DePere Lockkeeper`s House

Historic Structures Report & Feasibility Study

DePere Lockkeeper’s House DePere, Wisconsin

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Historical Significance Complete and operable example of a river/canal, slack water transportation system dating from the mid-nineteenth century. The Lower Fox River portion is the only remaining system in the State. The DePere Lock and Dam Historic District was listed in the State Register and National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Two Contributing Buildings: Lockshack Lockkeeper’s House Three Contributing Structures: Lock Dam Canal Two Non-Contributing Buildings: Storage Shed Garage

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Architectural Significance Dutch Colonial Revival Style Gambrel Roof with Flared Eaves Exterior Materials used in Combination

Period of Significance 1912-1936

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Design & Construction Designed in 1911 by L.M. Mann, Assistant Engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Oshkosh Office Bids opened on January 2, 1912 Contract within weeks to carpenter Peter Francken & mason John J. Broekman for $3,100 Sited on a narrow dyke of land on April 4, 1912 Constructed between April and August of 1912

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Design & Construction Rainwater Cistern Central, Open Air Porch Formal Dining Room No Running Water Heated with Wood or Coal Fired Stoves

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Alteration & Use Centralized Hot Air Heating System, 1926 Coal Storage Room Running Water and Baths, 1927

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Alteration & Use Front Porch Enclosed 1948-1949?

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Alteration & Use Oil Burning Furnace and 275-Gallon Oil Storage Tank, 1960-1964 Living Room Carpeted Windows Replaced Kitchen Remodeled

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Alteration & Use Interior Stripped of Historic Finishes, 1973-1974 Original Interior Trim Replaced Original Interior Doors Replaced Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Walls Wallpapered, Paneled, or Both Acoustical Panel Ceilings Dining Room Subdivided into Front Closet, Hall & Bathroom

Former Upstairs Bathroom Converted into Bedroom

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Alteration & Use DePere Lockkeeper’s House was vacated in October 1983 and abandoned by the Corps of Engineers. Goals of the Fox River Navigational System Authority: •Maintain the exteriors of these buildings as monuments •Restore the lock system •Sustain river navigation •Create a heritage corridor along the river

Historic Structures Report DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders Stakeholders • Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) • City of DePere • Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) • Other parties with a vested interest in the community Ideas for how the Building and Site could be adapted and reused: • Bed & Breakfast / Hotel • Artist Live/Work Housing / Art Gallery • Restaurant / Concessions Sales • Meeting Facility • Three-Season Shelter for Events / Recreational Programs • Small Boat/Kayak • Link with other attractions such as Heritage Hill and the DePere Historical Society, hosting historic reenactments or the story of the Fox River • Wildlife / Bird Viewing / Fishing • Weigh-in Location for Fishing Tournaments

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders Fox River Navigational System Authority Historic Integrity of House to be maintained FRNSA is not authorized to sell the house House put to good use by a long-term lessee responsible for all the associated rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance costs Lease negotiated that would be a source of income FRNSA is willing to forgo income generation as long as the use is deemed worthy FRNSA is content to maintain the house as a monument

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources House is located on Government Island, an integral component of the DePere Dam Protect the integrity of the dam Control flow of water through the dam during periods of high water Standards for development are strict Protect wildlife habitat, including local fisheries and aviaries, from poachers Strict interpretation of DNR regulations prohibits structures intended for human habitation Permitted uses are those structures accessory to permanent open space uses

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders City of DePere Reluctant to pursue any avenue which may threaten the community’s $2.5 million investment in the pedestrian bridge, river walk, and wildlife viewing platform Negotiations to-date have included provisions that would require raising of the pedestrian bridge daily after park closing from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am and periodically during flood events Prohibit activities that would allow people to be on the island overnight Alleviated through lease language which would impose strict fines on persons found fishing or requiring access across the bridge after park closing

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders Wisconsin Historical Society Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 44 grants the WHS the duty to: • serve as the state’s principal agency in preservation activities • cooperate with federal, state, and local government agencies in the planning and conduct of specific undertakings affecting historic properties • review and comment upon those actions of any state agency which may have an adverse effect upon historic properties In general, this statute gives the WHS the lead role among other state agencies in negotiating the mitigation of potential adverse effects on historic properties.

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders

Chapter 87 of the Wisconsin Statutes, particularly 87.305 Use of certain facilities on St. Feriole Island: Piece of legislation written specifically for the Dousman Hotel on St. Feriole Island in the City of Prairie du Chien accommodated leniency necessary to successfully re-use the building: • allowed for modified floodproofing measures • installed a flood warning system • instituted emergency evacuation plan with annual testing • rehabbed consistent with standards of the Secretary of the Interior Similar piece of legislation could be written for the DePere Lockkeeper’s House and other lockkeeper’s houses.

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Consultations with Key Stakeholders Due to the unique property conditions, the regulatory requirements are subject to much interpretation An attempt at an exemption, variance, and new legislation to allow the most economically viable use is strongly recommended Close examination and careful negotiation between FRNSA, WHS, DNR & City of DePere will be required

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Future Uses Active Recreation Shelter, Public Park Shelter, and Recreational Facility Passive Recreational Activities: • Hiking • Wildlife Viewing • Fishing Active Recreational Activities: • Canoe and Kayak Lessons, Rentals, and Trips • Boat, Jet Ski, Water Ski, and Tube Rentals • Sport and Charter Fishing Educational Uses Interpretive Functions

Administrative Functions

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Future Uses Institutional Office Branch office for a governmental or institutional entity Governmental Agencies: • Regulate the river, lock, or dam or natural fish and bird habitat Educational Institution: • Research or study the river, lock, or dam or natural fish and bird habitat Educational functions Interpretive functions Administrative functions

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Future Uses Heritage Tourism Lodging Rent entire house Daily or weekly basis Up to eight guests Unique blend of cultural, historical, and recreational features

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Rehabilitation Cost Analysis Active Recreation Shelter

$636,065

Institutional Office

$556,955

Heritage Tourism Lodging

$408,344

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Economic Viability Active Recreation Shelter Assumption: facility rental, food & beverage commissions, concession purchases, canoe / kayak rentals, etc. Gross Revenue: $100,000 to $115,000/year Net Revenue: ? Institutional Office Assumption: 1,200 sf building, rents of $13 per sf/year Gross Revenue: $15,000/year Net Revenue: $10,000/year Debt Service: $130,000 Heritage Tourism Lodging

Assumption: 1,200 sf building, rents of $0.75 per sf/month Gross Revenue: $10,800/year Net Revenue: $7,020/year Debt Service: $90,000

Economic Feasibility Study DePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin

Historic Structures Report & Feasibility Study

DePere Lockkeeper’s House DePere, Wisconsin