, and the Whitewater Historical Society, which has a memorandum of understanding with the city to aid with maintenance, says that the site is in good condition and would not require any further maintenance.

Committee member Orin Smith commented on whether the committee would have a chance to landmark the Stone Stable with a newly elected council.

“I’m not really sure,” Smith said. “Things have been shifting a lot. So I think it really depends on who’s on the [Common] Council and what kind of policy decision they show.”

In addition, commission members discussed whether to bring the Stone Stable landmark designation directly to the Common Council for review, and to ask the council if they can landmark the site.

The Landmarks Commission also discussed updates to the Bassett House. With the help of an anonymous donor, the Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) has been remodeling the kitchen. This has included installing a dishwasher and a garbage disposal, as well as updating countertops and backsplashes.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Bassett House’s ownership by the WFWC. During the meeting, committee member and WFWC president Pat Blackmer announced a celebration open to the public on July 14, where the Kettle Moraine Blues ensemble will perform and a selection of American songs have been prepared by Benjamin Whitcomb.

The commission also gave updates on smaller agenda items.

The Landmarks Commission, Whitewater Historical Society and Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) have been collaborating to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary. The commission’s plan has been to create a photo display during the WAA’s July 2-30 exhibition. During the meeting, members shared that the WAA Board of Directors President Jeff McDonald will be taking photos of landmarked sites for the exhibition.

The commission previously hoped to landmark the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house. During the meeting, members shared that the treasurer of the corporation that owns the house said that they are not interested in landmarking the house at this time.

The next Landmarks Commission meeting will be held May 6 at 6 p.m. The agenda and packet are available on the city’s website.