Ripon Historic Preservation Commission & History

Historic Preservation Commission

Purpose and Intent (20.43.030) City Code 

In accordance with the authority granted by Section 62.23(7)(em), Wisconsin Statutes, it is declared a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of improvements or sites of special character or special archeological, architectural or historic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the people.

The purpose of this chapter is to:                                           
A. Effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement and continued use of such improvements, sites and districts which represent or reflect elements of the city's cultural, social, archeological, economic, political and architectural history.              
B.  Safeguard the city's historic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in such historic structures, sites and districts.
C.  Foster civic pride in the notable accomplishments of the past.
D.  Stabilize and improve property values.
E.  Protect and enhance the city's attractions to residents, tourists and visitors, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry.              
F.  Improve and enhance the visual and aesthetic character of the city.
G.  Educate the public regarding the need and desirability of a historic preservation program and its enhancement of the quality of life.

Designation Criteria (20.42.110) City Code

A.  For the purposes of this chapter, the common council may place a historic structure, historic site or historic district designation on any improvement, improvement parcel or other unit of real property located within the corporate limits of the city that has been determined by the council upon recommendation of the commission to be of historic or architectural significance to the people of the city. The common council shall seek the approval of the owner or owners of a historic structure, historic site, or properties within a proposed historic district before designating such property or properties for inclusion as a historic site or district.           
B.  The quality of significance is present in a historic structure, historic site, or historic district depicting the history, architecture, archeology and culture of the city or the United States that:           
1.  Exemplifies or reflects the broad cultural, political, economic or social history of the nation, state or community; or
2.  Is identified with historic personages or with important events in national, state or local history; or
3.  Embodies the distinguishing characteristics or architectural types or specimens inherently valuable for the study of a period or periods, styles, methods of construction, or indigenous materials or craftsmanship; or           
4.  Is representative of notable works of master builders, designers or architects who influence their age; or
5.  Has yielded or may likely yield information important in pre-history or history; or
6.  Has a unique location or singular physical characteristic which represents an established and familiar visual feature of neighborhood, area, or place.

Members
Billy Hutton
Dave Gallops
Matthew Koski
Ron Silber
John Splitt, Chair, 920-204-2931, jsplitt@cityofripon.com
Joe Walker  

The Historic Preservation Commission typically meet the first Wednesday of each month in the Conference Room at City Hall.