DePere Lockkeeper’s House

DePere Lockkeeper’s HouseDePere, Wisconsin

Historic Structures Report & Feasibility Study

Historic Structures ReportDePere Lockkeeper’s House, DePere, Wisconsin


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: LockshackLockkeeper’s House

Three Contributing Structures:LockDamCanal

Two Non-Contributing Buildings:Storage ShedGarage

Historical Significance


Architectural Significance

Dutch Colonial Revival Style

Gambrel Roof with Flared Eaves

Exterior Materials used in Combination

Period of Significance

1912-1936


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

Design & Construction


Rainwater Cistern

Central, Open Air Porch

Formal Dining Room

No Running Water

Heated with Wood or Coal Fired Stoves

Design & Construction


Centralized Hot Air Heating System, 1926

Coal Storage Room

Running Water and Baths, 1927

Alteration & Use


Front Porch Enclosed 1948-1949?

Alteration & Use


Oil Burning Furnace and 275-Gallon Oil Storage Tank, 1960-1964

Living Room Carpeted

Windows Replaced

Kitchen Remodeled

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

Alteration & Use


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

Economic Feasibility StudyDePere 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



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



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



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



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.



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.



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


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


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


Future Uses

Heritage Tourism Lodging

Rent entire house

Daily or weekly basis

Up to eight guests

Unique blend of cultural, historical, and recreational features


Rehabilitation Cost Analysis

Active Recreation Shelter $636,065

Institutional Office $556,955

Heritage Tourism Lodging $408,344


Economic Viability

Active Recreation Shelter

Assumption: facility rental, food & beverage commissions, concession purchases, canoe / kayak rentals, etc.Gross Revenue: $100,000 to $115,000/yearNet Revenue: ?

Institutional Office

Assumption: 1,200 sf building, rents of $13 per sf/yearGross Revenue: $15,000/yearNet Revenue: $10,000/yearDebt Service: $130,000

Heritage Tourism Lodging

Assumption: 1,200 sf building, rents of $0.75 per sf/monthGross Revenue: $10,800/yearNet Revenue: $7,020/yearDebt Service: $90,000

DePere Lockkeeper’s HouseDePere, Wisconsin

Historic Structures Report & Feasibility Study

Documents

DePere Lockkeeper’s House