Debate continues in Fox Point over fate of Mary Nohl home

FOX POINT, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Monday night, a heated debate continued over the fate of a Fox Point landmark.

Neighbors of artist Mary Nohl's home want to ensure it's preserved, but most oppose a plan that could bring more traffic to the area.

The house on North Beach Road is widely known for its many art sculptures and its historical significance.

When Nohl died in 2001, she left her home and art collection to the Kohler Foundation. It was later transferred to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and was eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the art was moved out of the home, but 20% remained.

Kohler has applied for a cultural overlay zoning designation, which Kohler insists is critical to ensuring the home's survival.

But that designation would allow Kohler to open the home up to an artist-in-residence, invited groups of scholars, and museum and education groups.

Kohler has assured the Fox Point community the plans for the home will not affect the neighborhood, but people are still concerned about the potential for more traffic and noise, and a possibly negative impact on property values.

At Monday's meeting, dozens of people spoke for and against the proposal.

Neighbor Mary Louise Dean supports the cultural overlay designation, saying at the meeting, "Let's ask how we can make this partnership work for all, and for the love of artistic, spiritual, and emotional expression."

Mark Levin was one of several people to speak in opposition to the proposal. "There's no reason to grant this cultural overlay. It only has negative consequences for Fox Point, for our schools, for all of our taxpayers, and for all village residents."

The Fox Point Plan Commission and Village Board scheduled another meeting for Feb. 20 to consider the public comments.