Collection: Lake Geneva storefront emerges from historic preservation squabble

The owners of Brick & Mortar in downtown Lake Geneva are facing backlash toward their plan to demolish a property they own in a historic district.

Business owners Thomas and Kathy George want to tear down the original Brick & Mortar outlet at 832 Geneva St. and replace it with a new two-story retail building.

The Maple Park Historic District was the first neighborhood platted in Lake Geneva, and in 2005 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Throughout the district, homes and businesses proudly display markers commemorating the neighborhood’s history that dates back generations.

The owner of Brick & Mortar is offering the store’s original building for free to anyone who is willing to relocate it.

Business owner Thomas George wants to clear the way for building a new two-story retail store at 832 Geneva St., where the furniture and home furnishings business has operated since 2009.

Whether the owner of Brick & Mortar Home Store can demolish a store and replace it with a new commercial building remains up in the air, after the owner submitted revised plans to address critics.

Thomas George, co-owner of Brick & Mortar, wants to raze his store at 832 Geneva St. and build a new two-story commercial building to include a furniture store and a coffee shop.

The Brick & Mortar store in an historic Lake Geneva neighborhood could be saved from the wrecking ball.

Brothers Chris and Terence Pisano of Lake Geneva have stepped forward with an offer to move the Brick & Mortar Home Store from its current location at 832 Geneva St. to a spot at 333 Center St. for new commercial and residential use.

To the Editor:

I read with dismay the thought of moving or destroying the Brick & Mortar Building at Cook and Geneva streets.

After a heated debate about historic preservation, Lake Geneva aldermen have approved plans to relocate the old Brick & Mortar store and save it from demolition.

The Lake Geneva City Council voted unanimously Jan. 28 to allow the store to be uprooted from its current location at 832 Geneva St. and moved across town to 333 Center St.

Terence Pisano is looking to move his business, while saving a building that is currently located in Lake Geneva's historic district.

Pisano plans to move the Brick & Mortar home store, 832 Geneva St., to 333 Center St. The Lake Geneva City Council unanimously approved a general development plan and a precise implementation plan for the move Jan. 28.

The old Brick & Mortar building is staying put in Lake Geneva’s Maple Park Historic District.

Store owner Thomas George said he has changed his mind about demolishing or moving the building located at 832 Geneva St.

The coffee could be flowing soon at the old Brick & Mortar store that recently almost met the wrecking ball.

Thomas George, co-owner of Brick & Mortar, plans to establish an outdoor seating area at the business’s 832 Geneva St. location where patrons can enjoy coffee and snacks.

Renovation work has been set in motion on the Brick & Mortar store in Lake Geneva’s Maple Park Historic District.

Demolition work began Oct. 30 on the interior walls of the store located at 832 Geneva St.

What might be torn up ground and boarded-up windows now at the Brick & Mortar site soon will be a place where people can purchase furniture and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Progress is being made in eye-catching fashion on renovation work to the Brick & Mortar store, 832 Geneva St., Lake Geneva.

In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, some Lake Geneva businesses are requiring customers to wear face masks — and are paying a price as a result.

Customers who feel infringed upon by the public health safeguard are sometimes taken aback by being told to wear a face mask. And some take their business elsewhere.

Business activity has returned to the original Brick & Mortar store in Lake Geneva, after a year-long renovation effort.

Now known simply at The House, the retail business at 832 Geneva St. has re-opened now that the majority of the planned renovation work has been completed.