7QUESTIONS+PLUS

Mike Maki, a city planner and the president of the Kenosha Historical Society. Maki — who’s 35, a lifelong Kenosha resident and a Bradford High and Carthage College alum — has worked for the city of Kenosha since 1995. He’s currently involved in the restoration of the Southport Lighthouse, And when he can get away from his office, he enjoys hiking, camping and biking with his two dogs.

Mike Maki will now take your questions ...

How did you discover your interest in history? I actually hated learning about history in school because there was always a test. My interest developed when I read books and watched TV documentaries on my own, when I didn’t have to worry about learning a fact for a test. Then again, who really does like taking tests?

What are you secretly terrified by? Tests.

What do you consider some of Kenosha County’s best kept secrets in terms of historical sites? One of my favorites is Frank’s Diner. Unfortunately for me, the word’s out and it’s not so much of a secret anymore! Now I have to wait in line for my biscuits and gravy! Kenosha County has several Indian effigy mounds where the specific location is intentially kept a secret. The Kenosha shoreline is also a treasure trove of shipwrecks.

If we gave you a quiz on Kenosha County’s history how would you fare? I am always learning new things about Kenosha County so I probably wouldn’t do that well. My passion is world history with a soft spot in my heart for my hometown history, but I am by far no expert.

If you could live during any other time period, what would it be? I’d have to say the 4th Dynasty of Egyptian Civilization, when the great pyramids were built, still an architectural marvel today. I just wouldn’t want to be the one who built the pyramids.

Who inspires you? My mother probably has been my strongest inspiration, especially her strength and courage through terminal cancer.

How do you balance preserving Kenosha’s historical sites with keeping up with new trends, technology and developing the city for the better? I believe good city planning needs to embrace its culture, especially its history. But, that doesn’t mean that new technology and products can’t be considered, especially if it is for the better of the city. I try to keep an open mind by travelling to other cities and making comparisons to Kenosha. I then take this knowledge and try to make use of it.

Are there grants or tax credits available for the restoration of old homes in Kenosha? Grants, no. Tax credits are available to properties either individually listed or part of a historic district listed on the state or National Register of Historic Places. The tax credits are only available if your project is eligible under the program and is reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation office in Madison or the National Park Service.

I have always wondered why a new street is plowed and paved and then within one year or so, the new street is torn in order to replace sewer pipes or something else. Do you use a project management program to establish a timeline of projects? I know what you mean. There’s nothing more frustrating than those orange barrels and detours. Since I do not coordinate street or utility projects, I’m afraid I can only share your frustration. Those issues most likely involve the Water Utility or the Public Works departments. In newer areas, street paving projects and utility installation are coordinated. In older areas, a water main break is sometimes the culprit for those holes in the street.

What are the plans for invigorating downtown now that so many housing projects have been halted? Is the parcel on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 54th Street being advertised for development? The city has been doing a parking study in both the downtown and uptown areas to plan for where additional parking may be needed with current and potential development. The city has also looked to the Business Improvement District as a catalyst. HarborPark has also been touted as a start to downtown reinvigoration. But, on the other hand, I think that you can argue that downtown is experiencing a rebirth with new businesses and a more lively nightlife. The parcel on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 54th Street has not been advertised for development. This parcel was always seen as a key development parcel for HarborPark and the city wants to wait until the right time to advertise the property.

I’m impressed with how Racine has developed their RiverWalk with nature trails leading from the Horlick Dam all the way to their downtown. Although Pike Creek is much smaller than the Root River, do you envision Kenosha ever unearthing the Pike Creek and developing a similar RiverWalk from, say, Washington Park to downtown? I had hoped this might have been one of the recommendations for the redevelopment of the lakefront site (HarborPark). Early Kenosha photographs had always intrigued me of sailing ships heading up the creek about where city hall is located today. Unfortunately, city leaders in the past decided the best decision at the time was to seal up the creek. I don’t think unearthing the creek today will ever be cost-effective or feasible due to potential flooding of developed areas adjacent to the creek bed. We have to instead concentrate on Kenosha’s other amenity, its lakefront.

Do you prefer to live in a historic home or a new development? I would prefer a historic home that has been renovated. You cannot beat the detailed craftmanship and old growth lumber found in older homes. However, if my only choice was a historic home that was not already renovated, give me a newer house.

What is your favorite building in Kenosha? What’s a building you would like to see razed? The Courthouse and Simmons Library are two of my favorites. I’d have to say my favorite is the Southport Light Station (Kenosha Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper’s House) since I have been involved in the Keeper’s House restoration since 2001. There is so much history in the lighthouse and Kenosha’s tie to its harbor. The city hall on the other hand is not one of my favorites.

What do you think Kenosha is lacking in development? Commercial development is finally starting to catch up to the surrounding areas, but I believe there is the potential for tremendous growth. We know that surrounding cities and counties are capturing a lot of dollars that should be staying in Kenosha County. Recreation is also somewhat lacking, as far as dog parks, nature trails and especially bike trails.