The UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Miller High Life Theatre in downtown Milwaukee have both been granted local historic designation, a move that could complicate redevelopment plans now being studied by the Wisconsin Center District (WCD).

The Panther Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave., and the High Life Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave., sit across the street from the recently expanded Baird Center and are owned by the WCD, a public entity evaluating potential new uses for the site.

According to the WCD, a formal study is exploring the “highest and best use” of its properties, which could include the possible demolition of the Panther Arena and High Life Theatre. The study is not yet complete; findings are expected in January.

In response, downtown Ald. Bob Bauman nominated both buildings for local historic designation earlier this fall. The resolution cleared its final hurdle Tuesday morning, with the Common Council voting unanimously in support, except for Ald. Milele Coggs, who abstained. Mayor Cavalier Johnson still needs to review the resolution.

Local historic designation does not prohibit demolition or exterior alterations, but it does require the WCD or any other developer to obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) before moving forward. The HPC voted unanimously earlier this month to recommend designating both buildings as historic.

Built in 1909, the High Life Theatre has hosted countless meetings, concerts, and events — including a 1912 speech by former President Teddy Roosevelt shortly after he had been shot. It was converted into its current theater configuration in 2003 following a $42 million renovation and is primarily booked by the Pabst Theater Group.

HPC staff describe the building as a significant example of Classical Revival architecture and, alongside City Hall, one of Milwaukee’s most important civic structures.

Built in 1950, the Panther Arena is considered by HPC staff to be architecturally significant as a “distinct and well-designed” example of mid-20th century contemporary architecture. It was the first home of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Today, the arena is used predominantly by the UW-Milwaukee men’s basketball team, the Milwaukee Admirals and the Milwaukee Wave. Both UWM and the Admirals have opposed potential demolition.

At a public hearing last week before the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee, representatives of the Panthers, Admirals, nearby businesses, and others spoke in support of historic designation, citing the buildings’ economic impact and the memories they represent for generations of Milwaukeeans and visitors.

UWM’s lease runs through 2029. The Admirals’ lease runs through 2027 with a two-year extension option. Both teams say they lack a viable alternative venue should the arena be demolished.

The WCD opposed the historic designation.

At the public hearing, WCD CEO Marty Brooks argued the designation would raise exterior repair and maintenance costs due to the specialty materials required, and said the WCD provides major economic benefits to downtown Milwaukee.

“Let’s not forsake progress for nostalgia,” Brooks said.

At an Oct. 30 WCD committee meeting, Brooks said the district anticipated the designation clearing the HPC and ZND but had hoped to build enough support on the Common Council to block it.

In May, the WCD hired Chicago-based consultant Hunden Partners to study the “highest and best use” of district-owned properties. Brooks said the study could recommend a range of options — from an aquarium or youth sports complex to a convention center hotel — but that no decisions have been made, and historic designation was premature.

Bauman, however, has said he believes the study will recommend the demolition of the buildings, a claim the WCD has disputed.