Construction is ready to begin on the long-envisioned Wauwatosa Veterans Memorial after the group spearheading the memorial's creation received final approval July 23 from the city's Board of Zoning Appeals.
The zoning approval was for variances of the required setbacks. The board voted to waive the setbacks and allow construction of a semi-circular pergola, with overhangs that will border the city sidewalks but will not encroach on the city's right of way at the project site. It is set to be built on the triangular parcel on the southwest corner of Harwood and Milwaukee avenues.
"After a six-year journey that included evaluating multiple locations, appearing before numerous committees, boards, commissions and regulatory bodies and working closely with our elected officials and city staff, we are finally in a position to begin construction," the Veterans Memorial committee said in a news release announcing the project was a go.
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No start date has yet been set for construction, though the committee previously said it hoped to have the memorial ready for an official unveiling by Veterans Day this November.
The latest approval followed a vote by the Common Council in May to offer the city-owned land at that intersection. The additional approval of the pergola, the committee said, secured "an important feature that will enhance the beauty of the memorial and create a welcoming space for reflection, remembrance and honor for all who visit our Veterans Memorial."
The Veterans Memorial previously was to be installed at Hart Park in a portion of the grassy area just east of the football stadium, but last August's flooding forced the committee to search for an alternate location.
"This memorial will be a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served our nation and a place where future generations can gather to reflect on the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms," the committee said in its latest news release. "As we move into the construction phase, we look forward to sharing updates and celebrating additional milestones with you."
