Next Thursday, Feb. 26, Milwaukee County is hauling its plans for Trimborn Farm out into the open at a public meeting in the Greendale Safety Center, giving neighbors a chance to weigh in on what happens next to the historic 7.34-acre site in Greendale.
County officials say they are in talks with Two Weathervanes LLC about either a triple-net lease or an outright sale of Trimborn Farm, and residents will be able to hear the proposal, ask questions and put their concerns on the record. The county is framing the whole effort as part of a broader attempt to trim long-term operating and capital costs tied to historic properties that it currently maintains.
What Milwaukee County Wants Out Of The Deal
Last year Milwaukee County issued RFP-ED2501 seeking a partner to adaptively reuse and operate Trimborn Farm, with an eye toward both preservation and easing the county budget, according to Milwaukee County. The solicitation says the county is open either to selling the property or entering into a long-term triple-net lease that would shift day-to-day maintenance and major capital costs to a tenant.
The RFP describes the farm at 8881 W. Grange Avenue as a historically significant property and sets a submission deadline in October 2025, giving the county time to sort through proposals, but also giving neighbors a long runway to stay engaged as the process unfolds.
Who Is Proposing To Run The Site
Milwaukee County says it is in active conversations with Virginia Emmons McNaught of Two Weathervanes LLC about a triple-net lease for the 7.34-acre property. As reported by OnMilwaukee, the county has described the Two Weathervanes pitch as one that “includes historic preservation efforts, expanded educational programming, revenue-generating events and continued public access to the site.”
Those topline points are likely to draw close scrutiny from neighbors who want to know exactly how public access, preservation work and private events would coexist on a relatively compact historic site.
Trimborn Farm’s Role In The Community
Trimborn Farm, at 8881 W. Grange Avenue in Greendale, is currently operated by the Milwaukee County Historical Society and hosts programs and seasonal events, according to the society’s site. The complex sits on roughly 7.3 acres and includes historic farm buildings and kiln remnants that preservation advocates often point to when they argue for keeping the grounds open to the public. The society’s Trimborn Farm page lays out visitor information and programming details.
What Uses Are On The Table
In its solicitation, the county sketched out a wide range of possible future uses, from wedding and event rentals to short-term guest accommodations, studios and weekend markets, while stressing that any proposal has to protect the site’s historic character and deliver a public benefit, as outlined by Milwaukee County.
County officials and the Milwaukee County Historical Society have both pointed to fiscal pressures as a driving reason for finding new stewardship for the property. OnMilwaukee quoted county staff and society leaders calling for community input and highlighting the need to reduce county obligations tied to Trimborn Farm while still respecting its history.
How Residents Can Weigh In
Supervisor Kathleen Vincent will host the Feb. 26 meeting at the Greendale Safety Center, where residents can pose questions, offer comments and hear county staff walk through the proposed agreement and likely next steps. County representatives are expected to explain how either a triple-net lease or a sale would change day-to-day management and what that might mean for public access.
Officials say this meeting is likely to be a key chance for neighbors to shape the conversation before any formal decision lands on paper.
Residents who cannot make it to the Safety Center are being urged to watch for follow-up notices from Supervisor Vincent’s office or Milwaukee County that spell out other ways to submit comments. County staff say community feedback will be reviewed as part of the selection process. For those wanting to go deeper into the weeds, the county RFP and the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s Trimborn Farm page contain supporting documents and contact information.
