Preservation Racine, Org

09/03/2026

ADDITIONAL DATE ADDED - This month's Scoopin the Loop program on August 31 and September 2 was so popular that both dates had waiting lists for seats. Our hosts, Jim Mercier, Carol Gianforte, and SC Johnson have agreed to add a third date for those who could not attend. This will be Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 pm, at the Golden Rondelle, 1525 Howe St. (use parking lot entrance at 14th & Franklin).

If you want to attend on the 15th, please contact SC Johnson at 262-260-2154 or at scjohnson.com/CIP . You will need to leave your name and the number of people in your party.

We had a great turnout last night at SC Johnson's Golden Rondelle. Our August membership meeting featured once again Preservation Racine members Carol Gianforte and Jim Mercier, with "A 1960s Scoopin Tour of Downtown Racine". Enhanced photos and graphics and personal stories brought to life the street scenes and architecture of downtown Racine.

The Golden Rondelle seats about 290, and it was full. We gave away many yard signs for our Tour of Historic Places on September 27. There will be a repeat program tomorrow night, and we understand there is a waiting list for seats.

09/03/2026

Colette Broadway shared a very entertaining and informative presentation with Preservation Racine members about the Round Houses of Racine and architect Anton Kratochvil, back on November 3, 2025. Last week, she was interviewed by WUWM 89.7 FM in Milwaukee about some round houses near 92nd and Blue Mound which, it turns out, also are Kratochvil's work.

Read more about this chapter in Racine (and Milwaukee) architecture in the WUWM story:

In the mid-1900s, a Racine man named Anton Kratochvil built more than 20 round or semi-circular houses and apartments in southeast Wisconsin. But why round?

09/02/2026

We had a great turnout last night at SC Johnson's Golden Rondelle. Our August membership meeting featured once again Preservation Racine members Carol Gianforte and Jim Mercier, with "A 1960s Scoopin Tour of Downtown Racine". Enhanced photos and graphics and personal stories brought to life the street scenes and architecture of downtown Racine.

The Golden Rondelle seats about 290, and it was full. We gave away many yard signs for our Tour of Historic Places on September 27. There will be a repeat program tomorrow night, and we understand there is a waiting list for seats.

08/25/2026

Did you know that you already can buy tickets for the Tour of Historic Places on Sunday, September 27?

This is the first year that you can buy tickets by visiting the page for the event, and clicking the "Buy Tickets Now!" button. Tickets bought in advance of the Tour date cost $15. We will hold your tickets for you to pick up on the Tour date at our hospitality center at Memorial Hall.

As in past years, paper tickets will be available at a range of local businesses during September, also $15. Tickets bought on the day of the Tour will cost $20.

See you at the Tour!

https://preservationracine.org/tours/2026-tour-of-historic-places/

08/19/2026

On Monday, August 17, the Racine Planning Heritage and Design Commission (PHDC) discussed and approved an application to grant local landmark status to the DP Wigley building at 234 Wisconsin Avenue. This cream-brick building, built in 1872, is a rare survivor from the heyday of Racine's riverfront and harbor industrial area. Preservation Racine President Scott Leonard appeared at the meeting and spoke in favor of the application. The application will be sent to the Common Council for their approval.

Local landmark designation is the strongest level of protection that a Wisconsin community can provide to its historic buildings. If approved, DP Wigley would be just the 8th landmark in Racine to enjoy this protection. Current and future owners who want to make significant exterior changes (or even demolish it) will have to seek PHDC consideration and approval at a public meeting.

We applaud the DP Wigley owners for taking this step to protect the historic integrity of their property, and we hope it will inspire more local owners to do the same.

08/16/2026

August 31st, Monday, Meeting
7-8:30 pm
Lobby Doors open 6 pm
Theatre opens at 6:30 pm
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle
1525 Howe Street
Please read, as the date and sign up process is different.
Seat booking is required!

Sign up by 8/27 either via SCJohnson Golden Rondelle reservation system SCJohnson.com/CIP or call the Rondelle at 262-260-2154.
I recommend you visit PreservationRacine.com for full details.

Preservation Racine Members Carol Gianforte and Jim Mercier will host a nostalgic presentation: A 1950’s & 1960’s ScoopingTour of Downtown Racine. They will share photos, stories and music from the era. You don’t want to miss this.

As it will be open to the public, you will want to reserve your seat soon.

SC Johnson is excited to bring Community Interest Programs to the Golden Rondelle Theater at the company’s corporate headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.

08/02/2026

Please stop by Preservation Racine’s booth today at the Starving Artist fair. Tell them Facebook sent you!

07/19/2026

Here is a video of the Camp Utley Dedication. Thanks to member Ed Steckley.

June 18, 20261805 Wisconsin AvenueRacine, WisconsinOpening mus...

06/21/2026

Camp Utley Dedication June 18, 2026

We had a good turnout and excellent weather on June 18 for the Camp Utley historical marker dedication ceremony! Many thanks go out to our speakers: County Executive Ralph Malicki, Mayor Cory Mason, Lincoln scholar Steve Rogstad, Bill May of the Racine Legacy Museum and Veterans Center, and musician Mark Paffrath. And special thanks go to members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, who joined us in costume and performed the presentation of colors, benediction, and wreath laying.

The new marker can be seen at 1805 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, in the small park area just north of De Koven Avenue. Hope you will visit!

Photo 1

Danielle Michaels of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War provides a benediction to close the event. Racine musician Mark Paffrath stands beside the new marker, and on the right is the SUVCW color guard. [Tim Prior photo]

Photo 2

Racine Mayor Cory Mason and Joan Rice performed the unveiling of the marker, with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War color guard beside them. [Tim Prior photo]

Photo 3

There was a good turnout for the June 18 marker dedication event. [Tim Prior photo]

06/11/2026

Camp Utley Historic Marker Dedication Ceremony
1805 Wisconsin Avenue
Thursday, June 18, 4:30 pm

The organization will be hosting a short dedication ceremony for the launch of the historic marker commemorating the Civil War-era Camp Utley. The location is the small park at 1805 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, on Thursday, June 18, at 4:30 pm. Please see our events page for more details, including the event program.

This event will be rain or shine so please join us!

The Camp Utley Committee
Preservation Racine, Inc.

Preservation Racine is a nonprofit volunteer organization preserving historic buildings, districts, and sites in Racine County, Wisconsin.