Economic Feasibility Study, De Pere Lockkeeper’s House, Government Island, De Pere, Wisconsin

LJM Architects, Inc.; Lehrke, Jennifer

The PDF featured here does not include the Historic Structures Report that was prepared as part of this Preserve America project. From the executive summary for both the Historic Structures Report and Economic Feasibilty Study: "This report focused on the De Pere Lockkeeper’s House which is located on a narrow dyke locally referred to as Government Island in De Pere, Wisconsin. The building was found to be a small, two-story Dutch Colonial Revival style house constructed of cream limestone at the base, red brick at the first floor, and green wood shingles at the front and back porches, gambrel ends, and dormers. It was constructed between April and August of 1912. While it underwent numerous small alterations through the years, major interior alterations were conducted in the mid-1960s in the kitchen, and the entire interior was remodeled in 1973-1974, the alterations significantly affected the interior’s historic finishes. The building was significant as a contributing element to the De Pere Lock & Dam Historic District under National Register Criterion A and C for its role in Wisconsin’s inland water transportation history and engineering. The house was vacated in 1983. While the exterior was stabilized in 2010, the interior is in need of major repairs. Once rehabilitated, the house could become an important component in the economic development of downtown De Pere and may serve as a major attraction for heritage tourism in northeastern Wisconsin and the Fox River valley. In addition, new public attractions to the island, the De Pere Riverwalk and Wildlife Viewing Pier, are scheduled for completion in the coming years. This Economic Feasibility Study and Historic Structures Report were undertaken as a first step in planning for the future of this building. The Economic Feasibility Study involved consultations with key stakeholders to provide future use options for the house, which included an active recreational shelter, an institutional office, and heritage tourism lodging. Rehabilitation costs for each use were developed, and the economic viability of each use determined. Schematic plans and elevations were developed for each use as a means to attract investors and prospective tenants. Finally, a realistic timeline was developed for architectural plans, securing rehabilitations funds, and construction completion." Funding was provided in part by a 2010 Preserve America grant to the City of De Pere (grant number 55-10-AP-5028). The grant was administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Economic Feasibility Study, De Pere Lockkeeper’s House, Government Island, De Pere, Wisconsin

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