Get to know the MPA Board
Chris Rute
- My entry into the realm of historic preservation began in the dim and distant past. In 1979, during my undergraduate work at the UWM School of Architecture, I had the opportunity to spend an entire semester studying abroad in London, England. My studio project was the adaptive reuse of the funerary chapel at Highgate Cemetery. This was during my “Goth” period apparently. I also did a study of Victorian funerary symbolism found on grave edifices of the era. I also did a study of the history of decorative arts in Britain from 1066 to the present day (1979).
After graduating with a degree in architecture, I had the opportunity to be involved with many aspects of the profession through employment with traditional architectural firms large and small,
design/build firms, and corporate architecture. Later, my career path translated to that of code official with the City of Milwaukee and was involved with the administration of building and zoning codes. That included interacting with the City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission. I also was a staff member of the Historic Third Ward Architectural Review Board. Recently, I became involved with the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance. The goals of that organization are aligned with my own interest in historic preservation.
1. What three words best define you?
Imaginative, Playful, Inquisitive
2. What is your guiding principle?
“There are no problems…only solutions” ~ John Lennon
3. What’s your favorite book? Movie?
The Lord of the Rings ~ JRR Tolkien
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
The one thing people would be surprised to know about me is probably something that is best
kept secret. How’s that for intrigue?
5. What is your favorite free time activity?
Attending all manner of performing arts (plays, concerts, dance, etc.)
6. Where is your favorite place in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee: The Historic Third Ward.
Outside Milwaukee: London, UK
7. If you could become a fictional character for a day, who would it be?
Captain Jack Sparrow
8. What inspires you and why?
The endless possibilities that life offers inspires me because the possibilities keep me in a positive mindset.
9. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
I see the largest challenge facing the historic preservation community going forward is that of developing a proactive approach to preservation and adaptive reuse of midcentury modern buildings which have just “come of age” to be considered historic.
10. Why should people support MPA?
MPA brings together the diverse range of skillsets needed to advocate for the preservation of the heritage sites and structures that are a significant part of Milwaukee’s development from the early 19th Century to the present day. The preservation of Milwaukee’s history is important and is the charge of MPA.
Imaginative, Playful, Inquisitive
2. What is your guiding principle?
“There are no problems…only solutions” ~ John Lennon
3. What’s your favorite book? Movie?
The Lord of the Rings ~ JRR Tolkien
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
The one thing people would be surprised to know about me is probably something that is best
kept secret. How’s that for intrigue?
5. What is your favorite free time activity?
Attending all manner of performing arts (plays, concerts, dance, etc.)
6. Where is your favorite place in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee: The Historic Third Ward.
Outside Milwaukee: London, UK
7. If you could become a fictional character for a day, who would it be?
Captain Jack Sparrow
8. What inspires you and why?
The endless possibilities that life offers inspires me because the possibilities keep me in a positive mindset.
9. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
I see the largest challenge facing the historic preservation community going forward is that of developing a proactive approach to preservation and adaptive reuse of midcentury modern buildings which have just “come of age” to be considered historic.
10. Why should people support MPA?
MPA brings together the diverse range of skillsets needed to advocate for the preservation of the heritage sites and structures that are a significant part of Milwaukee’s development from the early 19th Century to the present day. The preservation of Milwaukee’s history is important and is the charge of MPA.
