A conceptual plan for the Hose Tower and grounds building has been developed by the Greendale Historical Society’s architect.

The project calls for the renovation of the building and turning it into a community gathering place.

“Our mission is to plan, secure funds for and oversee the adaptive restoration of the Historic Greendale Grounds Building and Hose Tower into a Community/Cultural Center with public restrooms, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces and other facilities for community use,” said Greendale Historical Society President Ted Mainella.

The plans are only conceptual. Much review needs to be done before any action can take place. If approved, work would be completed in accordance with state and federal requirements for historic buildings. The Greendale Historical Society is working with Wisconsin Historical Society, who will also take part in reviewing plans.

The first phase to reinstall windows and glass block as in the original building has been completed. The next phase, scheduled for this year, is to install public access restrooms. Last year the board voted to use Community Development Block Grants funding towards the public restrooms.

Just recently Greendale's celebrity, Jane Kaczmarek, joined the Greendale Historical Society as an Honorary Chairperson for the fundraising campaign for the Grounds Building and Hose Tower project.

The historical society has raised $188,000 for the restoration. About $60,000 of that has been matched by the Village of Greendale, which has pledged to match up to $100,000.

Even though plans for the restoration are still only conceptual, the historical society has already begun using the building as a community gathering place. Last October the building was used as a meeting location for the Haunted Halloween Walk. The historical society is holding a walking tour of Greendale's "A" section starting at the Hose Tower at Village Days this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those interested can go to the Greendale Historical Society's booth at the Gazebo.